What levels are there?

Intermediate Apprenticeships (England) / Foundation Apprenticeships (Wales)

• Level: 2
• Equivalent: 5 GCSE passes

Advanced Apprenticeships (England) / Apprenticeship Level (Wales)

• Level: 3
• Equivalent: 2 A Level passes

Higher Apprenticeships

• Level: 4 and 5
• Equivalent: Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC)

Degree Apprenticeships

• Level: 6 and 7
• Equivalent: Bachelor's or Masters Degree

How do Apprenticeships work?

Most of the time, an Apprentice will be just like another member of the team, working and learning ‘on the job’. But at least 20% of their paid time will be dedicated to off-the-job learning – advancing their knowledge and giving them skills they can bring back to the workplace.

What is off-the-job learning?

This can be delivered at the apprentice’s normal place of work as long as it is not part of their normal working duties. This may be delivered via:

• Distance learning - study conducted online through video lectures, online learning etc.)
• Blended learning - the combination of different learning methods, such as face-to-face and online learning
• Block release - an extended period of study either at the beginning or part way through training.

The specific way training is delivered is up to the apprentice, employer and training provider to discuss and agree – making them really flexible.

The rest of the apprentice’s time will be spent at work learning the role and putting into practice everything they learn – all supported and nurtured by their workplace mentor.

ADDITIONAL INFO

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Since an apprenticeship is a real paid job and they must work a minimum of 30 hours per week they are classed as a full time employee.

They must have a contract of employment and sign an apprenticeship agreement. The apprenticeship agreement outlines the terms of the programme, including length of employment, the nature of the training the apprentice will receive, the condition of work and the qualifications they are working towards.

SALARIES

If an apprentice is under 19 or over 19 but in the first year of their apprenticeship, they’re entitled to the ‘Apprenticeship Wage’.

If the apprentice is over 19 and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they can no longer be paid the ‘Apprenticeship Wage’ and must be paid the minimum wage for their age group.

Click here to see current minimum wages - https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT

An apprentice is entitled to a minimum of 20 day’s paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.