What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete and cover 1500 job roles in a wide range of industries, from engineering to accountancy, marketing to hairdressing. Apprenticeships are now available up to degree level. The different levels are:

Level 2 Apprenticeship – This is the same as GCSE’s

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship – This is the same as A Levels

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship – This is the same as a Foundation Degree

Yes. You will receive a qualification that is valued by employers and is recognised both nationally and internationally. Usually, the qualifications you’ll receive will be a Technical Certificate and an NVQ.

As a school leaver, you can start on a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship, depending on your exam results, experience and the type of candidate the employer is looking for.

The average salary is £170 per week. Some employers will pay more than this, some will pay less, but no less than a set national minimum wage. The salary will be advertised with the apprenticeship.

Yes. You will be entitled to a minimum of 20 days holiday, plus 8 statutory days such as Bank Holidays.

For most apprenticeship positions, you need to have four GCSEs at Grades C or above, including maths and English or a GNVQ in a related subject. However, a positive attitude and previous work experience may also be taken into account.

At Gateshead College we offer a range of introductory training courses and pre-apprenticeships which are designed to give you the skills you need to progress onto an apprenticeship. For full course information, why not visit our website?

This will depend on the type of apprenticeship you do. For some apprenticeships, you’ll spend four days in work and one day at Gateshead College. For others, you might spend several weeks in work, then spend a week at college.

It depends upon the type of apprenticeship and can vary from 12 months to four years.

With a CV bursting with work experience and ‘job ready’ skills, you’ll be ideally placed to secure a job in your chosen field following an apprenticeship. The majority of apprentices stay in employment with two thirds staying with their apprentice employer.

Or you can progress onto a foundation degree or HND, many of which can be studied part time so you can continue to work.

Yes. Some apprenticeships attract UCAS points or lead to foundation degrees and HNDs which enable you to progress to a full honours degree programme at University.