What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships let you to learn on the job, build up knowledge and skills, gain qualifications and earn money all at the same time. They are available to 16-24 year olds who have left full time education.
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, letting you choose the speed at which you learn.
An Apprenticeship lets you continue your education - you can complete an Advanced Apprenticeship and go on to do a Foundation Degree.
Key benefits:
- earn a salary
- get paid holidays
- receive on-the-job training
- gain a recognised qualification
- learn job-specific skills
How much will I get paid?
All apprentices must be paid a minimum of £2.50 per hour*. However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact, research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.
The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage will rise to £2.60 per hour from 1 October 2011.
* Wages may differ in the agricultural sector.
Apprenticeship vacancies
If you are looking for an Apprenticeship visit the National Apprenticeship Service website. This site lets you search and apply for Apprenticeships offered by employers all over England.
Once you have registered with the site you can receive text and email alerts when the type of Apprenticeship you are looking for becomes available.
To register and to find out more about Apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You can also find local opportunities here on the Luton Youth Service website - visit our Apprenticeship vacancies page.
Find out more
For help with finding out more about Apprenticeships, contact your Youth Service Personal Adviser (PA). They will discuss the options with you and help you decide which one is best for you.
