Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships
As a parent, you want your child to get the best possible start in their career. There are many options available to young people after they leave school, and in this guide, we outline information and benefits about apprenticeships as a key route into a successful career.
It is a genuine job, with training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
The national minimum wage for apprentices is £4.81 per hour (for 16-18 year olds or 19+ in first year) but many employers pay more than this. This is dependent on the sector, region, age of apprentice and apprenticeship level E.g. some higher apprenticeships pay up to £500 per week. More details on salaries and entry criteria in specific apprenticeship occupations can be accessed by looking at the vacancies on ‘Find an apprenticeship’.
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job. Recent legislation has come into effect which changes the minimum English and maths requirements needed to complete an apprenticeship for people with a learning difficulty or disability. The changes will lower the English and maths requirements for these apprentices to an Entry Level 3 qualification. A Disability Confident Employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria as defined by the employer. For more details, search Disability Confident on GOV.UK
There are various levels of apprenticeship to apply for depending on current skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels: All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships will require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice`s ability and competence in their job role.
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Level | Equivalent | Educational Level |
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A Level |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6, and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
Apprenticeships are now available up to degree level and beyond:
- Earning a salary and paid holiday
- Excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or climb the ranks within the workplace
- Increased future earning potential – apprentices enjoy marked salary increases on finishing their training and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime
Once the right job comes up, your son or daughter can simply register on the website and follow the step-by-step instructions to apply for the role.
If they are not quite ready for an apprenticeship or job, they could try a traineeship with a local employer to gain valuable work experience and the opportunity to improve their English and maths
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