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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and complete a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Apprenticeships are available in more than 170 industries, from advertising and construction to environmental engineering and business management.

Apprenticeships can offer great long-term progression. After finishing, the majority of apprentices (85 per cent) stay in employment, with two-thirds staying with the same employer. A third of all former apprentices receive a promotion within 12 months of finishing. Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15 per cent more employable than those with other qualifications (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills).

An apprenticeship includes:

• a work placement with on-the-job learning
• taking part in training courses to gain recognised qualifications in the skills area of the placement
• working towards certificates in technical skills
• working towards certificates in key or functional skills, for example maths, English, and ICT.

Apprenticeships generally fall into one of four categories:

Intermediate level apprenticeship — generally considered to be the same as five GCSE passes

Advanced level apprenticeship — generally considered to be the same as two A level passes.

Higher apprenticeship — can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree.

Some universities offer degree apprenticeships — these are new and enable apprentices to achieve a full bachelor's or master's degree as part of their apprenticeship. 

Finding an apprenticeship

There are a number of places to look for your perfect apprenticeship opportunity:

Brent Works is a free service for young people aged 16+, providing job and apprenticeship opportunities for local people in a variety of occupations, including construction.

Brent Connexions Service: Employment information, advice and guidance for young people aged 13 to 19 (and up to the age of 25 for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities)

Brent Apprenticeships: View vacancies created by our work with local businesses in Brent to help them create apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships at Brent Council: Find out about becoming an apprentice with us and helping to shape our local community

National Apprenticeship Service: View current apprenticeship vacancies in the UK and create a profile to receive alerts when suitable opportunities come up

GOV.UK: General information about apprenticeships and regulations