Learning and earning
Learn on the job
Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time.
Apprentices work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications.
Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that they’ve been trained in the skills they need.
Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework. There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements.
Earn while you learn
Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. So apprentices are paid while they learn. If they are entering work for the first time, they will start earning from day one of their Apprenticeship.
There is no set rate of pay for apprentices, however all employed apprentices must receive a wage of no less than £2.60 per hour and a recent survey showed that the average wage per week for an apprentice is now around £170 and in some job roles around £210 per week.
As their skills develop, their pay will increase accordingly. Apprentices may also get additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help them with a disability. As an apprentice, they will receive the same benefits as other employees such as pension contributions, subsidised canteen and leisure facilities.
Last Updated: 03/10/2011