An apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain on the job training for a particular craft, allowing individuals to ‘earn while they learn’ in a field/profession that they are interested in. In addition to learning the theory, apprentices are able to gain strong practical experience that is highly valued in the workforce.

Apprenticeships are increasingly being used by young people as a stepping stone to university, often part time and with financial support from their employer whilst they continue to work.

Some facts:

• There are currently about 270,000 young people on apprenticeships, and over 130,000 businesses offering apprenticeships;
• There are over 200 types of apprenticeships available in more than 80 sectors of industry commerce, from engineering to business administration;
• Over one million people have taken up an apprenticeship in the ten years since their introduction.

The apprenticeship family:

• Young apprenticeships for those aged 14–16;
• Apprenticeships (NVQ 2) for those aged 16–24;
• Advanced apprenticeships (NVQ 3) for those aged 16–24.

Young Apprenticeships

A Young Apprenticeship (YA)  allows 14 to 16-year-olds to study for vocational qualifications at the beginning of their GCSE options in academic Year 10, not just in the classroom but in college, with a training provider and in the workplace too. Pupils are based in school, and their mainstream education continues as normal, continuing with the statutory core National Curriculum subjects, English, mathematics, ICT and science; but for one or two days a week they also work towards nationally recognised vocational qualifications delivered by their local Young Apprenticeships Partnership.  Teachers, experienced employees and trainers share the responsibilities for learning.

Pupils recruited on the YA programme:

• Follow a programme of study with an employer, training provider or college (or a combination of two or three), using work experience and portfolio work. Wherever possible, study is practical and applied, over two years at level Key Stage 4;
• Learn through a combination of classroom delivery and direct application in the business sector. 
• Gain a taste of 'real work' in a supported way, and lay the foundations for a possible post-16 apprenticeship whilst retaining the full range of options for future training or study;
• Gain a wider understanding of business through Enterprise which will be integrated into the programme. 

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships are made up of four components:

• A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) – the sector/industry-based vocational element
• A technical certificate of the underpinning theory or knowledge (this is mandatory for all Advanced Apprenticeships and most Apprenticeships)
• Key skills – including communication skills, application of number, plus wider key and business skills as required by the sector
• Employment rights and responsibilities (ERR) - ERR training may take place in the workplace or be taught through a college course.

Adult apprenticeships - for the over 25s

A more flexible approach to design and funding for Adult Apprenticeships reflects their different needs and levels of experience. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is further developing the programme for adult apprenticeships, for those over the age of 25, with opportunities becoming available in September 2007. 

Pre-entry

This is part of the Entry to Employment programme, and is aimed at those not yet ready to enter an Apprenticeship.