Getting a job

Had enough of school? Maybe full time education isn’t for you. You might be itching to get into the world of work and start your first real job. But remember – everyone needs qualifications these days, and starting work doesn’t mean that you stop learning!

It’s possible to work towards a qualification, learn new skills, get on the job training and earn money, all at the same time!

Sound too good to be true?

Well it’s not. It’s called a Modern Apprenticeship. You get the best of both worlds, getting paid a decent wage while you learn a trade.

Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. There are already 240,000 apprentices in England alone working towards one of over 180 different apprenticeships on offer. Whatever area you’d like to work in, there’s probably an apprenticeship that would suit you.

Some of the most popular apprenticeships are Engineering, Business Administration, Construction and Hospitality. As with all jobs, some types are more popular than others, and therefore the more popular ones may be more difficult to get into. You need to do some research and find out what’s available in your area before you decide on one particular Apprenticeship.

What does it involve?

Apprenticeships are a mixture of on and off the job training – on the job you will work with a mentor learning skills on site. Off the job, you’ll spend time with a learning provider, working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 2 or 3. You’ll also gain key skills qualifications and technical certificates such as BTEC or City and Guilds, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job.

By doing an apprenticeship you will gain qualifications that employers want, and learn valuable transferable skills – like communication, working in teams, problem-solving and using new technology, that will enable you to succeed in your chosen career.

The amount of time you’ll spend studying varies; it can be anything from 100 to 1,000 hours over the course of your apprenticeship, depending on your chosen profession. Typically you’ll spend a day or two a week working towards your qualifications, and the rest of the time doing practical work. You could be studying at a local learning provider, or on site, if your employer has the facilities.

There is no set time to complete an apprenticeship as they vary widely in content so the length of time they take will depend on your level of ability and your employer’s needs and requirements. It will usually take anything from 12 to 36 months. Some apprenticeships may take less time, but some, like engineering for example, can take up to five years.

Most apprentices earn a salary set by their employer. The amount you get paid will depend upon the sector you work in, your age and what stage of your apprenticeship you are at. The minimum wage is £80 per week, but many employers pay more than this. The average wage is £137 per week.