Invitation to our lunchtime briefing session in honour of apprenticeship week

Apprenticeships - The Key Points

Good apprentices are worth their weight in gold!

An apprentice is a valuable asset to any company.  Effectively they are paid members of staff, employed by a business to carry out a real job. They work alongside other members of staff and will be trained by their employer (on the job) and at college (off the job). When an apprentice has demonstrated a level of competency and skill, and has satisfied all specific course requirements, they are rewarded with a nationally recognised qualification. A fully trained and qualified apprentice can make a huge contribution to the ongoing success and achievements of a business. In addition they are required to undertake a number of external examinations to ensure they meet high quality standards.

Anyone can be employed as an apprentice

A business can employ a new apprentice if they are 16+, live in England and are not already in fulltime education or training. It is not subject to age or gender. Those seeking an Apprenticeship will be required to demonstrate a basic level of skill/ aptitude for the job they have applied for, before a position is confirmed. A full-time, existing employee could also apply for an Apprenticeship, if they felt it could benefit their ongoing career.

Get paid and trained at the same time

The minimum wage for an apprentice is £2.60 per hour in their first year, they can however be paid more. Most college apprentices receive a wage above minimum requirements. Over time, as skills develop and knowledge increases, an Apprenticeship can attract a much higher salary tag, along with a whole host of other perks. Whilst it’s up to an individual company to agree contractual terms with their apprentice, a 35/hour week is typical (30 hours per week is the minimum requirement).

Combination training has proven to be effective

Apprentices carry out most of their training in their place of work, but are required to attend college on a day-release basis, or in blocks, depending on the requirements of their job. At all times, college staff work alongside businesses to ensure personal targets are agreed and monitored throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship. Training courses vary in length and format. Contact the College for details.

A fully affordable business investment

The Apprenticeship framework is an affordable option. Financial assistance is available to employers with fewer than 50 employees to contribute towards the cost of training through The National Apprenticeship Service.

Recognised qualifications at different levels

Apprenticeships are split into three different levels: Level 2 Intermediate: (equivalent to five good GCSE passes), Level 3 Advanced (equivalent to two A Level passes) or Level 4/5 Higher Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to HNDs and Foundation Degrees).

Apprenticeship Courses

• Business and Administration
• Active Leisure
• Childcare
• Veterinary Nursing
• Horticulture
• Hairdressing
• Playwork
• Customer Service
• Laboratory & Science Technician

Further information

Whether you are an employer seeking a new apprentice, or a potential apprentice that wants to pursue a new career, today’s Apprenticeship Schemes at City and Islington College are amongst the finest in England.

Contact the College to find out what support is available and to find out more about advertising/enrolment processes.