Apprenticeships
Could you be an Apprentice or a Young Apprentice?
Think about the following statements:
- I have my sights on a chosen career
- Skills and qualifications are important to me
- I’m ambitious and want to start climbing the career ladder
- I’m willing to work hard to achieve my career goals
- I’m a practical, ‘can do’ person who likes to think differently
If you can answer ‘YES’ to all of the above then an Apprenticeship could be the right option for you.
What is an Apprentice?
It’s for ambitious people like you. It gives you the chance to get out into the real world of work and get started on your career now.
With an Apprenticeship you’ll be in a job learning new skills and getting real experience. You’ll also be working towards nationally recognised qualifications in your chosen career.
How will I benefit from an Apprenticeship?
Experience
Apprentices are in demand. They are highly valued by Tameside, Manchester and North West employers who appreciate the real life practical experience you will gain on the job.
Qualifications
Apprenticeships can be a ‘fast track’ option to a successful and rewarding career. Your industry qualifications and experience can give you ‘the edge’ and help you get that job promotion you’re looking for.
Progression
Apprenticeships are planned with you in mind. It’s structured around your career aspirations, your job and your abilities. They’re designed so you can progress to further or higher education or a degree course if that’s your goal. Or, of course, full time employment.
Control
Best of all an apprenticeship puts you in control. Along the way you’ll be making the decisions about your career, your job and your goals. And there’s lots of help and guidance to make sure you get where you want to be.
How does an Apprenticeship Work?
Your apprenticeship is a partnership between:
- You
- Your employer
- Your learning provider
You’ll spend most of your time with your employer (1 day a week for Young Apprentices) getting your industry knowledge and experience. You’ll be working alongside experienced staff who will teach you new skills and build your industry knowledge.
Your learning provider will train and assess you towards your Apprenticeship qualifications. They will arrange any off-the-job training at a learning centre or college. They may also help you find an employer looking to recruit apprentices in your chosen industry.
Once you’ve started your apprenticeship your learning provider will visit you and your employer at work and be on hand when you need them. Their role is to ensure your apprenticeship runs smoothly.
Qualifications
Whichever Apprenticeship level you take you’ll work towards
- a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Key or Functional Skills
- And possibly Technical Certificate
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s)
These are awarded based on your competency in the workplace, demonstrating your industry skills and knowledge. They are achieved through a series of continual assessments.
Key or Functional Skills
Key skills focus on the essential knowledge we all need to do well in the workplace and in life. They include: communication, application of number, information technology, working with others, improving own learning and problem solving.
Technical Certificates
These certificates demonstrate you fully understand the theory behind the job as well as having the necessary skills. They will vary dependent upon your chosen career.
