An apprentice works and trains at the same time. Typically they will work for your business for four days a week and study for a qualification for one day a week.
It is an opportunity for your employees to gain nationally recognised qualifications which keep them, and your business, up-to-date with industry developments.
The length of an apprenticeship varies according to the industry and they can last from between one and four years. There are three levels of apprenticeship and these refer to the type of qualification being studied:
Intermediate apprenticeship: Level 2 qualification, equal to GCSE A-C grades
Advanced apprenticeship: Level 3 qualification, equal to A Level
Higher apprenticeship: Level 4 qualification, equal to HND/foundation degree
You can choose to recruit an apprentice as a new employee, or one of your current employees can become an apprentice. An apprentice must be aged 16 but there is no upper age limit.
