Shropshire Youth Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship?
- A real job where you learn new skills whilst working towards a qualification, gain experience and get paid
- You'd be classed as employed, have a contract of employment and be entitled to holiday leave
- After completing the apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career
- You'll usually study for one day a week, either at a college or with a training provider within the workplace
- It generally takes between one and two years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience
- Some apprenticeships require you to have qualifications such as GCSE English and Maths. Sometimes extra training is given in English and Maths skills alongside an apprenticeship so that the employee is at the right level
To become an apprentice you will need to be:
- 16 or over
- Not already in full time education
- Live in England (if you live in Wales visit the Careers Wales website).
How much will I get paid?
An apprenticeship is funded from contributions made by the government and your employer. The current national minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour.
Applying for an apprenticeship
There's a number of ways in which you can search for an apprenticeship and here are some tips:
- Make sure you have an up to date CV and covering letter
- Register on www.apprenticeships.gov.uk and search for your area
- Use websites such as www.yell.com to identify employers that you may want to approach to enquire about apprenticeship opportunities
- Check to see whether the apprenticeship requires certain grades. If you don’t have the grades they require, it’s still worth contacting the employer to check whether they will consider your application. You can contact employers directly by telephone, email or by handing in a CV in person to check whether they are willing to offer an apprenticeship opportunity
- Remember to keep a list of all apprenticeships you have applied for and their closing dates. It’s a good idea to follow up with the employer if you don’t hear back from them once the closing day has passed