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Total Guide to Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a time tested way to learn a skilled trade.

It's a common misconception that apprenticeships are for the less academically able and for those wanting to become a hairdresser, a plumber or an electrician; however in actual fact, this really isn't the case.

Apprenticeships have had a new lease of life in recent years and they offer programmes in all sorts of vocations, including arts, media and publishing, business administration and law and even leisure, travel and tourism.

But is an apprenticeship right for you? Let’s find out!

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a work based scheme that combines studying with practical training, jobs that start with an apprenticeship are usually highly skilled and in high demand.

Depending on the level of apprenticeship you choose they can take between 1 and 5 years to complete but once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll have credentials that will be valued anywhere you go.

Anyone over the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship just so long as they're not already in full time education. If you took your GCSEs more than five years ago didn't gain good grades in Maths and English you'll need to take a literacy and numeracy test.

Here's what to expect:

To work alongside experienced staff
To study at least 1 day a week
To gains job-specific skills
To earn a wage

What is each apprenticeship level worth?

In England there are 3 apprenticeship levels:

Intermediate: Which is equivalent to 5 GCSE's
Advanced: Which is equivalent to 2 A Levels’
Higher Apprenticeships: Which can lead to an NVQ or a Foundation Degree.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Full-time education isn't for everyone. So by choosing an apprenticeship you've got the opportunity to get out and experience a proper job in a real life working environment. Plus you've got the chance to "earn whilst you learn".

Along the way you'll pick up new transferable skills that will make you a lot more attractive to potential employers when it comes to getting a job. With a huge variety of apprenticeship schemes available in Swindon, you're bound to find something that suits you and your career path.