If you want to earn while you learn, get paid holidays, cut back on student debt and gain a qualification all whilst getting significant on the job experience, then an apprenticeship might be perfect for you!
Not only that, but according to the latest stats from the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, 90% of apprentices are offered permanent employment either during their apprenticeship or upon graduation.
Even better news is the fact that North Kent College is one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers!
We offer a number of apprenticeships across our campuses at Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend and Hadlow in a variety of industries.
But what exactly is an apprenticeship, what qualifications do you need to start one and how long do they take to complete?
We answer all of those questions and more in our guide to apprenticeships…
Apprenticeships FAQs
What is an apprenticeship?
So, first things first, what exactly is an apprenticeship?
Well as we alluded to in the introduction, an apprenticeship is a real job which allows you to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in a specific trade or profession.
An apprenticeship combines on the job training with classroom instruction. Typically around 20% of your contracted working hours will be spent in training and development, with the remaining time spent in your workplace applying the skills and knowledge you are acquiring.
Who can start an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone in England aged 16 years old and above, whether employed, unemployed or leaving school. There is no upper age limit.
Do I need qualifications to start an apprenticeship?
There are varying levels of apprenticeships, but the first rung on the ladder, Level 2 apprenticeships, do not require any formal qualifications, although some employers may ask for GCSEs (level 4+) in English, maths and science.
So how many levels of apprenticeship are there?
Apprenticeship levels are set and equivalent to:
- Level 2 (Intermediate): GCSEs
- 3 (Advanced): A-levels
- 4 (Higher): Foundation degree
- 5 (Higher): Foundation degree/first year of Bachelor’s degree
- 6 (Degree): Bachelor’s degree
- 7 (Degree): Master’s degree
How long do apprenticeships take to complete?
Apprenticeships take anything from one year to four years to complete depending upon the level of the apprenticeship.
As a rule of thumb:
- Level 2: 12 to 18 months
- Level 3: 24 months
- Level 4 and above: Up to four years.
Do I get paid as an apprentice?
There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending upon your age and how far you are into an apprenticeship, but you will be paid at least £5.28 per hour, which is the National Minimum Apprenticeship Rate.
You will be paid for your normal working hours and the training that is part of your apprenticeship.
Please note that wages change regularly, so visit the Apprenticeships section of the gov.uk website for the latest information.
With some job roles your wage may increase as you progress and take on more responsibilities.
As an apprentice you have the same employment rights as any full-time member of staff and will also receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus national and public holidays.
How much does an apprenticeship cost?
The great thing about an apprenticeship is that there are no costs to the apprentice, aside from incidental costs such as travel to work, clothing and equipment needed for the job.
All employers operating in the UK with a pay bill over £3million each year are required to invest in apprenticeships.
This ‘Apprenticeship Levy’, effectively provides the funding for apprentices.
How can I find an apprenticeship?
Finding an apprenticeship is similar to finding a normal job, and there are several ways to find an apprenticeship that suits you:
- Register on the Find an Apprenticeship section of the gov.uk website. Here you can search for vacancies by location, industry, etc, etc.
- If you have a particular industry in mind, visit the websites of any companies in the industry to see if they are advertising any apprenticeship vacancies.
- Contact potential employers directly and ask them if they would consider supporting an apprenticeship.
What can I study as an apprentice?
We offer a number of apprenticeships here at North Kent College:
At Our Dartford, Tonbridge and Gravesend Campuses:
- Business Administrator Level 3
- Hair Professional Level 2
- AAT Assistant Accountant Level 3
- Engineering Operative Level 2
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Level 3
- Site Carpenter Level 2
- Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Level 3
- General Welder Level 2
- Plate Welder Level 3
- Painter & Decorator Level 2
- Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Level 2
- Seafarer (deck rating) Level 2
- Maritime Caterer Level 2
To find out more visit the apprenticeships section of the North Kent College website.
At Our Hadlow Campus
- General Farm Worker Level 2
- Crop Technician Level 3
- Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2
- Golf Greenkeeper Level 2
- Golf Course Manager Level 5
- Sports Turf Operative Level 2
- Advanced Sports Turf Technician Level 3
- Site Carpenter Level 2
- Architectural Joiner Level 2
- Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Level 3
- Motorcycle Technician Level 3
To find out more visit the apprenticeships section of the Hadlow College website.
Are You Interested? Then Get in Touch!
If you are interested in starting an apprenticeship, we have a dedicated Apprenticeship Team on hand for help and guidance.
Call 01322 629400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get in touch.