If your child is moving on from school, college, or sixth form and wondering what to do next, an apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for them. It is now a government requirement that all young people from 16 to 18 stay in education, an apprenticeship counts as education, whilst also being a full-time paid job. Whilst working the apprentice will undertake studying and gain a nationally recognised qualification. Anyone that is over the age of 16 and not in full-time education is eligible for an apprenticeship. Optimum Skills provides high-quality apprenticeships to the North-East and Yorkshire areas, we can assist your child in finding the right apprenticeship for them, leading them to a successful and rewarding career.
An apprenticeship is a job that your young person can get from the age of 16 years and over where they work full time for a company and training is provided alongside work. A salary is earned and they are treated as an employee with all of the benefits, support and security, providing the independence and responsibility that they would get if the preferred route was moving straight into a job. As part of the apprenticeship, 20% of the time is spent in training, learning new skills, knowledge and behaviours in order to progress through the chosen career path.
Apprenticeships can be started anytime from the age of 16 years old and there is no maximum age.
Here is some more key information
- Length of time can be from 1 year to 5 years, depending upon the chosen apprenticeship and level.
- There are 4 possible levels; Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3), Higher (Levels 4-7), Degree (Levels 6-7)
- Independent training providers, colleges or employer providers can deliver the apprenticeship working in partnership with the employer of the apprentice.
- Entry requirements differ depending on prior qualifications and experience, however, if your young person is 16-18 years old it is likely they are progressing from school/college therefore an intermediate or advanced level is suitable.