Use the links below to find the information you need:
- About apprenticeships
- Levels of apprenticeship
- Pay for apprentices
- Apprenticeship case studies
- Current apprenticeship vacancies
- Other types of training
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.
- Find out more by reading the Interactive Student Guide to Apprenticeships on the Worcestershire apprenticeship website
- Visit Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.
Webinars:
- You can also watch the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Apprenticeship Q&A webinar on YouTube.
- Watch our webinars on degree apprenticeships on YouTube.
- Watch opportunities in the construction industry on YouTube
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 £4.30 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:
- pdf Read about Apprentice: ADDer Bookkeeping (1.08 MB)
- pdf Read about Business: ADDer Bookkeeping Ltd (977 KB)
- pdf Read the case study: Abbey Butchers (3.59 MB)
- pdf Read business case study: Abbey Butchers (1.00 MB)
Read more about the experience of apprentices on the Not going to Uni website.
- Read Mya Hartnett's story as a translational medicine apprentice in oncology at AstraZeneca.
- Read Chloe Wilson's story, Customer Engagement Manager with Sky.
- Read Emi Putnam's story, historic environment advice assistant apprentice.
Current apprenticeship vacancies
- Search Worcestershire Apprentices for the latest list of apprenticeship vacancies
- You can also find apprenticeship vacancies elsewhere in England by using the national find an apprenticeship search. View find apprenticeship website.
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..
Search for other training providers on the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.
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.