![\"Smiling](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-15.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- What is an apprenticeship?<\/a><\/li>
- Who can do an apprenticeship?<\/a><\/li>
- What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?<\/a><\/li>
- Are there any entry requirements for apprenticeships?<\/a><\/li>
- What can I do if I\u2019m not eligible to do an apprenticeship, or want to try out a job role or industry before committing to an apprenticeship in it?<\/a><\/li>
- How much will I get paid during my apprenticeship?<\/a><\/li>
- How many hours will I work on my apprenticeship? Can I work overtime?<\/a><\/li>
- What trades apprenticeships are available?<\/a><\/li>
- Are there any government initiatives for apprenticeships available?<\/a><\/li>
- Can I do an apprenticeship during the coronavirus (or COVID-19) pandemic?<\/a><\/li>
- What does an apprentice\u2019s day look like?<\/a><\/li>
- How will I be assessed during my apprenticeship?<\/a><\/li>
- What\u2019s the apprenticeship application process?<\/a><\/li>
- What can I do after my apprenticeship?<\/a><\/li>
- How can I find an apprenticeship near me?<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat is an apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Electrician](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn apprenticeship is a one to five-year programme (depending on the apprenticeship level) where you\u2019ll have a contract of employment. In addition, you’ll follow an approved study programme. So, your time will be split between doing a real job and studying for a formal qualification (at least one day per week) at either a college or training centre. Some apprenticeships offer additional qualifications too, such as a diploma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho can do an\napprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Builder](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-14.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnyone \u2013 there\u2019s no maximum age limit! You just need to be aged 16 or over, and not in full time education. If you\u2019re about to leave school, then you can still apply for an apprenticeship to start in the next academic year. Just make sure that you\u2019re aged 16 or over by the end of the summer holiday before the apprenticeship starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat are the\nbenefits of an apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. You’ll earn money whilst you learn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll be paid for your normal working hours, as well as the time you spend at college as part of your apprenticeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Tradesman](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-7.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe amount you\u2019ll get paid depends on your age and which year of your apprenticeship you\u2019re in. You can find the pay rates in the ‘How much will I get paid on my apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/a>‘ section of this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. You\u2019ll get a nationally recognised qualification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are four levels of apprenticeships. All of them offer a nationally recognised qualification \u2013 some are even accepted internationally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to five GCSE passes at grades 9-4 or A*-C.<\/li>
- Advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to two A-Level passes, a Level 3 diploma or the International Baccalaureate. <\/li>
- Higher apprenticeship (Levels 4-7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to the first stages of higher education, e.g. a foundation degree.<\/li>
- Degree apprenticeship (Levels 6 and 7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. You’ll get hands-on experience and practical skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Floor](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-20.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAround 80% of your apprenticeship will be spent at work. This is where you\u2019ll work alongside more experienced staff, including a senior employee who will coach you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to pick up job-specific skills, because you\u2019ll get hands-on experience with tools, programmes and\/or software that\u2019s used in the industry that you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. You could get national or international recognition and help others<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of apprenticeship competitions available, where you\u2019ll go up against other apprentices in your chosen industry. Examples include the National Apprenticeship Awards<\/strong><\/a> as well as sector specific awards, like the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Smiling](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-8.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are awards dedicated to apprentices from under represented backgrounds too. One example is the Women in Construction Awards \u2013 check out previous winner Amy Eddleston\u2019s story<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also become an apprenticeship ambassador for your industry. In this way, you\u2019ll share your story and inspire other people and employers to consider apprenticeships! Get involved in the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network<\/strong><\/a>, as well your local ambassador network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. You\u2019ll have the same rights as normal employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an apprentice, you should have an\nemployment contract which entitles you to the following rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Break(s) during the working day<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 at least one 20-minute break if you work more than six hours daily. It\u2019s usually unpaid and can be split up if needed.<\/li>
- Breaks during the working wee<\/strong>k<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019re entitled to at least 11 hours of uninterrupted rest between finishing work and starting work the following day. You\u2019re are also entitled to a 24-hour period of rest in a seven-day period.<\/li>
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)<\/strong><\/a> – \u00a395.85 per week (correct at the time of writing) if you\u2019re too ill to work.<\/li>
- Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay and leave.<\/li>
- A minimum notice period, that your employer must give to you if your employment ends.<\/li>
- Protection against unfair dismissal<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- The right to request flexible working<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- A reasonable amount of time off to deal with any emergencies<\/strong><\/a> involving your dependants (partner, child, parent etc).<\/li>
- Statutory Redundancy Pay<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 apprentices can be made redundant. But, you\u2019ll get redundancy pay and support from your training provider or the National Apprenticeship Service to help you find another apprenticeship.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Apprentices can also claim benefits<\/strong><\/a>, such as Universal Credit, if they need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Electrical](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-18.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAre there\nany entry requirements for apprenticeships?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYes \u2013 and they vary depending on the apprenticeship\u2019s level. You must check the job description for the specific apprenticeship that you\u2019re applying for, as there might be particular qualifications and\/or skills required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What is an apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn apprenticeship is a one to five-year programme (depending on the apprenticeship level) where you\u2019ll have a contract of employment. In addition, you’ll follow an approved study programme. So, your time will be split between doing a real job and studying for a formal qualification (at least one day per week) at either a college or training centre. Some apprenticeships offer additional qualifications too, such as a diploma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho can do an\napprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnyone \u2013 there\u2019s no maximum age limit! You just need to be aged 16 or over, and not in full time education. If you\u2019re about to leave school, then you can still apply for an apprenticeship to start in the next academic year. Just make sure that you\u2019re aged 16 or over by the end of the summer holiday before the apprenticeship starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat are the\nbenefits of an apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. You’ll earn money whilst you learn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll be paid for your normal working hours, as well as the time you spend at college as part of your apprenticeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe amount you\u2019ll get paid depends on your age and which year of your apprenticeship you\u2019re in. You can find the pay rates in the ‘How much will I get paid on my apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/a>‘ section of this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. You\u2019ll get a nationally recognised qualification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are four levels of apprenticeships. All of them offer a nationally recognised qualification \u2013 some are even accepted internationally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to five GCSE passes at grades 9-4 or A*-C.<\/li>
- Advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to two A-Level passes, a Level 3 diploma or the International Baccalaureate. <\/li>
- Higher apprenticeship (Levels 4-7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to the first stages of higher education, e.g. a foundation degree.<\/li>
- Degree apprenticeship (Levels 6 and 7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. You’ll get hands-on experience and practical skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAround 80% of your apprenticeship will be spent at work. This is where you\u2019ll work alongside more experienced staff, including a senior employee who will coach you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to pick up job-specific skills, because you\u2019ll get hands-on experience with tools, programmes and\/or software that\u2019s used in the industry that you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. You could get national or international recognition and help others<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of apprenticeship competitions available, where you\u2019ll go up against other apprentices in your chosen industry. Examples include the National Apprenticeship Awards<\/strong><\/a> as well as sector specific awards, like the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are awards dedicated to apprentices from under represented backgrounds too. One example is the Women in Construction Awards \u2013 check out previous winner Amy Eddleston\u2019s story<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also become an apprenticeship ambassador for your industry. In this way, you\u2019ll share your story and inspire other people and employers to consider apprenticeships! Get involved in the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network<\/strong><\/a>, as well your local ambassador network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. You\u2019ll have the same rights as normal employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an apprentice, you should have an\nemployment contract which entitles you to the following rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Break(s) during the working day<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 at least one 20-minute break if you work more than six hours daily. It\u2019s usually unpaid and can be split up if needed.<\/li>
- Breaks during the working wee<\/strong>k<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019re entitled to at least 11 hours of uninterrupted rest between finishing work and starting work the following day. You\u2019re are also entitled to a 24-hour period of rest in a seven-day period.<\/li>
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)<\/strong><\/a> – \u00a395.85 per week (correct at the time of writing) if you\u2019re too ill to work.<\/li>
- Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay and leave.<\/li>
- A minimum notice period, that your employer must give to you if your employment ends.<\/li>
- Protection against unfair dismissal<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- The right to request flexible working<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- A reasonable amount of time off to deal with any emergencies<\/strong><\/a> involving your dependants (partner, child, parent etc).<\/li>
- Statutory Redundancy Pay<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 apprentices can be made redundant. But, you\u2019ll get redundancy pay and support from your training provider or the National Apprenticeship Service to help you find another apprenticeship.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Apprentices can also claim benefits<\/strong><\/a>, such as Universal Credit, if they need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAre there\nany entry requirements for apprenticeships?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYes \u2013 and they vary depending on the apprenticeship\u2019s level. You must check the job description for the specific apprenticeship that you\u2019re applying for, as there might be particular qualifications and\/or skills required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn apprenticeship is a one to five-year programme (depending on the apprenticeship level) where you\u2019ll have a contract of employment. In addition, you’ll follow an approved study programme. So, your time will be split between doing a real job and studying for a formal qualification (at least one day per week) at either a college or training centre. Some apprenticeships offer additional qualifications too, such as a diploma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Who can do an\napprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnyone \u2013 there\u2019s no maximum age limit! You just need to be aged 16 or over, and not in full time education. If you\u2019re about to leave school, then you can still apply for an apprenticeship to start in the next academic year. Just make sure that you\u2019re aged 16 or over by the end of the summer holiday before the apprenticeship starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat are the\nbenefits of an apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. You’ll earn money whilst you learn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll be paid for your normal working hours, as well as the time you spend at college as part of your apprenticeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe amount you\u2019ll get paid depends on your age and which year of your apprenticeship you\u2019re in. You can find the pay rates in the ‘How much will I get paid on my apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/a>‘ section of this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. You\u2019ll get a nationally recognised qualification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are four levels of apprenticeships. All of them offer a nationally recognised qualification \u2013 some are even accepted internationally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to five GCSE passes at grades 9-4 or A*-C.<\/li>
- Advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to two A-Level passes, a Level 3 diploma or the International Baccalaureate. <\/li>
- Higher apprenticeship (Levels 4-7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to the first stages of higher education, e.g. a foundation degree.<\/li>
- Degree apprenticeship (Levels 6 and 7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. You’ll get hands-on experience and practical skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAround 80% of your apprenticeship will be spent at work. This is where you\u2019ll work alongside more experienced staff, including a senior employee who will coach you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to pick up job-specific skills, because you\u2019ll get hands-on experience with tools, programmes and\/or software that\u2019s used in the industry that you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. You could get national or international recognition and help others<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of apprenticeship competitions available, where you\u2019ll go up against other apprentices in your chosen industry. Examples include the National Apprenticeship Awards<\/strong><\/a> as well as sector specific awards, like the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are awards dedicated to apprentices from under represented backgrounds too. One example is the Women in Construction Awards \u2013 check out previous winner Amy Eddleston\u2019s story<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also become an apprenticeship ambassador for your industry. In this way, you\u2019ll share your story and inspire other people and employers to consider apprenticeships! Get involved in the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network<\/strong><\/a>, as well your local ambassador network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. You\u2019ll have the same rights as normal employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an apprentice, you should have an\nemployment contract which entitles you to the following rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Break(s) during the working day<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 at least one 20-minute break if you work more than six hours daily. It\u2019s usually unpaid and can be split up if needed.<\/li>
- Breaks during the working wee<\/strong>k<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019re entitled to at least 11 hours of uninterrupted rest between finishing work and starting work the following day. You\u2019re are also entitled to a 24-hour period of rest in a seven-day period.<\/li>
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)<\/strong><\/a> – \u00a395.85 per week (correct at the time of writing) if you\u2019re too ill to work.<\/li>
- Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay and leave.<\/li>
- A minimum notice period, that your employer must give to you if your employment ends.<\/li>
- Protection against unfair dismissal<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- The right to request flexible working<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- A reasonable amount of time off to deal with any emergencies<\/strong><\/a> involving your dependants (partner, child, parent etc).<\/li>
- Statutory Redundancy Pay<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 apprentices can be made redundant. But, you\u2019ll get redundancy pay and support from your training provider or the National Apprenticeship Service to help you find another apprenticeship.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Apprentices can also claim benefits<\/strong><\/a>, such as Universal Credit, if they need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAre there\nany entry requirements for apprenticeships?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYes \u2013 and they vary depending on the apprenticeship\u2019s level. You must check the job description for the specific apprenticeship that you\u2019re applying for, as there might be particular qualifications and\/or skills required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnyone \u2013 there\u2019s no maximum age limit! You just need to be aged 16 or over, and not in full time education. If you\u2019re about to leave school, then you can still apply for an apprenticeship to start in the next academic year. Just make sure that you\u2019re aged 16 or over by the end of the summer holiday before the apprenticeship starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What are the\nbenefits of an apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. You’ll earn money whilst you learn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll be paid for your normal working hours, as well as the time you spend at college as part of your apprenticeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe amount you\u2019ll get paid depends on your age and which year of your apprenticeship you\u2019re in. You can find the pay rates in the ‘How much will I get paid on my apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/a>‘ section of this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. You\u2019ll get a nationally recognised qualification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are four levels of apprenticeships. All of them offer a nationally recognised qualification \u2013 some are even accepted internationally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to five GCSE passes at grades 9-4 or A*-C.<\/li>
- Advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to two A-Level passes, a Level 3 diploma or the International Baccalaureate. <\/li>
- Higher apprenticeship (Levels 4-7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to the first stages of higher education, e.g. a foundation degree.<\/li>
- Degree apprenticeship (Levels 6 and 7) <\/strong>\u2013 the qualification you\u2019ll get is equivalent to a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. You’ll get hands-on experience and practical skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAround 80% of your apprenticeship will be spent at work. This is where you\u2019ll work alongside more experienced staff, including a senior employee who will coach you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to pick up job-specific skills, because you\u2019ll get hands-on experience with tools, programmes and\/or software that\u2019s used in the industry that you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. You could get national or international recognition and help others<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of apprenticeship competitions available, where you\u2019ll go up against other apprentices in your chosen industry. Examples include the National Apprenticeship Awards<\/strong><\/a> as well as sector specific awards, like the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are awards dedicated to apprentices from under represented backgrounds too. One example is the Women in Construction Awards \u2013 check out previous winner Amy Eddleston\u2019s story<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also become an apprenticeship ambassador for your industry. In this way, you\u2019ll share your story and inspire other people and employers to consider apprenticeships! Get involved in the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network<\/strong><\/a>, as well your local ambassador network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. You\u2019ll have the same rights as normal employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an apprentice, you should have an\nemployment contract which entitles you to the following rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Break(s) during the working day<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 at least one 20-minute break if you work more than six hours daily. It\u2019s usually unpaid and can be split up if needed.<\/li>
- Breaks during the working wee<\/strong>k<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019re entitled to at least 11 hours of uninterrupted rest between finishing work and starting work the following day. You\u2019re are also entitled to a 24-hour period of rest in a seven-day period.<\/li>
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)<\/strong><\/a> – \u00a395.85 per week (correct at the time of writing) if you\u2019re too ill to work.<\/li>
- Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay and leave.<\/li>
- A minimum notice period, that your employer must give to you if your employment ends.<\/li>
- Protection against unfair dismissal<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- The right to request flexible working<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>
- A reasonable amount of time off to deal with any emergencies<\/strong><\/a> involving your dependants (partner, child, parent etc).<\/li>
- Statutory Redundancy Pay<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 apprentices can be made redundant. But, you\u2019ll get redundancy pay and support from your training provider or the National Apprenticeship Service to help you find another apprenticeship.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Apprentices can also claim benefits<\/strong><\/a>, such as Universal Credit, if they need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAre there\nany entry requirements for apprenticeships?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYes \u2013 and they vary depending on the apprenticeship\u2019s level. You must check the job description for the specific apprenticeship that you\u2019re applying for, as there might be particular qualifications and\/or skills required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll be paid for your normal working hours, as well as the time you spend at college as part of your apprenticeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The amount you\u2019ll get paid depends on your age and which year of your apprenticeship you\u2019re in. You can find the pay rates in the ‘How much will I get paid on my apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/a>‘ section of this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are four levels of apprenticeships. All of them offer a nationally recognised qualification \u2013 some are even accepted internationally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Around 80% of your apprenticeship will be spent at work. This is where you\u2019ll work alongside more experienced staff, including a senior employee who will coach you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to pick up job-specific skills, because you\u2019ll get hands-on experience with tools, programmes and\/or software that\u2019s used in the industry that you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of apprenticeship competitions available, where you\u2019ll go up against other apprentices in your chosen industry. Examples include the National Apprenticeship Awards<\/strong><\/a> as well as sector specific awards, like the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are awards dedicated to apprentices from under represented backgrounds too. One example is the Women in Construction Awards \u2013 check out previous winner Amy Eddleston\u2019s story<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also become an apprenticeship ambassador for your industry. In this way, you\u2019ll share your story and inspire other people and employers to consider apprenticeships! Get involved in the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network<\/strong><\/a>, as well your local ambassador network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an apprentice, you should have an\nemployment contract which entitles you to the following rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apprentices can also claim benefits<\/strong><\/a>, such as Universal Credit, if they need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes \u2013 and they vary depending on the apprenticeship\u2019s level. You must check the job description for the specific apprenticeship that you\u2019re applying for, as there might be particular qualifications and\/or skills required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. You\u2019ll get a nationally recognised qualification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. You’ll get hands-on experience and practical skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. You could get national or international recognition and help others<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. You\u2019ll have the same rights as normal employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAre there\nany entry requirements for apprenticeships?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Electrician](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-16.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Welder](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/09\/apprentice-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n