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An apprenticeship is a government funded programme combining practical training in a paid job with theoretical study in the classroom. Designed for individuals over the age of 16, as an apprentice you will finish with a nationally recognised qualification and be equipped with the skills and experience for future employment. Experiencing new challenges, an apprenticeship is a real alternative to getting onto the career ladder without concerns over debt from attending university.

Most apprentices are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, however this figure will depend on the type of apprenticeship you are doing. This generally equates to spending 4 days in work and 1 day in college.

Throughout your apprenticeship you will receive on-the-job training which allows you to achieve a qualification (NVQ, Award, Certificate or Diploma). With Northern Skills Group, you will gain skills that can only be developed from being in a real work environment, from working in teams and solving problems, to communication and using technology.

Earning while you learn, you will also be allocated a personal assessor who will come to your place of work to give you feedback and continued support as you progress within your role.

As an apprentice, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. This is set at an hourly rate of £4.15, however many employers choose to pay more than this or increase the rate after the employee has been within the company for a certain amount of time.

Depending on the course and level you are working towards, apprenticeships generally last anywhere between 1-4 years.

A ‘framework’ developed by Sector Skills Councils, an apprenticeship is a set of qualifications that shows you have experience in your area of interest.

There are three different levels of apprenticeships on offer through Northern Skills Group:

• Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (learning towards level 2 - equivalent to five GCSE's at grade C or one A level)
• Advanced Level Apprenticeship (learning towards level 3 - equivalent to two A Levels)
• Higher Level Apprenticeship (learning towards level 4- equivalent to a Foundation Degree)

Most apprenticeships include four areas within the 'framework':

• National vocational qualification (NVQ)
• Knowledge-based qualification - for example, a higher national certificate (HNC), higher national diploma (HND) or foundation degree
• Functional skills qualification in areas such as maths, English or ICT
• Technical certificate- a BTEC or City & Guilds progression award

As an employee you are entitled to a minimum of 20 days per holiday year, in addition to Bank Holidays.

Visit our vacancies to see our latest positions, if you have any questions on a vacancy feel free to contact us online.

Contact Us

If you would like advice and guidance on preparing for an apprenticeship, contact our Apprenticeship's team

Email: apprenticeships@northernskills.co.uk

Telephone: 03453 40 40 40

On many occasions, employers may choose to hire an apprentice as a full-time member of staff following completion of their apprenticeship. Visit our News page to read more about success stories with Northern Skills Group. You can also browse our apprenticeship programmes section and register your interest.

Call Northern Skills Group on 0345 40 40 40 or contact us online.