Apprenticeships
What is an Apprenticeship?
Do you want to receive a nationally recognised qualification and get paid at the same time? It might seem too good to be true, but as an Apprentice you really do get the best of both worlds.
- Learn on the job with your employer
- Study for a qualification which demonstrates the skills you use at work
- Develop skills and gain qualifications in areas such as ICT, communication, numeracy and literacy
- Receive full employment rights and responsibilities
- Get paid in line with minimum wage requirements. From October 2010 this is at least £2.50 per hour, but we encourage employers to pay at least £100 per week
- Apprenticeships take between one and three years to complete depending on the level
Different Apprenticeships have different requirements, but you must be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. You must be aged 16 or over. There is no upper age limit. You may be required to take a literacy and numeracy assessment to ensure you are on the correct qualification.
What are the work hours for an Apprentice?
An Apprentice must be offered a minimum of 16 hours per week, but most are full-time. Working hours are agreed with your employer.
Can Apprentices claim additional benefits (such as childcare)?
Yes in some cases. Find out more from www.dwp.gov.uk
What are my employment rights as an Apprentice?
Most Apprentices are employed and therefore have the same rights as other employees. This includes things like paid holiday, maternity pay and sick pay.
When can I start?
You can apply for an Apprenticeship at any time of year, depending upon the availablilty of a position with an employer.
How do I find an Apprenticeship?
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Search for existing vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service website www.apprenticeships.org.uk
- Contact local employers and ask if they would consider taking on an Apprentice
- Contact the College to register your interest
- We can send you a copy of 'Applying for a Job', which may help with your job search
There are three levels of Apprenticeship depending on your current skills and qualifications. All are available to people aged 16 or over and living in England. The following are available at Norton Radstock College:
Apprenticeship
- Equivalent to five good GCSE passes
- Work towards Level 2 qualifications, including Functional Skills and relevant knowledge-based certificates
- Progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship
- Equivalent to two A Level passes
- Work towards Level 3 qualifications, including Functional Skills and relevant knowledge-based certificates
Student profile: Steve
Apprenticeship: Engineering
Steve decided on a career in engineering following work experience. 'When I left school, I decided that an Apprenticeship would be good because I could get the best of both worlds. I get to learn both in and out of the workplace as I come into College one day a week. I am now an Advanced Apprentice, which is Level 3, allowing me to carry out more advanced work including using computer controlled machinery.'
Steve's employer, Facade Hoists, has been training Apprentices with Norton Radstock College for several years. Glenn Wilson, Director, says, 'Two of our employees started as Apprentices nearly ten years ago. It’s great to have people who can develop with the company, who can be trained to meet our specific needs, but also have the support of the college structure behind them.'
Apprenticeship: Engineering
Steve decided on a career in engineering following work experience. 'When I left school, I decided that an Apprenticeship would be good because I could get the best of both worlds. I get to learn both in and out of the workplace as I come into College one day a week. I am now an Advanced Apprentice, which is Level 3, allowing me to carry out more advanced work including using computer controlled machinery.'
Steve's employer, Facade Hoists, has been training Apprentices with Norton Radstock College for several years. Glenn Wilson, Director, says, 'Two of our employees started as Apprentices nearly ten years ago. It’s great to have people who can develop with the company, who can be trained to meet our specific needs, but also have the support of the college structure behind them.'
Available Apprenticeships
Norton Radstock College offers Apprenticeship training in the following areas:
- Amenity Horticulture
- Business Administration
- Customer Service
- Children's Care, Learning and Development
- Engineering
- Hairdressing
- Health and Social Care
- Information Technology
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- Veterinary Nursing
All Apprentice job vacancies are advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website www.apprenticeships.org.uk Search for Norton Radstock College under Learning Provider to find vacancies nearby.
