Either click on any of these questions to read the answer, or read on down to see all the questions and answers

Am I Eligible For An Apprenticeship?

What Happens In The Application Process?

Are There Different Types Of Apprenticeship?

How Long Does An Apprenticeship Take?

How Do Apprenticeships Work?

How Much Do I Get Paid?

Do I Get Holidays?

What Qualifications Do I Get When I've Finished My Apprenticeship?

How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?

What Happens After My Apprenticeship?

Am I Eligible For An Apprenticeship?
There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. You just need to be living in England, aged 16-24 and not taking part in full-time education. If you start an Apprenticeship before your 25th birthday, you can continue until you have completed it.

What Happens In The Application Process?
There are two ways to apply for an Apprenticeship. You can approach an employer who takes on apprentices and see if they are willing to give you a job. You can also apply through what are called Managing Agents such as BEST or JTL who will then try to match you with an employer. Details of both of these people are to be found by clicking the Links To Other Sources Of Advice link at the top of this page. The selection process is just like any other job application process. You will be put through interviews and even asked to take tests to see if you're the right person. This process is carried out by the Managing Agent on behalf of the employer, so you need to be prepared to sell yourself and convince others that an Apprenticeship is for you. After all, there's no such thing as an automatic place – any employer is unlikely to take you on unless you can convince them that you're right for the job.

Are There Different Types Of Apprenticeship?
Yes, there are different types of Apprenticeship available. Which type of Apprenticeship is right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities in your area. However, all Apprenticeships include the following basic elements:

• An appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or Level 3
• Key Skills qualifications, for example, working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
• A technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (included in most cases)
• Other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation.
• Apprenticeships can also be a stepping-stone to university.

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How long does an Apprenticeship take?

There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and format. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. An Apprenticeship will usually take four years, on average. Though some Apprenticeships might take less, others can take up to five years, so a large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see it through.

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How Do Apprenticeships Work?

Your employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also spend time with a college / university, gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market – like working in teams, problem-solving, communication skills and using new technology. In addition, you'll study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job.

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How Much Do I Get Paid?

Most employers follow the pay scales set by the industry which is often no less than other new entrants to work. That's a pretty good deal, considering that your employer is also investing their time in your future. Like any other employee, you'll still have to pay tax.

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Do I Get Holidays?
You will receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year (plus bank holidays). Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement. Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and times those holidays cannot be taken.

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What Qualifications Do I Get When I've Finished My Apprenticeship?

You'll get a package of qualifications when you finish your Apprenticeship ­ a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City & Guilds Progression Award, and Key Skills qualifications. But most importantly you will be a qualified engineer.

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How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?

There are five levels of NVQ in England and In Wales

• Level 1 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
• Level 2 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
• Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A levels/1 vocational A level
• Level 4/5 is equivalent to HNC, HND and degree level There are three levels of SVQs in Scotland
• SVQ 2 is equivalent to Intermediate 2 / Credit standard grade
• SVQ3 is equivalent to Higher Grade * SVQ4 is equivalent to HND / Diploma

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What Happens After My Apprenticeship?

After you have completed your Apprenticeship you will be a qualified engineer. And maybe you will decide to end your training there. However, you may feel differently about things by then than you do now. And the great thing about an Apprenticeship is that it keeps your options open. You might decide to go further and obtain management qualifications. Or go on and get a degree. Or study to become multi-skilled, or a specialist in a particular field. Whatever, the door is never closed. And you can make these choices at any time ­ either straight after you qualify or at any time later in your career. There are also certain professional memberships that you may wish to go for.

These may be useful if you are thinking of working abroad, since they are internationally recognised. The professional body for engineers is the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE). To find out about the various types of professional memberships they offer Click Here

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