Why should you do an Apprenticeship?

VQ offers high-quality apprenticeships delivered in close collaboration with both employers and learners. The number of individuals beginning an Apprenticeship programme stands at a record level. There are currently 739 new Apprenticeship qualifications available for individuals to study – these qualifications range from Level 2 (GCSE) to Level 8 (Masters Degree) Apprenticeships can unlock fabulous career opportunities, over 90% of Apprentices go into full-time work/higher level Apprenticeships upon the completion of their programme.

Apprenticeships offer learners the chance to acquire skills that can be used in a variety of industries. Gaining these skills enables people to progress in their career choices at any stage of their lives. There is no maximum age limit to be an Apprentice, many managers and company directors enrol onto Apprenticeship programmes in order to enhance and develop their skills. For businesses, apprenticeships make strong commercial sense. They can support businesses to improve the quality of their products and services. They also allow employers to find and develop future talent and have people grow with the business.

Interesting Facts

  • Some of the country’s top employers are offering work experience, traineeships and apprenticeships to help give young people the best start in their career.
  • On average, individuals with an advanced apprenticeship earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more over their lifetime than similar individuals with Level 2 qualifications.
  • You have the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications whilst earning a salary!
  • 89% of apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeship; 85% of apprentices said their ability to do the job had improved, and 83% of apprentices said their career prospects had improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a great way to learn and earn and follow a career path without having to go to college or university. Apprentices are employed members of staff in a business. As an apprentice, you will be in a full-time job and at the same time follow a training programme that provides the knowledge and skills you need to do your job.

How does it work?

Each apprenticeship follows an "Apprenticeship Standard" This sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you will be expected to be proficient at by the end of your programme. We work with you and the employer to make sure you get the training at and away from work. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will be required to go through an "End Point Assessment". This is where an external and independent assessor will check you meet the knowledge, skills and behaviour standards. We prepare you for endpoint assessment. Once you have completed this, you will receive your certificates and will have finished your programme.

How do I become an Apprentice? This is really straight forward. Take a look at our vacancies and then submit your CV. We will then check your CV to see if you are suitable for a position and if you are we get you in, or sometimes have an online meeting and interview you. If you have a great CV and interview and we think you are right for the job, we will put you forward for an interview with the employer. Then it's down to you to convince them that you are the right person for the job.
Do I get paid as an Apprentice?

You do! As a full-time employee, you will be paid. You will also be paid when you attend training sessions or do online work. There is an apprenticeship minimum wage but many of the employers we work with will pay more than this. We also offer NUS discount cards to apprentices.

Want to find out more about becoming an apprentice?

Call us on 01423 740006