What is a modern apprenticeship?
What age can an apprentice be?
How do foundation modern apprenticeships work?
How much do I get paid?
Do I have to find a job first?
How long does it take?
What qualifications do I need?
Can I still do a foundation modern apprenticeship if I have already completed another further education course?
What can I do to find a job?
A modern apprenticeship is a work-based training programme aimed primarily at young people at the start of their career. Modern apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to ‘earn and learn’, to be employed within their chosen industry and learn the skills they need through a combination of work-based and off-the-job training.
Most apprentices are employed, and would be paid at least the national minimum wage.
Arrangements vary to suit different circumstances, but normally apprentices will work full-time and attend block release training for a week at a time, or perhaps one day a week. Apprentices would be visited in the workplace every two to three months by an assessor, and asked to gather evidence towards their NVQ between visits.
All apprenticeship frameworks include the following qualifications:
- An appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 (Foundation Modern Apprenticeship) or Level 3 (Modern Apprenticeship)
- Key Skills qualifications, e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication, working with numbers and using information technology
- A technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds qualification (included in most cases).
You can start an apprenticeship as long as you have reached the age of 16.
Your employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which enables you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also gain key skills that'll be useful in the job market, like working in teams, problem-solving, communication, working with numbers and using information technology. In addition, you'll study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies depending on your chosen profession.
It's difficult to say, but it's often no less than other new entrants to work. That's a pretty good deal, considering that your employer is also investing their time in your future. Like any other employee, you'll still have to pay tax.
Doing a modern apprenticeship means you would normally need to find a job in that field before you begin learning. The first step is to contact your local Careers Centre. You can find their number from Learndirect on 0800 100 900 or 029 2090 6801. You'll then receive more information about local opportunities. 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 requirements. A modern apprenticeship will usually take anything from 12 to 24 months. Some might take less, but some can take up to five years, so a large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see it through.
To join you’ll need to:
· be in employment,
· usually have at least four GCSEs (at Grade C or above often including English and Maths) or equivalent i.e. an NVQ 2. Some employers may require you sit an aptitude test as well as an interview,
· be capable of learning high level skills, and
· have the right attitude and an ambition to succeed.
Remember, Modern Apprenticeships are designed to give you the knowledge and expertise to do a highly skilled job. That means they’re an excellent career start, whenever you decide to join – whether after GCSEs or after A Levels. The great thing is that you don’t have to hang around. You can start a Modern Apprenticeship any time of the year.
Call your local Careers Centre to check your eligibility. You can find their number from Learndirect on 0800 100 900 or 029 2090 6801, or visit www.careerswales.com.
Try all the usual ways, such as local papers, trade magazines, Jobcentres, yellow pages and websites. Click here for a list of some of the websites and publications advertising vacancies in the environmental and land-based sector. 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.
