Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study and they take between 1 and 4 years to complete, depending on their level.
As an apprentice you will work at least 30 hours a week and will receive the national minimum wage appropriate to apprenticeships, this will include holidays.
You will also be studying for a national qualification either at your place of work or in classes, this could be one day per week or in allocated hours.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
- Intermediate or Level 2 is the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C (or 4 to 9).
- Advanced or Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A-level passes.
- Higher or Levels 4,5,6 and 7 is equivalent to a foundation degree or above.
- Degree or Levels 6 and 7 is equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Who can apply?
You can begin applying for apprenticeships whilst you are still at school. To begin an apprenticeship, you must be aged 16 or over, not in full time education and living in England.
What is good about an apprenticeship?
- You can work alongside experienced staff.
- You can gain job-specific skills.
- You earn a wage and get holiday pay.
- You can study towards a relevant qualification as well.
- You will not be left with large university debts when you have completed the course.
Things to consider about apprenticeships
- Not all careers have apprenticeships on offer.
- You will lose out on the ‘university experience’.
How can I find an apprenticeship?
- Visit the Government website for information about finding and applying for an apprenticeship.
- Visit the Government website for more general information about apprenticeships.
- Devon County Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme
More information
Supported internships
A supported internship is a study programme that includes unpaid work experience offered by a local employer which lasts between 6 and 12 months. It is aimed at young people that want to move into employment but need extra support to do so. To start a supported internship, you must be aged between 16 and 24 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
There are no entry or completion requirements and each individual learning provider will work with you to develop a personalised programme that meets your specific needs and helps you to progress.
Although very similar to a traineeship or apprenticeship supported internships provide more support in the workplace such as a job coach or help for your non-workplace learning.
What is good about a supported internship?
- It supports the development of skills that are valued by employers.
- It enables you to demonstrate your value in a work place.
- It develops confidence in your own abilities.
- It is valuable experience to put on your CV.
- It develops independence.
Things to consider about a supported internship
- You do not get paid.
- You cannot be on Job Seekers Allowance whilst being part of an internship.
Where can I go to find a supported internship?
Supported internships are usually associated with further education training colleges:
Traineeships
A traineeship is a training course with work experience that gets you ready for work or for an apprenticeship. They can last up to 6 months. Traineeships aim to provide preparation for the workplace, English and Maths training (for those who need it) and work experience.
You can apply for a traineeship if you are unemployed and have little or no work experience, if you are aged 16 to 24, qualified below an apprenticeship level 3 and eligible to work in England.
What is good about a traineeship?
- The opportunity to improve your English and Maths skills.
- It could allow you to move on to an apprenticeship afterwards.
- You can gain employment skills.
- You may get paid expenses for meals and travel.
Things to consider about a traineeship
- The traineeship is unpaid.
- You may need to find the traineeship yourself.
More information
More information and help finding a traineeship is available at Gov.uk-find a traineeship.
Is there anything wrong with this page?
Help us improve
Don’t include personal information.