Introduction to apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job combined with learning and assessment, resulting in a qualification. Apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while they learn and develop practical skills in the workplace.

For employers, apprenticeships are an efficient way to cultivate a well skilled, motivated and qualified workforce.

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job and off-the-job training. On-the-job work is time spent in the workplace, developing skills and knowledge, based on the job role and the working environment. This includes team work, communication, time management and working to deadlines. Off-the-job training is outside of day-to-day responsibilities. This training will be undertaken in the workplace with a training provider, college or online.

The amount of time spent on training is agreed between the apprentice, the employer and their training provider. Off the job training will amount to at least six hours per week, although this will be flexibly determined based on the apprentice’s job role.

The combination allows apprentices to develop practical skills and knowledge, relevant to their job role, benefitting both themselves and the employer.

Apprentices are paid at an appropriate rate set by the employer based on the job role and pay rates of the organisation.

Whilst there are minimum wage rates for apprentices, many employers will pay more.

When hiring an apprentice, employers must adhere to the following responsibilities:

• Apprentices are paid at an appropriate rate set by the employer. These are the minimum rates an apprentice will receive, and many employers choose to pay more.

• Apprenticeships must last a minimum of 1-year (this length is dependent on the Apprenticeship Standard)
• Employers must have an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement with an apprentice
• Apprentices must receive paid holiday entitlement and statutory sick pay
• Employers must ensure their apprentice spends at least 6 hours of their time per week on off-the-job training (although this can be flexibly determined)

An apprentice must work a minimum of 30 hours a week, and no more than 40 hours.

There are many apprenticeship standards to choose from at various levels. It all depends on the job roles and the level of responsibility. These standards are designed by employers. They are designed around job roles and the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in a role. 

To view an extensive list of the apprenticeship standards, visit the Institute of Apprenticeships website or contact the Apprenticeship Ladder for Coventry & Warwickshire for advice and guidance.

It is important that an apprenticeship standard matches the job role to ensure that individuals and employers benefit. A training provider will help to review a job role and advise an appropriate apprenticeship standard. It may be useful to review the job role and responsibilities and match them up to a standard on the Institute of Apprenticeships website.

The range of apprenticeships are listed below.