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All your apprenticeships questions answered (Updated 2020)

Like the sound of getting paid to do a law degree? How about training to be an engineer while earning a proper salary? Or perfecting your camera skills on a real movie set?

These are all things you can do during an apprenticeship. But what actually is an apprenticeship? What will it pay? You’ve got questions, we’ve got the answers.

'What actually is an apprenticeship? What will it pay? If you've got apprenticeship questions, we've got the answers. Check out Q&A'

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In this blog, we’ll answer your top questions and point you towards in-depth articles on our site:

  • What’s an apprenticeship?
  • Should I do an apprenticeship or go to university?
  • What apprenticeships are there?
  • How much is the apprenticeship wage?
  • How to apply for an apprenticeship?
  • What apprenticeship interview questions can I expect?
  • Can I leave my apprenticeship?

What’s an apprenticeship?

We’ll start with the basics. An apprenticeship means working, learning and earning at the same time. They let you get on-the-job training and study for qualifications at the same time.

You’ll have an employer and a workplace, where you’ll learn technical abilities and important transferable skills. At the same time you’ll attend college and study towards a professional qualification that’s recognised in your chosen career sector. Read all about apprenticeships here.

There are different types of apprenticeships you could do:

  • Intermediate: often known as entry-level apprenticeships. you often won’t need any qualifications to apply. often known as an entry-level apprenticeship, 
  • Advanced: these are one step up from intermediate; they give you more skills and a deeper understanding of your chosen job role.
  • Higher: you could gain higher education qualifications.
  • Degree: you would study towards a full degree – without the cost of going to uni!

Should I do an apprenticeship or go to university?

University isn’t the only path to a successful and rewarding career. But of course this isn’t an easy one to answer.

Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn on the job while

getting paid - but uni might be a better option for you

The decision between apprenticeship or uni is a personal one where you’ll have to take lots of different factors into account and make the choice that’s right for you.

To help you out, start by reading 5 reasons why apprenticeships are a real alternative to university and why should I consider an apprenticeship?

We also have a huge range of articles about going to university to help you make a fully informed decision, including this guide to pros and cons of uni.

What apprenticeships are there?

Glad you asked. You can do an apprenticeship in pretty much anything. Want to work in childcare? How about an electrical engineer? Or even a financial manager? An apprenticeship will get you there.

Below is a selection of apprenticeships you could do. Click on each link and you’ll find a complete guide to the apprenticeship, including what you’ll learn and the qualities you need to apply.

You could train as a fitness instructor with a sports
apprenticeship

How much is the apprenticeship wage?

The great thing about doing an apprenticeship is you get paid to train. The national minimum wage for apprentices is £3.90 per hour (2020), but depending on your apprenticeship, you could earn a lot more. Learn more about the apprenticeship wage here.

Tell me how to apply for an apprenticeship

There are plenty of places online where you can search for, and then apply for, your perfect apprenticeship. Start by reading our guide on how to find an apprenticeship. There are a few things you should keep in mind when applying for an apprenticeship.

What apprenticeship interview questions can I expect?

If you’ve been offered an interview for an apprenticeship, congrats! The key to acing your interview is preparing. Check out these most common interview questions, and our special guide to apprenticeship interviews.

You might also like…

The most common myths about apprenticeships 

How to improve your teamworking skills and impress employers

How being adaptable can help you at work

Image credits

Main image by Tran Mau Tri Tam via Unsplash