Why apprenticeships are brilliant

APPRENTICESHIPS are back in a big way and thousands of people are being offered the vital route into employment.

There are many sorts of apprenticeships to suit different people. For example, there are now higher and degree apprenticeships. Different types of apprenticeship provide different qualifications which can make moving around the workplace more effective.

Apprenticeships combine qualifications with work experience — which is something that potential future employers like to see.

What is an apprenticeship? It is a proper job where participants combine practical training with study.

People doing an apprenticeship will work alongside staff, be paid and be given time to study.

Apprenticeships are open to everyone over 16, with no upper age limit.

There are different levels of entry into apprenticeships. The Intermediate level requires five GCSE passes at grade A*- C or 9 - 4. The Advanced level requires two A level passes/Level 3 Diploma/International Baccalaureate. The Higher level needs applicants to have a Foundation degree and above, with the Degree level requiring a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Where can people find out more about apprenticeships? There are many sources of information but a great place to start is apprenticeships.gov.uk. You can search and apply for vacancies on Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK. Once registered on Find an apprenticeship, email and text alerts can be set up about new apprenticeship vacancies.

For information on some well-known employers, visit amazingapprenticeships.com.

People can also contact the National Apprenticeship Helpdesk on 0800 015 0400 or email [email protected].

Another good source of information is available by visiting YouTube and searching apprenticeships/NAS.

At any one time there are between 12-20,000 apprenticeship vacancies available at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

Are you Rotherham’s best apprentice? Do you employ Rotherham’s best apprentice?

Enter our Apprentice of the Year Awards 2021