What is a modern apprenticeship?
What age can a modern apprentice be?
How do modern apprenticeships work?
Who pays for all this?
Do I have to find a job first?
How long does it take?
What qualifications do I need?
Can I still do a modern apprenticeship if I have already completed another further education course?
What can I do to find a job?
Modern Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes allowing learners to undertake training in the real working environment of their chosen industry, while simultaneously earning a wage.
All modern apprenticeship frameworks include the following basic qualifications:
- An appropriate Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Level 3
- Core Skills qualifications, e.g. Working with Others, Problem-solving, Communication, Numeracy and Information Technology.
- Additional Employer Enhancements
You can start a modern apprenticeship at the age of 16. In some areas, there is provision for people to start training at a later stage, so you should check with your Local Enterprise Company to see what is available in your area. You can find their contact details by calling the network helpline on 0845 607 8787.
As a modern apprentice you will be employed from the very start of your training and receive a wage from your employer. You will then be given the chance to develop expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment as well as gaining vital skills such as team work and problem solving. Many Modern Apprentices also attend colleges or training centres to study the theory relating to their chosen occupation. To make sure the combination of theory and practice is right for you, a Training Agreement will be drawn up that is unique to you. Through your Training Agreement, you, your employer and Local Enterprise Company are all committed to your development. With the right combination of theory and practice your career will be on track and you will gain a nationally recognised, high level qualification – an SVQ at Level 3.
Who pays for all this?
The money to pay for your training comes from your Local Enterprise Company, supported by your employer. Modern Apprentices are employed and paid a wage.
Doing a modern apprenticeship means you would normally need to find a job in that field before you begin learning. There are two ways to become a modern apprentice; either by asking your employer (you might be able to train in an existing job), or by applying for a position as a modern apprentice.
Your local Careers Scotland Centre (there are around 100 centres across Scotland) can help you find a company running the programme. Call 0845 8502 502 to find out your nearest centre. Details of training suppliers for modern apprenticeships can be found at the Scottish Training Directory.
You could also call Lantra Connect on 0845 707 8007 and we will try to point you in the right direction.
The selection process is just like any other job application process. You could be put through interviews and even asked to take tests to see if you're the right person. This process can be carried out by both the learning provider and employer, so you need to be prepared to sell yourself and convince others that a modern apprenticeship is for you. After all, there's no such thing as an automatic place. Employers can refuse to take you on if they don't think you're right for the job.
There is no set time to complete a modern apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's needs. A modern apprenticeship will usually take anything from 12 to 36 months. Some might take less, but some modern apprenticeships can take up to five years, so a large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see it through.
There are no set entry requirements for modern apprenticeships. You just need to be living in Scotland, aged 16+ and capable of achieving a Vocational Qualification at Level 3 or above.
You should call your Local Enterprise Company on 0845 607 8787 to check your eligibility for funding.
Try all the usual ways, such as local papers, trade magazines, Jobcentres, Connexions, yellow pages and websites. While you are looking for a job, take any opportunity you can to get some work experience with local organisations. This can sometimes lead to something more permanent, and will help you to find out more about your chosen field. This is especially important in areas such as environmental conservation, where voluntary work is considered a vital sign of commitment. Click here for a list of some of the websites and publications advertising vacancies in the environmental and land-based sector:
