What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a genuine job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. It gives individuals the opportunity to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a specific job role.
Apprenticeships combine real work, training and assessment.
- ✓ Earn while learning practical skills in a real workplace.
- ✓ Gain formal off-the-job training alongside workplace learning.
- ✓ Practise new skills in a real work environment.
- ✓ Work towards confident, competent performance to industry standard.
A genuine job with structured skills development.
An apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. The apprentice gains skills through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment.
Real employment
Apprenticeships are genuine jobs where individuals are employed while they develop practical skills and knowledge for a specific job role.
Earn while learning
Apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while they learn, combining paid work with structured training and assessment.
Employer and individual benefit
Apprenticeships benefit both employers and individuals, helping to boost workforce skills and improve economic productivity.
Industry development
Apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for specific job roles, future employment and progression.
How does an apprenticeship work?
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with formal off-the-job training. The employer and training provider agree how the training is delivered, making sure it is directly relevant to the apprenticeship framework or standard.
At least 20% off-the-job training
Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training. This is mandatory.
English and Maths support
Some apprentices may need more than the minimum training time if they require additional training in English and Maths.
Flexible delivery
Off-the-job training may include regular day release, block release, special training days or workshops.
Relevant to the role
Training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship and can be delivered at the apprentice’s normal workplace, provided it is not part of normal working duties.
What can off-the-job training include?
Off-the-job training is designed to develop the apprentice beyond normal working duties. It can include practical learning, workplace exposure and structured development opportunities.
Shadowing
Apprentices may shadow experienced team members to understand workplace tasks, standards and expectations.
Mentoring
Apprentices should be supported by a mentor as they develop workplace confidence, skills and competence.
Industry visits
Training can include industry visits to help apprentices understand the wider sector and technical environment.
Competitions
Attending competitions can form part of practical training and help apprentices build confidence and experience.
On-the-job development
On-the-job training helps an apprentice develop the specific skills needed for the workplace.
Industry standard competence
Once complete, apprentices should be able to demonstrate that they can perform tasks confidently and competently to the standard set by industry.
Who can take part in an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can support people starting their careers, new entrants to a business and existing employees who need to develop skills for current or future roles.
Individuals over 16
Individuals over the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Working in England
Apprentices must spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of their apprenticeship.
Not in full-time education
Individuals must not be in full-time education when applying for an apprenticeship.
New entrants
Employers can offer apprenticeships to new entrants, helping them develop the required skills, knowledge and behaviours for specific job roles.
Current employees
Employers can also use apprenticeships to grow talent amongst current employees and support future progression.
Future employment and progress
Apprenticeships equip individuals with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need for specific job roles, future employment and progress.
Apprenticeship levels and education equivalents
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, from intermediate routes through to higher and degree-level study.
Level guide
Apprenticeship pathways| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Level 2 | 5 GCSE passes |
| Advanced | Level 3 | 2 A Level passes |
| Higher | Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | Levels 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree |
Intermediate
Equivalent educational level: 5 GCSE passes.
Advanced
Equivalent educational level: 2 A Level passes.
Higher
Equivalent educational level: foundation degree and above.
Degree
Equivalent educational level: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Support current and future business needs.
The Elevated Knowledge Apprenticeship Programme supports the current and future needs of your business and helps address skills shortages, ensuring your future workforce has the relevant skills, knowledge and commitment required for continued development.
Address skills shortages
Apprenticeship programmes can help address skills shortages your business may be facing now or may face in the future.
Plan for expansion
Planned recruitment programmes can help you build a pool of experienced employees to support expansion plans.
Prepare for retirement gaps
Apprenticeship recruitment can support workforce planning where future retirements may create skills or capacity gaps.
Train and retain younger workers
Recruiting apprentices through Elevated Knowledge’s Apprenticeship Programme is a cost-effective solution to training and retaining younger age group workers.
Ready to explore apprenticeships?
Looking at potential future skills shortages prepares your business for any eventuality. Speak to Elevated Knowledge about apprenticeship pathways, recruitment support and future workforce planning.