School Leavers

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships work for young people

If you've got a good idea of where you want to go with your career and like the idea of earning while you learn, an Apprenticeship could be for you. It guarantees top quality training, but lets you develop skills and gain qualifications on the job.

Employers recognise the value of apprenticeships as they show that you have gained the skills they need in business.

Anyone in England over the age of 16 and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship.

Is an Apprenticeship right for you?

First you'll need to decide which career suits you best. Next, you'll have to judge whether you can commit to the demands of an Apprenticeship. This means juggling work and study long-term - a period of one to five years.

How long does an Apprenticeship last?

It varies. Most last between one and two years, though some take up to five. How long it takes will depend on the profession you choose, your level of ability and your employer's needs.

Who can apply?

There are no fixed entry requirements for most Apprenticeships. However, for some more technical Apprenticeships you may need GCSE grades A*- C in maths, English and science.

If your application is successful, you'll be offered either an Apprenticeship or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Which type you're offered will depend on the skills, experience and qualifications you already have.

Finding an apprenticeship vacancy

Employers advertise apprenticeship vacancies on the national apprenticeship website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk and in the regional press. You can search vacancies on the website by location, occupation, job role and by using key words. You can register your CV on the website and use it to apply for jobs that you are interested in.

Strode trains apprentices for many local employers. We are encouraging local businesses to offer more apprenticeships to local young people.

Click here for a list of apprenticeship courses currently available at Strode

Starting off in college

If you want to do an Apprenticeship but haven't yet found an employer you can start off in college. This means beginning your studies at college - and getting some work experience - before you move onto an Apprenticeship with an employer.

Money and holidays

If you're doing an Apprenticeship with an employer
You'll get a wage of at least £95 a week. In fact, most Apprentices are paid more than this.

Holidays
You'll get at least one and a half days' paid holiday for every month of your training. This is on top of bank holidays.

Next steps

Find out about current apprenticeship vacancies by visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk and click on the 'apprenticeship vacancies' link.

For advice on becoming an apprentice, or to find out more about Strode training courses for apprentices, call: 01458 844476 or email us.

Real story

George Stott is 17 and lives in Glastonbury with his parents. He is an apprentice Lifestyle Instructor with Avalon Leisure in Street, and studies one day a week at Strode College. Read his story.

Sally Robertson is the Owner Manager of South West School Wear in Wells. After seven years running the business, she recently employed her first apprentice. Read Sally's story.

Kilver Court is an example of how businesses can evolve over time in response to changes in the local economy, and the new apprenticeship with Kilver Court shows how apprenticeships have changed over time. Find out more.