Apprenticeships Explained
What they are • Who they’re for • How they work
• What they are • Who they’re for •
• How they work •
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a full-time, paid job, with training. It provides workplace experience, new knowledge and skills, and the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications.
How long is an Apprenticeship?
To ensure value and high quality, all Apprenticeships must be for at least one year. Some can last as long as 4 years, but most HTP Apprenticeships take 1–2 years.
Who are Apprenticeships for?
Although Apprenticeships are great for young people entering the workplace, they are available to anyone, of any age, who wants to start or boost their career.
Many of our Apprentices have established careers, but now wish to gain new knowledge and skills to enable them take their next step.
Am I eligible?
Yes – as long as:
- you’re over 16 and not already in full-time education when you start.
- you have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
- you haven’t already got related qualifications at the same or higher level than the Apprenticeship you want to do.
Do I need any previous qualifications?
In most cases, no. Many people start an Apprenticeship with no previous qualifications, in which case a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship may be the most appropriate starting point.
Do I have to pay anything for an Apprenticeship?
Under most circumstances as an Apprentice you pay nothing. The cost of your training will be met by the Government. In some cases your employer will contribute up to 5% towards the cost.
What will I be paid?
If you are just starting your career, you will receive at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices, but many employers pay more.
If you are already in work, you will continue to receive your normal salary.
Can I do more than one Apprenticeship?
Absolutely! Following successful completion of your first programme, you could progress onto the next level. Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 right through to Degree Level 7.
10 great reasons to start an Apprenticeship
1. Career Progression
Many Apprenticeships offer clear career progression routes, helping you to advance within your chosen industry.
2. Earn while you learn
Get paid while gaining relevant qualifications and practical experience.
3. Relevant, Practical Skills
Gain invaluable, practical experience in your chosen field, beyond what’s possible in classroom learning.
4. Variety
There are hundreds of different Apprenticeships available in the UK. You can see the range offered by HTP here.
5. Get Qualified
You’ll gain nationally recognised qualifications to boost your career prospects.
6. No Student debt
Unlike university, you won’t have to pay tuition fees. Apprenticeships are funded by the government in partnership with employers.
7. Confidence
Working in a professional environment from an early stage helps to develop confidence, communication and other essential skills.
8. Qualified Guidance
Benefit from structured support and mentoring from industry professionals, including workplace colleagues and Training Consultants at HTP.
9. Personal Development
Apprenticeships foster skills such as time management and use of initiative, contributing to your overall personal growth.
10. Networking
Establish professional connections through the people you meet at training sessions.
And there are lots more reasons!
If you’re just starting out on your career >>
If you’re just starting out on your career
1. Choose + Apply
Spend some time researching different Apprenticeships to find one that suits your interests and career goals.
Look at the skills you’ll learn, the companies offering them, and the qualifications you’ll gain.
We can help with all of this – just get in touch.
Then it’s time to apply. You can do this online here or come into an HTP Campus and we’ll take you through the process. It’s similar to a job application – you’ll need to fill out a form, submit a CV, and possibly write a cover letter.
2. Interview + Accept
We work with hundreds of businesses and organisations, both on the mainland and on the Isle of Wight, so together we’ll find the opportunities which fit your interests and ambitions.
If you do well in an interview, you’ll be offered an Apprenticeship and agree a start date!
3. Work + Off-Job Training
Time to start work! You’ll work most of the week at the company, learning practical skills from experienced colleagues and getting paid a wage.
As an Apprentice, some of your time must be spent on ‘Off-Job Training’. This time is where you’ll gain the new knowledge, skills and behaviours specified in your Apprenticeship plan.
This training must be undertaken during the your normal working hours, and may be in or near the workplace, or at an HTP Campus.
4. End Point Assessment
Throughout your Apprenticeship, you will be assessed on both your practical work and your academic learning.
Then, when you’re ready, you’ll have an End Point Assessment (or ‘EPA’) when you will have the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have acquired to meet the requirements of your Apprenticeship.
The style of assessment is different for each Apprenticeship. You may also have assessments for other aspects of the programme such as maths and English.
5. Completion + Graduation
Upon successful completion of your Apprenticeship, you’ll receive your Apprenticeship Standard achievement certificate to acknowledge your qualification.
You may receive your certificate at an HTP Graduation Ceremony where recent graduates come together with friends and family to recognise and celebrate everyone’s hard work and achievement.
You then have the option to pursue further education or training, such as a higher-level Apprenticeship, or a college or university degree.
If you’re already in work >>
If you’re already in work
1. Choose + Apply
Spend some time researching different Apprenticeships and discuss with your employer the one which will provide you with the knowledge and skills you and the business need.
We can help with all of this – just get in touch.
Then it’s time to apply. You can do this online here or come into an HTP Campus and we’ll take you through it. It’s similar to a job application – you’ll need to fill out a form, submit a CV, and possibly write a cover letter.
2. Advice + Guidance
We will arrange a meeting with you and your employer to explain the requirements of the Apprenticeship and the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved.
Many Apprenticeships have optional pathways and together we will explore these to enable you to achieve your career aspirations.
We will also discuss the different funding options relating to your Apprenticeship and help your employer to navigate the process.
The next step will be to agree the date your ttraining will start.
3. Work + Off-Job Training
Time to start your Apprenticeship! You will continue to work in your current role but will spend some of your normal working hours completing ‘Off-job Training.
As an Apprentice, some of your time must be spent on ‘Off-Job Training’. This time is where you’ll gain the new knowledge, skills and behaviours specified in your Apprenticeship plan.
This training must be delivered during the your normal working hours, and may be undertaken in or near the workplace, or at an HTP Campus.
4. End Point Assessment
Throughout your Apprenticeship, you will be assessed on both your practical work and your academic learning.
Then, when you’re ready, you’ll have an End Point Assessment (or ‘EPA’) when you will have the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have acquired to meet the requirements of your Apprenticeship.
The style of assessment is different for each Apprenticeship. You may also have assessments for other aspects of the programme such as maths and English.
5. Completion + Graduation
Upon successful completion of your Apprenticeship, you’ll receive your Apprenticeship Standard achievement certificate to acknowledge your qualification.
You may receive your certificate at an HTP Graduation Ceremony where recent graduates come together with friends and family to recognise and celebrate everyone’s hard work and achievement.
You then have the option to pursue further education or training, such as a higher-level Apprenticeship, or a college or university degree.
CONTACT US
HTP Quick Enquiry Form
Home Page Enquiry Form 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.