Apprenticeships and training

What are apprenticeships?

An apprenticeship is a job with training. It usually involves on and off-the-job training and may include a qualifications at level 2 or 3 up to level 7. This type of practical learning might suit you more than full-time study.

• Intermediate - level 2 apprenticeships for people aged 16 and above. Some but not all employers will ask for some GCSEs at grade 4 or above
  
  
• Advanced - level 3 apprenticeships are also for over 16s. They need four or five GCSEs at grade 4/5 or above, usually including English and maths, or an intermediate apprenticeship.
  
  

• Higher or Degree - level 4-7 apprenticeships are for over 18s. Degree apprenticeships include an honours or master's degree.  Higher apprenticeships lead to the equivalent of a foundation, honours or master's degree or  professional qualification. Usually you require a level 3 qualification, such as an advanced apprenticeship, A levels, T levels, BTEC diploma or equivalent.
  
  Download the Which? Complete guide to higher and degree apprenticeships, the government's Guide to apprenticeships and check out the list of latest higher and degree apprenticeship vacancies. 
  
  
• Also check out the vacancy directory in our JobFAQS 2021 booklet, which includes where to look for apprenticeship vacancies that ask for A levels, T levels, BTEC level 3 or several good GCSEs - login and search  to see a copy of JobFAQS - ask your careers adviser or teacher for the password.

Usually you'll ...

... work for a company four days a week and do one day a week at a local college or a training provider working towards qualifications, such as NVQs or BTECs. Some apprentices do other patterns of training, such as block release - one or two weeks at a time away from work. Apprenticeships are available in a range of careers and industries from catering and hospitality to engineering and advanced manufacturing, from health and social care to law and economics, in fact most areas of work.

There are videos and other information about apprenticeships on the www.amazingapprenticeships.com website. Also check out these case study videos showcasing apprenticeships in industries where there is a shortage of employees with the right skills. Also see traineeships on Amazing Apprenticeships. Traineeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 24, or 25 if you have an Education Health and Care Plan.

Search to find apprenticeships locally and nationally, including more info:

• Check out the latest local  - jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships in Calderdale and Kirklees and the type of apprenticeships new entrants to the workforce in Calderdale and Kirklees do
  
  
• Find out more about apprenticeships visit apprenticeships.gov.uk and search for apprenticeships across England on the National Apprenticeship Service website or check out other job sites
  
  
• Get help with job search - many employers don't advertise vacancies and they often like young people to approach them
  
  
• Find  local and national information on apprenticeships or training by logging into  - forgotten the password? Ask your careers adviser or teacher
  
  
• Starting work? Check out our guide to your rights and responsibilities at work
  
  
• The better trained you are, the more you'll earn, that's why Raising the Participation Age means you must stay in training or learning until you are 18.

Apprentices are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices of £4.30 but many employers pay more (from April 2021).

If you are doing a paid apprenticeship you are classed as being in employment so child benefit and child tax credits will stop or Universal Credit may be reduced once you've started your apprenticeship

Getting to your training - travel and transport around West Yorkshire

Not ready for an apprenticeship?

Traineeships and other local training at Level 1 and 2 give you extra help to develop your skills, get some work experience and improve your English, number and IT skills.

Case study

Blazing a trail for apprenticeships

C&K Careers ICT apprentices Tim and Kae and their manager Steve talk about what apprenticeships mean to them ...

Our accountancy apprentice Amber also talks about her experience of doing an apprenticeship ... 

Why is training important?

Employers need people with the right skills and employees need to learn new and develop existing skills to make the right start in a good career. That's why training is important.

Case study

Mary

Mary chose to do an apprenticeship after talking to Kirklees College.

The chance to learn something in real life, especially how to deal with things going wrong, rather than sitting in a class room was what swung it for her.

Read about Mary and other apprentices

Need to contact us?

Your C&K Careers school or college careers adviser can help and advise you – get in touch with the careers team in school/college.

Or:

• Ring 01484 242000 and ask for your careers adviser by name

You can also talk to one of our careers advisers via our Chat service:

It's open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

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Get in touch with your nearest centre:

• Dewsbury Careers
• Halifax Careers Centre
• Huddersfield Careers Centre
  

If you feel you have been discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, please speak to your careers adviser.

Page updated June 2020