Advanced Apprenticeships: What you need to know
Never heard of advanced apprenticeships?
OK, so everyone knows that apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical training and experience. But what you might not be aware of is that there are many different types of apprenticeships out there to suit your skills – and choosing the right one could make all the difference when it comes to moving your career forward.
To help clear up any confusions, here’s everything you need to know about advanced apprenticeships:
What are Advanced Apprenticeships?
Advanced Apprenticeships are an alternative to A levels, providing students with the opportunity to build practical experience in the workplace and develop their skills.
They are the second level of apprenticeships, coming after an Intermediate Apprenticeship, and before Higher Apprenticeships.
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How long do they last?
Advanced Apprenticeship training can take anywhere up to 24 months – although the exact length will vary, depending on the employer, and the industry you’re looking to work in.
What areas will an Advanced Apprenticeship cover?
Advanced apprenticeships enable you to get practical training in a range of areas.
Potential sectors you could work in include mechanical engineering, beauty, hairdressing, vehicle maintenance and carpentry & joinery. However, many other organisations outside of these areas may still offer them.
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How old do I have to be for an Advanced Apprenticeship?
To get started on an Advanced Apprenticeship, you will need to be aged 16 or over.
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Can I continue my education while I’m doing an apprenticeship?
Some companies choose to run their apprenticeship in partnership with a registered training organisation, such as a further education college.
Students will usually study a few days a week in college during their apprenticeship, whilst spending the rest of their time working with an employer.
Attending college enables trainees to fulfil the theoretical element of their training and pick up other qualifications such as numeracy, literacy or ICT in addition to their advanced apprenticeship qualification.
Am I eligible for an Advanced Apprenticeship?
To get started with an Advanced Apprenticeship, you’ll normally need 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification.
It’s also possible to progress from an Intermediate Apprenticeship onto an Advanced Apprenticeship.
How do they differ to normal apprenticeships?
An Advanced Apprenticeship is one step above an Intermediate Apprenticeship.
Intermediate Apprenticeships are set at Level 2, whereas an Advanced Apprenticeship is set at Level 3, or A level standard.
What are the advantages of an apprenticeship?
One of the big advantages of any apprenticeship is that you will earn while you learn, which means that you will be gaining highly specific skills which will make you very employable whilst earning a training allowance of around £150 to £190 per week.
Lots of small companies offer Advanced Apprenticeships, but some of the world’s biggest businesses, such as Volkswagen, National Grid and other manufacturing companies also run tailored advanced apprenticeship programmes independently.
Another major advantage of apprenticeships is that employers often employ apprentices once they’ve successfully completed their training, as they already know everything about the role and can really hit-the-ground running when it comes to starting full-time employment.
What are Higher Apprenticeships?
Higher Apprenticeships are a level above Advanced Apprenticeships, and provide post A level practical qualifications.
A Higher Apprenticeship may also offer a route into university, and a help towards gaining a Higher National Diploma or degree.
How to apply for an apprenticeship
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