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What Is An Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a system in which people receive on-the-job training while receiving compensation and performing productive work. After completing an apprenticeship, a person will have significant job experience as well as a recognised industry credential that will allow them to stay in the area and progress in their career. A trade credential – or “ticket” – is earned through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning. You are qualified to work in a skilled profession once you have completed your apprenticeship and received your ticket. Apprenticeships can be started while still in high school or after graduation. To further understand what is an apprenticeship and how it works, read the full article below!
What Is An Apprenticeship & How Does It Work?
An apprenticeship allows you to work in a real job while learning for a formal qualification – typically one day per week at a university, country, or training centre. By the completion of your apprenticeship, you should have acquired the skills and knowledge required to either excel in your chosen career or advance to the next level of apprenticeship.
What you’ll learn is determined by the position you’re preparing for. Apprentices in every role, complete an approved study programme, which means you’ll graduate with a nationally recognised qualification.
These qualifications may include:
- Functional skills are GCSE credentials in English, math, and information technology.
- NVQs are national vocational qualifications that range from Level 2 (equivalent to five GCSEs) to Level 5. (similar to a postgraduate degree).
- BTEC, City and Guild Progression Award, and other technical certificates.
- Academic qualifications, such as an HNC, HND, foundation degree, or the equivalent of a complete Bachelor’s degree.
Type Of Apprenticeship
Now that we know what is an apprenticeship let us understand the different types of apprenticeships. Read on to learn more about it in detail.
Apprenticeships are divided into three categories:
- Time-based: The apprentice’s success is measured in hours spent on the job and in class.
- Competency-based: Apprenticeship progress is measured by the apprentice’s capacity to demonstrate the application of relevant information, skills, and abilities.
- Hybrid: The apprentice’s progress is assessed using a combination of programme hours and workplace competencies.
An employer or a sponsoring body, such as a trade association, a labour organisation, or an independent apprenticeship organisation, can host the apprenticeship. To establish and register their programme, sponsors collaborate with either the US Department of Labor or their State Apprenticeship Agency. The sponsor may supply all aspects of the programme (on-the-job training and related technical instruction), or they may collaborate with community colleges, career schools, or other educational institutions to create a holistic, apprentice-focused experience.
What Is An Apprenticeship Programme & How Can You Benefit From It?
Both apprentices and employers benefit from practicum. Apprentices can work in the following fields:
- Information Technology
- Allied Health
- Transportation
- Communication
- Energy
- Banking And Finance
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Sales
- Management
- Hospitality
- Skilled Trades (Construction, Plumbing, Carpentry, Etc.)
You may wonder what is an apprenticeship programme all about, then the above list can help you understand them based on fields.
How Is It Beneficial For The Employer?
- The ability to diversify the workforce by bringing in new talent; the nurturing of a well-trained, talented workforce that is productive from the outset;
- The ability to train employees utilising the specific equipment, techniques, and processes that the business requires;
- An increase in employee high performance and a reduction in error and accident rates;
- A stronger sense of commitment between businesses and employees;
- Retention and advancement of employees;
- An opportunity to fill difficult positions;
- When soon-to-retire employees and recent retirees serve as instructors and mentors to new employees, there is an opportunity to maintain institutional knowledge; and
- A financial return on investment of approximately $1.40 for every dollar spent on the programme
What Is An Apprenticeship Training & What Do You Receive In It?
Let us now look at the prices and working hours of an average apprenticeship. You’ll be entitled to the apprenticeship salary of £4.81 per hour if you’re under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 and over and still in your first year as an apprentice. Apprentices who have finished their first year and are 19 years old will be eligible for the National Minimum Wage (NMW). It is been set at £6.83 per hour (for those aged 18-20), £9.18 (21-22), and £9.50 per hour (23 and above) (from April 2022). This pay rate is only intended as a guideline; certain firms may pay you more. In addition, you’ll be eligible for sick pay, whatever additional benefits your firm provides to its other employees, such as healthcare insurance and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid vacation every year.
Age Limit
Being an apprentice has no upper age limit. You can apply for an apprenticeship if you’re over the age of 16 and have the necessary qualifications. You may be eligible for additional government support if you begin your apprenticeship after you reach 19.
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