Your Ultimate Guide to Apprenticeships

You may know someone who has completed an Apprenticeship, or you may have heard the term Apprenticeship used before. But what do you know about them?

Find out more in our guide to Apprenticeships, including how you can submit your interest, and complete your next course with Fareport.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is classed as completing “hands-on work” through your employer, while you train and gain your qualification. This is a paid role where you’ll either be onboarded by an employer who partners with an Apprenticeship training provider like Fareport, or you may already be employed, with your manager enrolling you onto an Apprenticeship programme delivered by Fareport.

Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to gain a qualification through working, commonly referred to as “earn while you learn”. This is typically split between “on-the-job” and “off-the-job”.

Off-The-Job Training

As a standard, you will complete your course sessions with your allocated trainer, perhaps as a day session in a classroom, or online, this is the “off-the-job” aspect of the training. Each time you meet with your trainer to complete your allocated lesson, you will be assigned work to complete, which also is in line with your modules and the criteria you need to cover. This will be added as a part of your portfolio.

Off-the-job training makes up approximately 20% of your overall Apprenticeship.

On-The-Job Training

The “on-the-job” training consists of you, as a learner, implementing your training into a working environment. This is completed at your workplace. You will be supported by your manager, who must ensure that you understand your roles and responsibilities as an apprentice.

This makes up the remaining 80% of the learner’s overall Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are structured in modules. This is to help you, as well as your employer, understand what stage you are at, and to iron out any pain points you may have. You will cover the Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours (also known as KSBs) throughout your training and employment in line with the qualification you will attain.

At the end of your training, you will then complete your End Point Assessment (EPA). This is where you must demonstrate to your assessor how you have implemented your training throughout your employment. You will also explain parts of your coursework to the assessor, so you get to cover any areas you may not be as clear within your coursework. It is also an opportunity for the assessor to understand your involvement within your place of work, and how you have taken your theory-based training into a practical environment.

Why are Apprenticeships Important?

For many who are newly out of school, college may not be an option for you. This could be because you would rather earn money, or perhaps there isn’t a local college that suits your requirements. You may also be at a crossroads in life, where you want to change career, or add an extra qualification to your toolbelt.

This is where Apprenticeships come in. This style of training helps bridge the gap between employment and learning. This method of gaining a nationally recognised qualification is beneficial for those that prefer working alongside their course, as opposed to attending college. Furthering this, completing your qualification alongside employment helps with retainment. After all, your employer has invested in your training, so you are an asset to the team.

More Individuals are Choosing Apprenticeships

There is an increase in individuals completing Apprenticeships. The boost in opportunities and courses available is detrimental to providing choice for all. Apprenticeship starts for 2024/2025 show that there was a total of 78,970 achievements for Apprenticeships, an approximate 7.4% increase from the previous year.

Apprenticeships are for anyone over the age of 16 and live in the UK. This opens a plethora of opportunity for everyone and anyone looking to build their skillsets in their field. More older individuals are taking the plunge to complete an Apprenticeship. And they are reaping the benefits after they attain their qualification. From employee retention to satisfaction in their career.

Types of Apprenticeships

There are four levels to an Apprenticeship, depending on the current experience and qualifications you have.

Intermediate

This is the educational equivalent of a level 2 (GCSE).

Advanced

This is for those looking for a level 3 (A-level) equivalent.

Higher

This is the same as level 4, 5, 6 & 7, a foundation degree.

Degree

Levels 6 & 7, also known as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, as of 1^st January 2026, level 7 Apprenticeships will be government funded for individuals between the ages of 16 and 21.

The Department for Education (DfE) released its Apprenticeship statistics for 2024-2025, which reinforce the substantial increase in those completing higher Apprenticeships.

For comparison, DFE’s 2019/2020 data shows there were approximately 82,460 apprenticeship starts at the higher level. In 2023/2024, this increased to approximately 122,230.

Over time, Apprenticeships have introduced more variety, making them a favourable option in several sectors. The choice is yours. From health & social care, to cyber and engineering, Apprenticeships are evidently paramount for individuals and businesses.

There is a plethora of courses available for people of all ages. In fact, individuals who are over 25 years of age make up the greater percentage of Apprenticeship starts, with this bracket making up 48.4% of the total in 2023/2024. This reinforces how many are looking for a better opportunity within their career and are more inclined to jump back into education and learn.

Fareport’s Apprenticeship Offerings

You can see our Apprenticeship offerings on the Learners section of our website. Fareport provides courses for:

• Learning & Development
• Leadership Management
• Marketing
• Health & Social Care
• Professional Services

Are you an employer? We have our own section tailored to employers who are looking to onboard an apprentice.

Begin Your Apprenticeship Journey Now

Submit your interest now, and our team is on hand to help guide you or your business through Apprenticeships. With ongoing support from your trainer, and resources provided, you can be confident in your chosen training provider- Fareport.

Call our team on 01329 825 805, or complete our enquiry form, and begin your journey with the leaders in training.