Apprenticeships

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What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is fundamentally a job, where you combine time working alongside experienced staff, gaining practical training and skills with time studying – all while earning a wage. Studying is usually in blocks of time away from the workplace e.g. one day per week, or sometimes it may be longer concentrated periods of time spent studying e.g. blocks of a number of weeks at a time. Your course fees will be covered by your employer and the government. Apprenticeships are varied so it is best to check the specifics of the programme offered.

Higher and Degree apprenticeships can take from 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Levels of apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Name	Level	Equivalent education level	Qualifications typically needed
Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A-Level
Higher	4, 5, 6 and 7	Foundation degree and above	Typically need Level 3 qualifications like A-Levels, NVQs or a BTECs, ideally relevant to apprenticeship standard
Degree	6 and 7	Bachelors or Masters degree	Typically need A-Levels or significant work experience in a similar sector

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma or an industry accredited qualification e.g. a professional qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

More useful information can be found on Unifrog and also the following websites:

• LEBC – Leicestershire Education Business Company – Careers Advice https://www.leics-ebc.org.uk/
  
  LEBC was set up in 1992 as an independent charity, to create a one stop shop for employers, schools and colleges with the aim of helping young people to prepare for working life. A careers adviser from LEBC visits MV16 on a regular basis and students can make an appointment for advice and guidance and to discuss their career options. Appointments are made through MV Reception.

• LLEP - Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership -World of Work 2023-24
• UCAS - APPRENTICESHIPS - Everything you need to know about UK apprenticeships: https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships
• UCAS Guide to Apprenticeships (PDF): https://www.ucas.com/file/120301/download?token=DPdwJ0EV
• Gov.uk Further Education and skills – Apprenticeships: https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

• Gov.uk – Find an Apprenticeships: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
• National Apprenticeships: https://nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk/post-006/
• RATEMYAPPRENTICESHIP: https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
• RATEMYAPPRENTICESHIP - Apprenticeship Levels and Career Options: https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/career-optionshttps:
• RATEMYAPPRENTICESHIP – Degree Apprenticeships: https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/degree-apprenticeships
• RATEMYAPPRENTICESHIP - Parents HUB
• NOT GOING TO UNI: – https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/opportunities
• Amazing Apprenticeships - the Parent perspective podcast
• Amazing Apprenticeships - Step by Step guide
• Amazing Apprenticeships - Short video
• Amazing Apprenticeships - Higher and Degree Vacancy Listing for 2023/24 Recruitment new January 24 edition
• UK Apprenticeships Directory
• Young Professionals
• Pathways - Presentation slides; Apprenticeships; Degree Apprenticeships - click each title to view
• Your Game Plan
• Target Apprenticeships
• LEBC Apprenticeship presentation
• THE UK’S BIGGEST APPRENTICESHIP ASSEMBLY