An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Becoming an apprentice comes with several benefits - which is the reason the industry is continuously growing. You are given the opportunity to continue your educational path while also being in a professional environment and gaining valuable experience in the workplace. Not only that, but you can earn whilst you learn amongst industry professionals.

Starting an apprenticeship, you will learn and train for a specific job, getting hands-on experience in a real role. You will be paid and receive holiday leave, as well as any other benefits offered to full-time employees. Becoming an apprentice means studying for at least 20% of working hours, completing real-world project work during and at the end of your apprenticeship. You will be on a career path with plenty of future potential and will possess invaluable skills to benefit you.

Apprenticeships involve continuously learning with progress assessed throughout. An End-Point Assessment (EPA) will be taken at the end of the apprenticeship to allow you to showcase what you have learned. Each EPA is carried out with an independent assessor, in which your occupational competence is assessed using a mixture of Professional Discussions, Knowledge Tests and Questioning to award you a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. At Keibra, our Subject Matter Experts use the same assessment methods throughout to ensure continuity and to help build your confidence with the process throughout your apprenticeship. We have designed our own Start Point Assessments (SPA) to mirror the End-Point Assessment (EPA) process to help us gain a better insight into your knowledge, your ability and more importantly you as a person so we can personalise your training plan and ensure a successful apprenticeship. Competence: “The ability TO DO something well” This is why all our programmes are delivered face-to-face by our SMEs at your workplace, meaning you get all the benefits of ‘hands-on’, practical, real-life scenario-based training to ensure you don’t just learn the theoretical knowledge, skills, and behaviours; you learn how to put them into practice.

GCSE grades (A* to C / 9 to 4) are ideal, but not essential. Why do I have to do BKSB assessments? As part of your apprenticeship, English and maths will underpin your learning and development. In order to make sure that you are working at the highest level and getting the most out of your course with Keibra, we ask all learners to sit their assessments in both English and maths in order to make sure that all apprentices are consistently at Level 2, which is the required level for your course. Although we appreciate that you may have previous qualifications, the BKSB assessments ensure that gaps in learning or required revision can be addressed alongside your Subject Matter Expert, and that you can continue to thrive in your holistic approach to learning.

If you don’t have your GCSE certificates, then you still do have a few options to provide evidence of your results. Keibra will check the Learner Records Service (LRS). You can reach out to the awarding body to gain a reprint. This is usually at a cost of around £50 per certificate. You will only require Maths and English for a level 3 or 4 apprenticeship.

The simple answer is yes. With the right attitude and determination, you can definitely secure an apprenticeship even with no prior experience. The key is to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role as well as your willingness to learn. Many employers are willing to take a chance on inexperienced candidates who show commitment and drive in their applications.

Wages for apprentices depend on the type of apprenticeship program you’re in. Different programs offer different salary ranges, with some offering wages as high as £18,000 a year. It’s important to do your research and find out what type of wage you can expect before signing up for an apprenticeship program. Additionally, many employers may provide additional benefits such as health insurance or paid vacation time which can further increase your earnings potential over time. Aged 16 to 18 The hourly rate for apprentices aged 16-18 is currently £5.28 per hour. This is the minimum amount employers must pay their apprentices by law; however, many employers choose to pay above this rate. Aged 19 or over and in their first year Apprentices over 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the minimum wage for apprentices, which is £5.28. Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year Once you have completed your first year, your pay will switch over to the National Minimum Wage (https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) for your age group.

Apprentices are entitled to the same workplace benefits as any full-time worker. As long as you are working over 33 hours per week, you will receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year.

The government’s conditions for apprenticeships detail that you must be paid for time spent studying, whether that’s at work or with the training provider.

It is unfortunately a possibility that should circumstances in your business change, you may be made redundant as an apprentice. Should this occur, the government will fund your apprenticeship training for at least 12 weeks to give you time to find alternative employment so that you can continue with your apprenticeship. However, this will not pay your wages. You may be able to finish your apprenticeship even if you don’t find a new employer, if you have less than 6 months of training to complete, or if you have completed 75% or more of your training.

Apprentices are entitled to claim Universal Credit. To qualify, you must be on a ‘recognised apprenticeship’ and are being paid the national minimum wage rate. Have the name of your training provider and the name of the recognised qualification you are working towards to hand when you make your claim.

The short answer to this question is yes; it is possible for apprentices to secure a mortgage. Lenders recognise the value of apprenticeships, and with some careful planning and research into what options are available, you may be able to find an affordable home loan. It’s important to remember that lenders will look at your income levels before they decide whether or not they'll accept your application, so you may need to wait until you have been in your job long enough before beginning your mortgage application.

There are many options available once you have completed an apprenticeship. Whether you choose to stay on in employment, take your studies further, or seek different employment, your skills and experience are sure to be in high demand.