Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers and young people, that myth we can debunk right here.
There is no upper age limit for adult apprenticeships so if you’re over the age of 16, living in England and not in full-time education, you’re eligible to become an apprentice!
Don’t ever think you’re too old to start an apprenticeship. It’s just a great way to gain more qualifications and attain new skills. There are a range of apprenticeships across many different sectors, you really are spoilt for choice.
How Could an Adult Apprenticeship help you?
You may be thinking of applying for an apprenticeship for many reasons, but some of the most common is due to wanting to get into a new job role or industry that requires a career change.
Applying for an Apprenticeship Programme
An apprenticeship will provide you with a paid position that boasts on the job training. You can apply for an apprenticeship just like any other job you’ve previously applied for.
Want some tips on applying for the right apprenticeship programme?
1: First, you’ll need to research the apprenticeship you want to apply for thoroughly. Aim to know the role inside-out if you want to send the best application you can. This knowledge will also help you if you gain an interview at the next stage. – you can research job roles on our website.
2: Gather all the information you can on your experiences, hobbies, and interests and have this in front of you while you apply for the position. Your experience should match what the employer and training provider are looking for within the job specification. Having a list of your skills in front of you will ensure that you continuously keep connecting these plus your experience to the specifications.
3: When talking about your hobbies, match them to a skill they’re looking for. For example, if you’ve been the captain of the school football team, explain how you exercised leadership and teamwork skills during this. You’ll get plenty of apprenticeship training but you’ll still need to apply skills to the specification, even those that are transferable.
4: Make sure you spellcheck your application and even get someone else to read through it before you send it to be sure. Good spelling, punctuation, and grammar are important because, if you don’t get it right, even a good application can be dismissed.
Levels of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
Name
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Higher
- Degree
Level
- 2
- 3
- 4,5,6 and 7
- 6/7
Educational Level
- GCSE
- A Level
- Foundation degree and above
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
Some apprenticeships may also give you additional qualifications such as a diploma.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are designed to give you hands-on experience within an industry of your choice. The main benefit of apprenticeships is that you get to learn new skills, while also earning a qualification and a wage. The second prominent benefit is that you gain a qualification that’s relevant to your job and industry at no cost to yourself. If you’re currently in the sector you wish to work in, the experience will give you further skills, knowledge and experience and enhance your job progression.
Apprenticeships can take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on the levels you choose to complete and sector you’re in. Apprentices that work more than 33 hours a week are entitled to tax credits, sick pay, a minimum of 20 days paid holiday a year and maternity/paternity Apprenticeship Funding
If you’re 24 or above, you could be eligible for adult skills funding if you attain an advanced-level apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship. To check if you’re eligible you can head over to the Student Finance England website.
I don’t have Enough Experience?
If you feel as though you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, you may be eligible for a traineeship. If you are 16-24, unemployed with little work experience, and no qualifications above a Level 2, a traineeship will give you the work experience you need to get you ready for work or for an apprenticeship.
A traineeship will also give you support in achieving a Level 2 in English and Maths. A real boost for your CV.
Traineeships don’t tend to be paid, but the employer may cover the cost of things like food and travel which will class as expenses. The employer will cover the cost of the qualifications that you’ll be completing on your course. In some cases, there is even a job opportunity at the end of the traineeship or an offer of a start on an apprenticeship.
It’s a great way to get your foot on the ladder!
