What are Apprenticeships?
Paid jobs where you get good training and qualifications
If you’re leaving or have already left full-time education, you’ll want to learn skills that will give you satisfaction at work. You’ll also want to improve your prospects of finding a job in the industry you’ve chosen. Apprenticeships allow you to do just that.
Learn on the job
Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. You work towards National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Employers all over the country recognise and value NVQs as they show you’ve been trained in the skills they need.
Earn while you learn
Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. So you're paid while you learn.
Training that’s useful
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure your employer is supporting you and you are making progress. You also spend time off the job with Coleg Sir Gar studying for vocational qualifications. So all the things you study will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career.
Who can do Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over, living and / or working in Wales and not taking part in full-time education. Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. What counts are practical skills and your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen. Employers value keenness to work and keenness to learn.
Two levels of Apprenticeship
There are two different levels of Apprenticeship available:
• Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (FMA)
You gain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 and possibly a higher qualification. This provides the skills you need for your chosen career and provides progression to:
• Modern Apprenticeships (MA)
Modern Apprentices work towards NVQ Level 3 and Level 4 in some occupational areas. To do this programme you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship.
What do I get out of it?
All the benefits of work while you learn new skills.
Enter the world of work
School years can be frustrating when all you want to do is get out into the world, start working and earning a living. Apprenticeships give you the chance to do just that. It’s an exciting feeling to be starting a new job and getting paid. And it’s even better when each day you are continuing to learn new things.
Start earning
You’ll be earning good money sooner than your friends who don’t take up an Apprenticeship. There is no set rate of pay for Apprenticeships, you’ll be paid the going wage according to the role, so, like any job, what you get paid depends on your employer and the type of work you do.
As your skills develop your pay will increase. You may also get extra money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability. As a full-time apprentice you could receive benefits such as pension contributions and subsidised canteen and leisure facilities.
Holidays
Like most other employees, you will be given at least 20 days paid holiday per year as well as bank holidays.
Support during training
Training Services will appoint you with a Training Adviser / Assessor. Their job is to ensure your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and satisfies national standards.
Prospects
Apprenticeships can be demanding but they are very rewarding. Because Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How do Apprenticeships work?
Answers to your questions.
How long do Apprenticeships last?
Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeships last as long as it takes to achieve your National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), Key Skills and Technical Certificate. On average, Apprenticeships last between one and three years.
How much time do I spend at work?
You’ll be at work for most of your time as most training is on-the-job. The rest usually takes place at Coleg Sir Gar. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release basis. The amount of time you spend varies according to your Apprenticeship. It could be anything from one day every other fortnight to two days every week.
What time of year can I start?
You can apply at any time of year. When you begin the work-based training depends upon the availability of a position at an employer. Classroom training will usually start at the beginning of the academic year in late summer or early September.
When should I apply?
Apply as early as you can. It can take time to find an employer offering the Apprenticeship you want.
What’s the role of Training Services?
At the start, they will appoint a Training Adviser / Assessor who will work with your employer to make sure the training is up to the standard of the NVQ. Once you’ve begun your Apprenticeship, your Training Adviser will follow your progress and deal with any issues which may arise.
What’s the role of the employer?
They give you an induction into the company and your role. They also provide on-the-job training and pay your wages. You will have a manager at work who will be responsible for helping you throughout your training.
Do I get to choose where to work?
Yes. You choose with the help of Training Services.
I’ve already got a job – can I still do an Apprenticeship?
Yes. If your employer agrees you can become an apprentice where you work now.
Do I have to pay anything to become an apprentice?
No. All Apprenticeships in Wales are fully funded through the Welsh Assembly Government.
What’s involved in the selection process?
Getting an Apprenticeship is like getting a job. You could be interviewed a few times and even asked to take tests to see if you’re the right person. So you need to be prepared to sell yourself and convince others that an Apprenticeship is right for you.