A-Level Results Day 2021 - Our guidance on why an apprenticeship could be your next step
Details: Written by Eleanor Lodge
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Now that results day has arrived, here at The Skills Network we know that deciding on your next steps after finishing school or collage can be daunting. So, today we’re exploring your options with a look at apprenticeships.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a way to achieve education qualifications through a combination of practical training within a workplace and study. All apprenticeships must last for a minimum of 12 months and be within a paid for position.
There are four different levels of apprenticeships:
• Intermediate level: An intermediate level apprenticeship is the equivalent to five good GCSE passes
• Advanced level: An advanced level apprenticeship is the equivalent to two A-level passes
• Higher level: A higher level apprenticeship is equivalent to a foundation level of higher education
• Degree level: A degree level apprenticeship is equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree
Why chose an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a great way to gain qualifications whilst earning. The current National Minimum wage for an apprentice aged 16 to 18 is £4.30 per hour. For those aged 19 or over, in the first year of your apprenticeship the National Minimum Wage is £4.30 per hour, but this figure rises to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age after completing the first year of your apprenticeship.
Not only this but an apprenticeship is a great way to develop real life skills and insight into a company or sector you wish to work in. This can also be helpful when you’re looking for permanent job opportunities, as you can network and build relationships with your team.
Additionally, an apprenticeship can provide a way to access education without incurring the debt of student loans associated with university education. When you start an apprenticeship, your employer pays for all your training and pays you a salary as well!
What can I study an apprenticeship in?
The five most popular apprenticeship programmes are from these sectors:
• Business, Administration and Law apprenticeships
• Health, Public Services and Care apprenticeships
• Retail and Commercial Enterprise apprenticeships
• Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies apprenticeships
• Construction, Planning and the Built Environment apprenticeships
But many more sectors are now offering apprenticeships too!
Here at The Skills Network, we offer apprenticeship courses in Digital Marketing, IT Technical Sales, Data Analysis, Software Development, Information Communications and Software Development.
To find out more about The Skills Network’s apprenticeship programmes click here