Top 10 Questions to Help You Decide if an Apprenticeship Is Right for You
Making decisions about your education and career can feel overwhelming. These questions and answers will help you understand what an apprenticeship involves and whether it could be the right route for you.
Making an Informed Choice
There are many decisions you will make throughout your life, some big and some small. Whenever you make an important decision, you should have as much reliable information as possible.
From an education point of view, there are several important decision-making moments. Two of the biggest often come after completing your GCSEs and when you reach the age of 18.
Two Important Decision Points
Apprenticeships are one possible route, but it is important to understand how they compare with your other choices.
What Do You Do at 16?
At 16, you must remain in education or training until you are 18. In simple terms, your main options are:
- Remain at school and study A levels in Years 12 and 13
- Attend college and complete a course
- Begin an apprenticeship
We naturally believe apprenticeships are a strong option, although they do not suit everyone. School or college may be more appropriate depending on your interests, preferred learning style and future plans.
Someone with a natural interest in engineering, who enjoys problem-solving and would benefit from combining a working environment with academic learning.
What Do You Do When You Reach 18?
Once you are 18 and no longer required to remain in education, your main options are:
- Attend university or college
- Find a full-time job
- Begin an apprenticeship
Those entering an apprenticeship at 18 often have a clearer idea of the industry or role they would like to pursue. The opportunity to gain qualifications, develop workplace skills and earn a wage can be particularly attractive.
Employers want applicants who can contribute to the future of their business, demonstrate genuine interest and show that they are ready to learn and develop.
Is an Apprenticeship Right for You?
Open each question below to learn more about pay, working hours, qualifications, progression and what you can expect from an apprenticeship.
01 Will I Get Paid and How Much?
Yes. As an apprentice, you receive a salary determined by your employer. There is a national minimum wage for apprentices, although engineering apprentices are traditionally paid more than the minimum.
As an example, a Level 3 apprentice may receive a higher starting salary than someone beginning a Level 2 apprenticeship. The exact amount will depend on the employer, programme, location and current apprenticeship wage rules.
02 How Many Hours a Week Will I Have to Work?
An apprenticeship is normally a full-time job, often based around a five-day working week. Your hours will be confirmed by your employer and set out in your employment contract.
College and formal training normally take place within your paid working hours. You should not be expected to complete the entire college element on top of a full working week.
03 Will I Be Offered a Role at the End of My Apprenticeship?
Employers usually recruit apprentices to develop people for specific roles and build their future workforce. They invest considerable time, effort and money in the training process, so retaining a successful apprentice is often in their interest.
Continued employment cannot be guaranteed, but an apprentice who completes the programme successfully and performs well within the business will normally be in a strong position for future opportunities.
04 Am I Employed by the Business?
Yes. You are employed by the company and receive the employment rights, terms and benefits that apply to your role.
You will have an employment contract setting out your salary, working hours, holiday entitlement and other conditions of employment.
05 How Old Do I Have to Be to Start an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are available to people of different ages. Although many people begin at 16 or 18, there is no single upper age limit for becoming an apprentice.
Apprenticeships are also available to existing employees. Employers may use them to support continued professional development, upskilling or progression into a new role.
06 I Have Already Completed an Apprenticeship. Can I Do Another?
You can progress through different apprenticeship levels. For example, someone completing Level 2 may progress to Level 3 and then continue to Levels 4, 5, 6 or 7 where suitable opportunities are available.
You may also begin at a higher level if you have the necessary qualifications, knowledge and experience.
Funding rules can make it less likely that an employer will support someone to repeat substantially similar training at the same level. Eligibility is assessed according to the programme, your previous learning and current funding rules.
07 What Qualification Will I Receive?
The qualifications and certificates you receive depend on the apprenticeship level and standard you complete.
A Level 3 engineering apprenticeship may include an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate, a technical qualification such as a BTEC or City & Guilds certificate, and a competency-based diploma where applicable.
Higher and degree apprenticeships at Levels 4 to 7 may include higher education, degree or postgraduate qualifications, depending on the programme.
08 What Is the Balance Between College and Workplace Training?
The balance depends on the apprenticeship standard and how the employer structures the training programme.
Some apprenticeships include a significant college element. An employer may choose to front-load this training, with the apprentice spending much of the first year in college.
Other employers prefer a gradual approach, releasing the apprentice to college for one or two days each week over a longer period.
09 Do I Have to Pay Towards My Apprenticeship?
You should not normally have to pay for your apprenticeship training. Training costs are funded through arrangements involving the employer and government support.
Employers will generally provide the tools and Personal Protective Equipment required for the role.
You will usually be responsible for travelling to and from work, so you should consider the location and transport requirements before applying for or accepting a position.
10 What Is the Difference Between Apprenticeship Providers?
Apprenticeships can be delivered by independent training providers, colleges and universities. In many cases, you will initially be attracted to the employer and job rather than the organisation managing the apprenticeship.
However, the provider is important. Apprenticeships in different sectors require different skills, facilities, knowledge and support.
We believe a provider specialising in engineering can offer industry-specific knowledge and support that may differ from a provider delivering programmes across many unrelated sectors.
Ask Us — We Are Here to Help
Ultimately, you need to find an apprenticeship and employer that genuinely interests and motivates you. It is also worth asking who will deliver the apprenticeship and how that organisation will support you in achieving your career goals.