What Are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for an employer, earn a salary and achieve a qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.

Key benefits:
• Earn a wage
• Receive training
• Gain recognised qualifications
• On-the-job training and skills
• Get paid holidays
• Start a career Level 2 & 3 apprenticeships are funded for anyone aged 16-19, or anyone over 20 who is new in their job.

Higher apprenticeships can be funded at all ages - eligibility criteria apply.

Apprentices are trained in the workplace and in college. The amount of time you spend in college will depend on the apprenticeship you follow.
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Essential Skills

Essential skills are an important part of your apprenticeship. They aim to improve your literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. They help you to fulfil your apprenticeship and are available up to Level 3 depending upon the qualifications you’ve already achieved and the apprenticeship you follow. Each apprentice is allocated an assessor who supports your learning.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Apprenticeships are available at different levels. The qualifications you have will determine which level you start at - you will also need to be working in a suitable role.
All apprenticeships include an initial assessment of literacy, numeracy and digital literacy

Levels

2

Foundation Apprenticeships at Level 2

Each programme will have different entry requirements starting from no formal qualifications to certain levels of Maths and English.
3

Apprenticeships at Level 3

You will normally need five GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and Maths, or have previously completed a Level 2 apprenticeship.
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Higher Apprenticeships at Level 4

You will normally need to have completed an apprenticeship at Level 3 or have relevant qualifications/skills or experience.

European Social Fund


The Apprenticeship, (Traineeship and Jobs Growth Wales Programmes), led by the Welsh Government, are supported by the European Social Fund.

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Questions

How much will I earn?
It starts at apprentice minimum wage but many employers pay more.

What if I already have a job?
No problem! Lots of companies use apprenticeships to retrain staff, or as an opportunity for learning and development.

What if I don’t get an apprenticeship?
There are many different options available to you including a Traineeship. You will receive a training allowance whilst you undertake this scheme and it can put you in a better position to get an apprenticeship.

What about my future – would I be better off going to uni?
You will gain industry approved qualifications and extensive work experience. Some higher apprenticeships include Foundations Degrees, HNCs or Degrees. This can make you more employable than a graduate - Sir Alex Ferguson, Rebecca Adlington OBE and John Frieda were all apprentices.
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