Semta

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn whilst you learn at any age. They are geared towards helping new recruits or existing employees gain invaluable skills and industry recognised qualifications. They particularly suit people who like a ‘hands-on’ approach to learning.  Many employers use them to train and develop people who will be the technical specialists and managers of the future.

To find out which employers are recruiting apprentices in your area click here or watch this video for an insight into apprenticeships in manufacturing and engineering.

Apprentices are employed from the start of their apprenticeship and are paid a salary from day one.  They spend most of the time in the workplace, doing real work and developing the competencies they need to gain work-based learning qualifications such as  N/SVQs. It’s an excellent way to get to know the company and quickly become a useful member of the team.

Apprentices also work towards knowledge-based qualifications such as technical certificates, diplomas or foundation degrees to give them the theoretical knowledge they need to support the practical experience. This is often done by attending college – usually one day a week.

As an apprentice you’ll also develop other essential skills to a national standard.  These can include communication, application of numbers, information and communications technology, working with others, problem-solving – the sort of skills that are valuable to employers and to you as an individual, whatever direction your career takes.

Watch this video to hear the experiences of apprentices at QinetiQ.