As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can apply.
 
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. * All employed apprentices will get a wage, at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) however, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact, research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.

*www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Key benefits:
•    earn a salary
•    get paid holidays
•    receive training
•    gain qualifications
•    learn job-specific skills

There are three levels of Apprenticeship available for those aged 16 and over:
 
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.

Advanced Level Apprenticeships
Apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.

Higher Apprenticeships
Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 4 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation Degree.

Apprenticeships are available in the following Sectors

Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care*
Arts, Media and Publishing
Business, Administration and Law
Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
Education and Training
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies*
Health, Public Services and Care*
Information and Communication Technology
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Retail and Commercial Enterprise*

ABC Awards has qualifications in these sectors* that contribute to Apprenticeships: