How Do Apprenticeships Work?

But what is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a nationally-recognised, well-respected and fully-funded qualification that combines the best of theoretical learning with practical skills. Undertaking an apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn, without running up student debts in the process.

Other than being 16+, there are no age restrictions for undertaking an apprenticeship and opening the next chapter in your professional life.

Your individual learning plan (ILP) will include both practical and administrative activities related to your chosen qualification and job role. As an apprentices, you will be fully employed and have the same benefits as other team members working with your employer via a contract of employment. This includes:

Pension contributions
Paid holiday
Sick leave entitlement

What types of apprenticeships are available?

Apprenticeships range from level 2 intermediate to level 7 degree, as outlined below. The level of apprenticeship you start at depends on your experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications and the job role you are in.

Apprenticeship Provider in United Kingdom ?

Level	Entry level equivalent	Apprenticeship level	Duration (Typically)	Exit Level Equivalent
L2	2 GCSE's	Intermediate	12-18 months	5 x GCSE @ A* - C
L3	5 GCSE's or L2 App	Advanced	18-24 months	2 x A-levels
L4-5	2 A-levels or L3 App	Higher	24-36 months	Foundation degree, HND, HNC
L6-7	Foundation degree, HNC, HND	Degree	36-48 months	Full degree

Explore Apprenticeship Courses

How are apprenticeships delivered?

Delivery models vary across apprenticeships, apprenticeship providers, employers and job roles. Some qualifications, vocations and job roles are better suited to the flexibility of online face-to-face delivery and support, while other programmes are better suited to a classroom, day release or group delivery environment.

It's important that you know how your apprenticeship will be delivered, and that it suits your individual learning style and circumstances.

Should you choose a National Upskill apprenticeship, your training will be delivered online, face-to-face wherever you are working. In a technology rich environment this approach works well where learners work both in an office and/or from home.

Apprenticeships include a meaningful amount of off -the-job training (Six hours per week), i.e. activities related to your role, programme, and continued professional development. Off the job training is often undertaken away from your usual day-to-day duties and/or your usual work station.

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to get paid to learn valuable new skills. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@nationalupskill.co.uk with any questions.

How does an apprenticeship work?

Pre-Enrolment

We will start by exploring what you're looking for and determine if an apprenticeship would be the best next step in your career.
From here we will take a look at your previous learning and development, such as what you've studied, the roles you've held, the skills you already have and any qualifications you hold.
You will undertake some initial assessments so we can get another view of your skills, individual support needs and starting level (Restrictions may apply depending on your initial assessment results).
A final round of pre-enrolment activities will check and confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.

Employment

If an apprenticeship turns out to be the right move for you, we will support you to find an employer and apprenticeship role, if you do not already have one.
Once you're employed, National Upskill will enroll you onto your programme.

Apprenticeship

Once employed and enrolled, you will be inducted onto your apprenticeship.
The three parties involved – You, your employer and National Upskill, will sign 3-way commitment statements and create your individual learning and training plan. All three parties are expected to honour and fulfil their commitments towards the successful completion of your apprenticeship.
Your National Upskill personal tutor will meet with you regularly via face-to-face online channels such as zoom or Microsoft teams. Your work is all stored in your BUD e-portfolio, which you will have 24/7 access to.
Regular reviews will take place between you, your tutor and your employer to review your progress and ensure you have the support and direction you need.
You will be introduced to a wide range of professional development subjects as part of your apprenticeship, such as safeguarding, prevent, equality, diversity and inclusion.
At the end of your teaching and learning phase (typically 12-24 months) you will enter the EPA phase (end point assessment), typically a three to four month process where an external and independent assessor will test the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have learned during your apprenticeship.
Ultimately you can achieve your apprenticeship with a pass, merit or distinction.

Man on laptop looking for apprenticeship provider

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be interviewed?

Yes, at several stages, starting right at the beginning when we talk about your career aspirations and establish if an apprenticeship is right for you.

If you are applying for a job there will be an interview and, further down the line, potentially as part of your end point assessment.

If you find this intimidating, don't worry - We will support you to be interview ready.

Is there an age limit to do an apprenticeship?

Other than being over the age of 16, there are no maximum age restrictions for undertaking an apprenticeship.

How many hours per week does an apprentice work?

Minimum hours for an apprentice are 16 contracted hours per week, all the way up to 40 hours per week. Governmental regulations are in place to protect workers aged under 18 who cannot be expected to work more than 40 hours per week or a maximum 8 hours per day with at least 12 hours between shifts, and two consecutive days off per week.

Apprentices under the age of 18 are not usually allowed to work at night or very early in the morning unless they work in certain industries i.e. a bakery, agriculture, or railway maintenance where this is an accepted practice.

Where does my training take place?

This varies across the different apprenticeships and sectors and is set in agreement with your employer. Generally, delivery of training is either:

At your place of work with either on-line flexible support, or periodic face to face visits.
At a local training Centre, maybe your employers' facilities or college day release.
National Upskills delivery is through online face-to-face support, in both one-to-one and small group sessions.

Does an apprentice get holiday pay and sick pay?

Yes, all apprentices are employed status and entitled to holiday and sick pay. The number of days is determined by the hours stipulated in your contract of employment. A full-time employee can expect a minimum of 25 days' paid holiday pay which may include bank holidays.

What is the job security?

Job security is the same as all other employees with the bonus that being on an apprenticeship is a protected characteristic providing some additional security. However, job security goes both ways, you do need to be punctual, reliable, hardworking with a good work ethic and positive attitude to best safeguard job security.

Whether you are a learner or employer, National Upskill are here to assist you.

If you have any questions for our team, please get in touch at info@nationalupskill.co.uk

You can also call us at 0333 772 9534.

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