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How Apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level. They combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you’ll become an employee earning a wage and be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. You will get holiday pay working alongside experienced staff, gaining job-specific skills. You’ll also receive time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)

Levels of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Level

Equivalent educational level

Intermediate

GCSE

Advanced

A Level

Higher

4,5,6 and 7

Foundation, Degree and above

Degree

6 and 7

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Who can start an Apprenticeships

To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education. You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.

What you'll get

As an apprentice, you’ll get:
· paid and be entitled to the National Minimum Wage
· time for training or study as part of your apprenticeship
· holiday pay and other employee rights

National Minimum wage

Apprentice pay and the National Minimum Wage

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in. Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.

Aged 16-18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in first year

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and completed first year

You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

Time apprentices are paid for

You must be paid for:
• your normal working hours
• training that’s part of your apprenticeship (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
• study towards English and maths qualifications, if they’re part of your apprenticeship
Your normal working hours should be in your employment contract (this might be your apprenticeship agreement).
There are rules about how many hours you can work in a week and being paid overtime.
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If you’re studying for English and maths qualifications which are part of your apprenticeship, your employer should allow you time to study during your normal working hours.

Training

As an apprentice, at least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training.Your training might happen every week, every month or in a separate block of time.
The training might take place:
• at your place of work
• somewhere else like at a college or training provider
• online
Your training provider will be able to tell you when and where your training will be.

If you’ve been in local authority care

If you’re under 25 when you start your apprenticeship and have previously been in local authority care, you may be eligible for a bursary payment.Ask your training provider for more information about what you’ll get, if you’re eligible and how to apply