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Apprenticeships

Use the links below to find the information you need:

Advice and support applying for jobs

If you are looking for work then there are many different organisations offering help and support. 

The Skills for Worcestershire website has lots of information on it from CV writing to interview technique.

Support on training and finding work is also available from the National Careers Service.

If you are on Universal Credit you can get access to support from your work coach or Job Centre Plus staff.

About apprenticeships

Anyone from 16 to 116 can start an apprenticeship.

There are many benefits to choosing an apprenticeship. It is a good way to get into work and gain a qualification at the same time. You will also earn money while you are learning so you can avoid getting into university debt.

Apprenticeships are available in lots of different sectors, from agriculture and construction to law, engineering or media.

Webinars:

Levels of apprenticeship

There are four different levels of apprenticeship.

  • Level 2 Intermediate - equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
  • Level 3 Advanced - equivalent to two A-level passes.
  • Level 4 Higher - equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
  • Level 5/7 Degree - comparable to a Bachelor's or Master's degree.

Pay for apprentices

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in. 

In the first year of your apprenticeship, you will receive at least £5.28 per hour. If you are older than 19 this will go up to the national minimum wage from your second year. Many apprenticeships will pay more than the minimum.

You will also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday a year.

Apprenticeship case studies

If you still need convincing that apprenticeships could be worth considering then read our case studies below:

Read more about the experience of apprentices on the Not going to Uni website.

Claim help with the cost of your apprenticeship

Apprentice Bursary

Bursaries have been made available by Wychavon to encourage young people across the district to enrol in an apprenticeship.

Apprentices can apply for help with the cost of travel, clothing and tools or equipment.

The following bursaries are available:

  • Maximum of £50 per month for up to 6 months for travel expenses
  • One-off grant payment with a maximum value of £75 for clothing
  • One-off grant payment with a maximum value of £100 for tools or equipment

To qualify for a grant, apprentices will need to be aged between 16-24 years old, have a salary of £175 or less per week (this can be flexible depending on individual circumstances) and live in Wychavon district.

Apprenticeship Criteria

  • Must be an approved Apprenticeship standard or framework meeting the apprenticeship funding and guidance rules (all levels and sectors apply)
  • The Training Organisation must be on the approved register to deliver the apprenticeship

The bursary is subject to a successful application to Wychavon District Council and the availability of funds.  Wychavon District Council reserves the right to award or reject bursary applications. The scheme will be run on a first come first served basis, with bursaries awarded only on successful approval of a bursary application.

  • Please ensure you only submit one application form
  • The application for funds must be submitted during the period of the Apprenticeship
  • Applications received once the apprenticeship is complete will not be considered.

The bursary will be payable by Wychavon District Council direct to the Apprentice following the supply of evidence of costs to be incurred.

The aim of the bursaries is to encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship as a viable career choice and help them overcome cost barriers. More apprenticeship qualifications are being made available and some industries now offer degree level apprenticeships, which provide work experience while studying for a degree.

To apply for a bursary, read the document apprentice bursary information document (1006 KB) and complete the document apprentice bursary application (1012 KB) form. Once completed then send it to Wychavon's Skills Officer, Sue Owens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Worcestershire Apprenticeships Bursary

Worcestershire Apprenticeships have launched their new support system for those seeking apprenticeships. Users are able to complete an online submission form about the type of apprenticeship they are interested in. This information can then be shared with the relevant local training providers, who in turn will contact the individual to support them to become an apprentice. Read more information about the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Account on the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.

If you secure an apprenticeship through your Worcestershire Apprenticeships account you will be eligible to claim an incentive payment of up to £250 as well as expenses to help with things like travel and uniform costs. Find out more information about the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Bursary on the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.

Prince’s Trust Development Awards: Small Grants for Young People Aged 16 – 30

The Prince’s Trust Development Awards programme provides small grants for young people aged 16 - 30 to help them access education, training and employment. They can offer £150, which you do not have to pay back. And up to around £500.

View our grants and funding page for more information about the Awards or contact Sarbjit Bentley: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Current apprenticeship vacancies

There are plenty of opportunities for Higher and Degree level apprenticeships. View list of vacancies on the amazing apprenticeships website.

Other types of training

Apprenticeships are not the only way you can access training and improve your skills. Some other options are listed below.

Traineeships

Traineeships help get you ready for work or an apprenticeship. A traineeship is 70 hours long and can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months. They can help develop your English, maths and digital skills.

While you won’t get paid for a traineeship, you might be given expenses for travel and food.

A traineeship can give you 70 hours work experience, give you the skills you need to get your apprenticeship, help you with your CV, and give you some feedback from an employer. You will not have an employment contract as it is not a job.

To find out more about traineeships in our area contact Whitehead Ross on 07404 895438 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme is aimed at 16 to 24-year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Jobs created by The Kickstart Scheme pay the national minimum wage, are full-time and last for a year. You may leave at any time and you may be taken on full time during the process. You will have an employment contract.

You cannot apply for a Kickstarter post yourself. You must be referred by the Job Centre.

Free qualifications for adults 19 and over

If you are aged 19 and over and do not already have a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma or A levels, you can study for a free qualification.

Read about qualification levels on GOV.UK

Qualifications are available in the following sectors:

  • accounting and finance
  • agriculture
  • building and construction
  • business management
  • childcare and early years
  • digital
  • engineering
  • environmental conservation
  • health and social care
  • horticulture and forestry
  • manufacturing technologies
  • mathematics and statistics
  • medicine and dentistry
  • public services
  • science
  • teaching and lecturing
  • transportation operations and maintenance
  • warehousing and distribution

Some of these qualifications are available to study online or part-time. In some instances, you may need to meet admissions criteria for the course you chose to apply for. For example, you may need to have studied a particular subject before at a lower level.

To apply you will need to contact the college you wish to study at.

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