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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally recognised qualifications, developed by industry.

How long does it take?

The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the Apprentice, the qualification being obtained and industry sector. Generally, Apprenticeships take between one and three years to complete.

What does it involve?

An Apprenticeship includes the following components:

• A minimum of 30 hours per week paid employment

• A knowledge based element

• A competency based element

• Transferable or ‘key skills’

• A module on employment rights and responsibilities

• A module on employment skills

• Personal learning and thinking skills

How often do Apprentices attend college or training sessions?

This varies from programme to programme. Some of the training can be in the work place and other sessions could be in College.

Can a current employee become an Apprentice?

If you have an employee who would like to join an Apprenticeship programme that is relevant to their job role, we can work with you to ‘Apprenticise’ their role so they are able to gain a qualification while they carry on working.

What evidence is there that hiring an Apprentice is good for business?

The Learning and Skills Council recently surveyed businesses throughout the UK on benefits of hiring an Apprentice (Populus, January 2009). Of those surveyed:

• 81% said that employing Apprentices generated higher overall productivity for their company.

• 66% said that their Apprenticeship programme made them more competitive in their industry.

• 92% said that their Apprenticeship programme better motivated staff and increased job satisfaction.

• 74% said that Apprentices tended to be more loyal, remaining at their company longer than non- Apprentices.

 To find out more information about our Apprenticeship programmes - click here to download a copy of our new Apprenticeships Course Guide.


This article was last updated 01/02/2012