Apprentice FAQs

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. As an employee, you can earn as you learn and you gain practical skills from the workplace.

• What is an apprenticeship?

  • Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. As an employee, you can earn as you learn and you gain practical skills from the workplace.

• What are the advantages of an apprenticeship?

  • You will be learning on the job, which also mean:

    • you work better and more effectively
    • it can set you up to move into new and better jobs
    • you get better pay
    • you get to experience new and different challenges
    • your existing skills and knowledge are recognised and can help you gain a qualification faster
    • you learn at your own pace and get support when you need it
    • better job security
    • you gain skills and knowledge which can be used across a range of jobs and industries.
• Will an apprenticeship give me a good career?

  • Career progression is excellent for apprentices, and over the course of their careers, those with an Apprenticeship earn, on average, £100,000 more than those without*.

    *A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apprenticeships and Other Vocational Qualifications, University of Sheffield, 2007

    Some Apprenticeships already attract UCAS points or allow you to study for a Technical Certificate. Once the Apprenticeship has finished there's the opportunity to carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.

• I have a degree; can a university graduate do an Apprenticeship?

  • Yes, you can do an apprenticeship but you will not be eligible for funding. That means your employer would have to pay your training costs.

• Will I get paid?

  • Yes, all employed apprentices will get a wage. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is currently £2.60 per hour. 

    However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages - in fact; research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.

    The apprentice NMW applies to all 16 to 18 year olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. If you reach age 19 and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship your employer must pay you at least the full NMW rate for those aged 18 to 20.

    If you are already 19 and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage rate for your age.

• Do I get holidays?

  • Like most other employees, you will be given at least 20 days' paid holiday as well as bank holidays.

• How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?

  • The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained and the industry sector. Generally, apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete.

• Is there an upper age limit for Apprenticeships?

  • No.