New challenge, new career, new life

"As an apprentice in the NHS, you do feel you're supported. I've never felt so looked after. I couldn't just go and do a nursing degree, so the apprenticeship gave me that opportunity to get my foot in the door."
Sarah
50, TRAINEE OPHTHALMIC NHS NURSE, NORFOLK

My mum found my apprenticeship and I’ve never looked back

"Being an apprentice has been the best time of my life, I've been able to do things that I'm passionate about. I've been able to meet so many different people. I've built up my confidence. It's been the best experience it could have been."
Alim
22, CHANNEL 4, LONDON

Earn and learn straight from school

"I found the confidence I needed to take the apprenticeship, because I knew theatre is what I loved and where I wanted to be.There's never really a typical day. There's always different working hours and different people, which is my favourite part of it."
Hosanna
18, TECHNICAL APPRENTICE, LONDON

Valuable hands-on experience

"I wasn't a hundred percent sure what I wanted to do after 6th form. Then, my mum showed me an ad in the local paper for an apprenticeship. I want to be earning six figures by the time I'm thirty. And that's the beauty of starting young, it's all possible."
Ella
22, OPERATIONS MANAGER, CHIPPING CAMPDEN

Search currently available apprenticeships by county:

• Norfolk
• Suffolk

Specific Companies

• British Telecom

It can take between one and 5 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and, in some instances, your employer.

Apprenticeships are broadly equivalent to the following academic levels:

To become an apprentice, you must:

• be 16 or over (there is no upper age limit)
• not already be in full-time education
• live in England

You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re beginning your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification such as a degree and still do an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

As an apprentice you’ll:

• learn and train for a specific job
• get paid and receive holiday leave
• get hands-on experience in a real job
• study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider
• complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
• be on a career path with lots of future potential

It can take between one and 5 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and, in some instances, your employer.

Apprenticeships are broadly equivalent to the following academic levels:

Your apprenticeship will last a minimum of 12 months, but will usually last between one to five years (unless you have prior learning or attainment that has been recorded) depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the industry and your current abilities.

If you work less than 30 hours a week, the duration of the apprenticeship is extended to take account of this.

During your apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed to make sure you’re achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your chosen apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships also include an end-point assessment. It’s an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship to make sure you’re fully competent in your specific occupation.

Your end-point assessment, known as an EPA, is carried out by an independent organisation known as an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO). It usually includes a practical demonstration of your skills as well as a discussion with an assessor that demonstrates your learning and your ability to do your chosen occupation.

Your employer or training provider will tell you what to expect and when the assessment will take place.

If you pass the assessment, you’ll receive a certificate, meaning you have completed your apprenticeship successfully. Depending on the apprenticeship you are doing, you may also receive a qualification.

What you earn will depend on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship you choose.

If you're aged 16 to 18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to at least the apprentice rate (currently £4.15 an hour)

If you're 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage for your age. You can find the latest rates here 

This is the minimum you’ll earn - many employers pay a lot more and offer their apprentices a competitive salary.

Most of your time on an apprenticeship is spent working and learning with your employer. 

You’ll also spend at least 20% of your working time doing ‘off-the-job training’ for your apprenticeship. There are lots of different ways you can do this training. You may be required to attend a college or training centre, on a day release or block release. Alternatively, your training provider may deliver this training in your workplace. Some elements of training may be able to be completed online.