An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You’re treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave.
If you’re 16 or over (there’s no upper age limit), you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50% of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship, and you are not in full-time education.
When you are an apprentice:
– you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off-the-job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider.
– you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation.
– you’re on a career path – with lots of future potential for you.
Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it is, and your previous experience.
Different apprenticeships are available right across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, within companies large and small, in a wide range of industries and organisations.
You get valuable hands-on experience working while you learn, which helps you progress in your working life.
There are hundreds of different apprenticeships to choose from. Whether you’re at the start of your career, want to change career direction, or if you’re returning to work after a break.
All apprenticeships make sure you’re ‘job ready’ for the role you have trained for.
Apprentices earn a salary right from day one of their employment and all training costs are paid for you; even if you are a Degree Apprentice
If you think you need better skills and need more work experience so that you’re ready to apply for your chosen apprenticeship – you could consider doing a traineeship.
Some of the top reasons for becoming an apprentice are:
– You earn while you learn and get paid a competitive salary.
– Your training is free to you and you can train right up to degree and master’s level.
– You can choose from hundreds of different apprentice jobs in thousands of organisations.
– You get high-quality training paid for by your employer and the government.
– It’s a great way to get back into the workplace after a career break or to re-train in a new area.
– You can boost your future earnings potential.
– You develop the skills you need for a range of exciting jobs or careers, no matter your age or background.
– Once you’ve successfully finished, you have plenty of choices. Most individuals choose to stay with their employer, but you could apply for another apprenticeship, go onto further or higher education, or find a new career that uses your new skills.
Check out Cornwall Apprenticeship’s rolling feed of current apprenticeship vacancies in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, or you can search for the latest apprenticeship vacancies by job title or employer, or just browse to see what’s available in your area. Indeed can also be a good source for finding local Apprenticeship vacancies
Once you’ve searched and found the right apprenticeship for you, you can get on with the application process. Get help with writing applications, creating a good CV and covering letter.
If you can’t find the right Apprenticeship for you, then think about contacting or writing to local employers with your CV to ask if they’d consider taking you on as an Apprentice, or at least provide you with some work experience.
Your employer will find a training provider that is best suited to deliver the training for your apprenticeship. Some training providers also offer support to help you apply for an apprenticeship.
If you are in school or college your teacher or careers adviser can help you find out about training providers and how to get in touch. Or if you are a little older, contact your local Job Centre or national careers service for help.
There’s a really useful website called The Apprenticeship Guide with lots of information, and you can search current apprenticeship vacancies by keyword, level and location here.