What is an Apprenticeship?
If you live in England and are over 16 you can apply for an Apprenticeship. There are various levels of Apprenticeship you can undertake depending on your current skills and qualifications:
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2)
Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3)
Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeship (Level 4 or above)
Find out more about the wide range of Courses we offer, from Health and Social Care to Retail and Management qualifications.
All Apprenticeships are real jobs so all apprentices earn a salary. You will be paid at least the current Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (£5.28 per hour - Tax year 23/24), however many Apprenticeships pay significantly more. As an apprentice you should work for at least 30 hours per week and an Apprenticeship takes between one and three years to complete, depending upon the level of Apprenticeship and the industry sector.
Most of the training is delivered in the workplace, so you will learn the skills you need to do the job well. The rest of the training is delivered flexibly to suit you, most commonly in your workplace and through e-learning, or we can use our Training Centre based in Fareham or other agreed locations. The training is specifically tailored to ensure you develop the skills your employer wants. This gives apprentices a real advantage in the workplace and means they have better long term prospects and excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or climb the ranks within the workplace.
Apprentices at work
Apprentices usually work for at least 30 paid hours a week and must work more than 16.
You must be paid for time spent training or studying for a relevant qualification, where off-the-job training should amount to at least 20% of your working hours.
You must be offered the same conditions as other employees working at similar grades or in similar roles. This includes:
paid holidays
sick pay
any benefits the employer offers, eg childcare voucher schemes
any support the employer offers, eg coaching or mentoring
Who are apprenticeships for?
Apprenticeships can be completed by existing staff who want to develop their skills and knowledge, or someone who has joined the organisation specifically in an apprenticeship role.
You can also apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:
16 or over
living in England
not in full-time education
With growth of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, there is now a real alternative to traditional university study, with the opportunity to move your career forward, gain professional skills, status and accreditation , all whilst in a job and earning a salary.
Higher Apprenticeships offer an exciting new way to enter professional careers and gain valuable work experience while achieving qualifications in Procurement, Business Improvement, HR or Leadership & Management.
Apprenticeship Cost and Funding
If you work for a large employer your apprenticeship will be paid for out of their apprenticeship levy. If you work for a small or medium sized employer the government will pay for 95% of the cost of your training in most cases, subject to your eligibility. Your employer will pay the remaining 5%. Please speak to us or your employer about the different options.
Eligibility criteria can include:
Prior attainment
Employment status
Working hours
Nationality
Please note this a guide only and is dependent on individual circumstance. The criteria may change at any time.
If you are unsuccessful in attaining government funding but would still like to do a qualification, you can pay privately using the following payment options:
Employer contribution
Fareport's Payment Terms
Contact us
For more information on Apprenticeships or to apply for an apprenticeship, please contact the Business Development Team on;
01329 825805