Is your son or daughter is considering applying for an Apprenticeship? This page provides further information.
This page aims to cover any potential questions you may have about your child taking up an apprenticeship opportunity. Just click on the questions for more information.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications that introduce young people to the world of work by combining practical training with study. Apprenticeships can last from 1 to 4 years and allow your child to get paid as they work and learn.
Is my child right for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are available from the age of 16+, for school leavers looking for an exciting equivalent to the standard academic career route.
Entry requirements on age and level of past qualifications differ depending on the sector and the job. Some apprenticeship roles are incredibly competitive with high grade requirements all the way up to A-level, whereas other employers prioritise enthusiasm towards the job and the industry. This can be shown through relevant work experience.
Employers may look for GCSE grades of C/4 or above.
What career options are there for apprentices?
Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of businesses. This list of the possible areas you can do an apprenticeship in shows the sort of industries that are open to your son or daughter when considering an apprenticeship.
For examples of current apprenticeship vacancies with local and national employers go to the Government apprenticeship website
Whilst gaining skills in a specific sector your child is also learning valuable transferable skills in the workplace, setting them up for a successful career in any industry.
Are apprenticeships well paid?
The minimum wage for an apprentice under the age of 19 is £4.15 an hour. This is for a minimum of 30 hour working week. After the first year this increases to £4.55 an hour for under 18s and £6.45 for 18-20 year olds. For people aged 21-24 the hourly rate is £8.20 The rates change every April.
Apprentices should be considered in the same way as a full time member of staff. Meaning they have the same entitlement regarding holidays and sick pay and so on.
How can an apprenticeship shape my child’s future?
All apprentices train to industry recognised standards and some can even gain additional qualifications on top of their apprenticeship.
Apprentices benefit from invaluable experience working in their chosen field, allowing them to compete for further work in the industry. They may also be able to make industry contacts to support their career development.
Many businesses will offer their apprentices full-time work at the end of their apprenticeship.
How can I help my child become an apprentice?
With any apprenticeship your child will need a GCSE in English and Maths. Ensure if this is the route they want to take they understand the importance of these qualifications.
They will need a CV which they can send to employers that are looking to recruit an apprentice. If their initial application is successful they may then face an interview.
If they are unsuccessful it is important they ask for feedback to prepare themselves for their next application.