Questions and Answers
|
|
|
|
|
For those interested in becoming an apprentice
What is an apprentice?
An apprentice
- Is usually a young person – but can be anyone over the age of 16
- Works alongside an experienced employee to learn specific skills
- Receives training – including training towards nationally recognised qualifications such as NVQs
- Earns a salary
- Gets paid holiday
Apprenticeship frameworks can also be used to develop current employees, but employers may need to make a contribution towards the costs of their training, depending on the age of the employee.
How long do apprenticeships last?
Apprenticeships last between one and four years to complete depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the industry sector and the apprentice’s ability.
Who usually becomes an apprentice?
Apprentices are usually young people between the ages of 16 and 18 but they can be any age.
What is the aim of the Apprenticeship Scheme?
The aim of the apprenticeship scheme is to:
- Provide young people with a way of gaining work experience and NVQ qualifications in the work place rather than at college
- Provide employers with a cost-effective way of growing the next generation of skilled staff
- Develop the careers of young people in order to maintain the skilled workforce the country needs to run its services.
What sort of jobs are apprentices doing now?
A wide variety of jobs including:
- accounting, business administration, communications, customer service, events management
- plumbing, brickwork, general maintenance, carpentry and joinery
- information technology, digital media and web development
- electro-technology, vehicle body and paint operations, maintenance and repair
- childcare and support to teaching assistants
- beauty therapy, hairdressing, catering, hospitality, sports and leisure management.
How much do apprentices get paid?
- Between ages 16-18 £95 per week
- Over the age of 19 national minimum wage once completed 12 months of apprenticeship
Note: apprentices are often paid higher amounts as their skills develop – the rates listed above are the minimum levels of pay.
What do apprentices enjoy most about being an apprentice?
What apprentices say they enjoy most about being an apprentice is:
- The money - getting paid while we learn!
- The qualifications through work experience rather than exams
- The work environment and the variety of work on offer
- The opportunity to find out what we’re good at and do it
- A fantastic alternative to college or university
- The great start to our careers
- Feeling valued and appreciated in the world of work
- The support from good line managers and NVQ assessors.
What have apprentices gained by the end of their apprenticeships?
Apprentices gain between 1 and 4 years work experience, a raft of NVQ and other qualifications and they grow in maturity and confidence accelerated by being part of an adult working environment. As a result, they find they have developed a competitive advantage over those of equivalent age who have only academic qualifications.
Although there is no guarantee of a job at the end, many employers are anxious not to lose their apprentices and try to find them suitable posts when their apprenticeships end – and by completing the apprenticeship the chances of getting another job are very much higher.
Who do I go to if I need help while I’m an apprentice?
Your line manager and/or Suffolk New College assessor as they both know a lot more about your apprenticeship than anyone else.
How do I gain my qualifications as an apprentice?
You will gain your qualifications through college assignments and work assessments throughout your apprenticeship. Your New Suffolk College assessor will meet with you and your manager regularly to:
- Create an Individual Learning Plan including work experience and technical knowledge
- Check on your progress on all aspects of the qualifications you are working towards
- Ensure your work experience supports your NVQ assignments
- Ensure your NVQ assignments are complete and submitted on time.
Is the NVQ training carried out at college or in the workplace?
Most of your apprenticeship training is on the job and the rest is provided at college.
How much time will I be allowed to do my assignments while I’m at work?
You and your employer will need to discuss this with your Suffolk New College training assessor in order to agree what will work in your service area and for you.
Will I be employed when my apprenticeship ends?
Many employers are keen to keep their apprentices at the end of their training and try to find suitable posts for them when the apprenticeship ends. There is no guarantee of a job at the end of the apprenticeship but by completing it your chances of getting another job are very much greater.
What do Suffolk New College apprentices say about their apprenticeship experience?
Well it’s been very good for me – so it will probably be good for you too! Adam Philpott, Solus Accident Repair Centre, Stonham
It’s a good learning curve – it’s hard work but it gives you a stepping-stone if you put in your best effort, you will reap the benefits. Adam Robinson, Ipswich Borough Council
Don’t think that university is the only place to learn and don’t make the mistake of thinking apprenticeships and colleges are second rate, because they are not. Whether your GCSE results are good or not good, an apprenticeship may be the right course for you – and it’s not a consolation prize, it’s a positive choice. Andrew Wailes, Shelley’s Restaurant, Suffolk New College
It’s providing my future, it could provide yours! Charlie Firman, Suffolk New College Sports Centre
If you’re as lucky as me you will get opportunities you couldn’t get any other way and which will help provide your future. Chris Seaman, Customer Service Direct, Ipswich
It’s a great way to learn and make a bit of money at the same time and if you like to learn through doing practical things, an apprenticeship will suit you very well. Geraldine Walker, Bonnet Café & Chocolaterie, Felixstowe
If you learn best by ‘hands on’ experience, an apprenticeship is what you need to go for – and at the end of it you’ll have qualifications that will get you your next job – and no student debt either! Jack Dunbavin, Ipswich Buses
Although you think all apprentices are young people, they aren’t! You can be any age – and if you want to get qualifications and experience at the same time, an apprenticeship is well worth considering. Kerry Norris, Felixstowe Port Health
I have found it fantastic for what I want to do. To get full-time work experience, qualifications and pay too – what more can you ask for? Laura Page, Suffolk County Council
To people wondering whether to do an apprenticeship or not I would say “Do it, it’s a brilliant way to get experience and qualifications and get paid at the same time. Lee Phillips, Ipswich Buses
Why go to university if you can get qualified the ‘hands on’ way and get money for it too? Mark Stutely, Ipswich Buses
Not many employers will take you on with just qualifications – employers want people with work experience and that’s understandable. For me an apprenticeship is the answer! Renee Richardson, Birketts Solicitors
I’d really recommend it – if you want to learn but don’t want to go to college an apprenticeship is brilliant. Stephanie Curtis, Cutting Edge Hairdressers, Stowmarket
Where do I find out about apprenticeship vacancies?
- Apply directly to Suffolk New College who will try to match apprentices with vacancies they know about
- Approach employers who may have vacancies
- Look on the National Apprenticeship website where many vacancies are listed http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/
More information and contacting Suffolk New College
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice please contact:
- Vice Principal, Orville Gardener on 01473 382464
- Programme Leader, Nika Watt on 01473 382278
- Email: sncapprenticeships@suffolk.ac.uk
- Post: Suffolk New College, Ipswich IP4 1LT
I am an apprentice - life today as an apprentice
I was an apprentice - what past apprentices are doing now
I employ an apprentice - the responsibility and rewards of employing an apprentice