Get a trade for life and earn while you learn

AN apprenticeship or traineeship gives you a trade for life!

Undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship provides you with the opportunity to earn while you learn in the workplace and can be the first step in establishing a solid career pathway for your future.

They provide a combination of both structured and paid training which can occur “on the job” at your workplace and “off the job”at a registered training organisation or school.

An apprenticeship can generally be completed in three to four years full-time and a traineeship in one to three years, also full-time. However, there are different employment options for apprenticeships and traineeships. They can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

When you have completed an apprenticeship or traineeship, you will receive a nationally-recognised qualification, as well as the valuable skills and experience you have gained throughout the course.

You can undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship in just about any field. There are numerous careers to choose from and you will have the advantage of working alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. At the same time you will earn a wage and get holiday pay, besides getting time for study related to your role, usually one day a week.

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels, from GCSE and A-level to foundation degree and a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one you’ll need to be: 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays; not in full-time education. The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews. If you’re unsuccessful you can ask for feedback if you don’t get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship.

You can complain if you think you weren’t successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair.

For further assistance go to nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk or telephone 0800 015 0400. The lines are open from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.

If you feel you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is designed to prepare you for one. It is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. You can apply if you are: unemployed and have little or no work experience; aged 16 to 24 and qualified below Level 3. You will get a work experience placement and help with English and maths if you need it. You won’t be paid, but you may be given expenses for things like travel and meals.

Contact the National Careers Service for further advice.