What is an Apprenticeship?
On an Apprenticeship you’ll work towards a nationally recognised qualification whilst spending the majority of your time in a workplace gaining the sought-after experience that employers want.
You’ll feel the rewards in your pocket too. You will earn a wage and have some of the same benefits as full-time members of staff, including holiday pay.
Who can become an Apprentice?
You can start an apprenticeship if:
- You’re aged 16+
- Live in England
What industries do we offer Apprenticeships in?
You can become an Apprentice in a wide range of areas, including: Business Services, Childcare and Education, Construction, Engineering, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care and Motor Vehicle.
How much will I earn as an Apprentice?
The current minimum wage for Apprentices under 19 or over 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship is £6.40 per hour.
If you’re over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you will be entitled to the minimum wage rate for your age. The National Minimum Wage rates are updated every April.
| Year | 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| April 2024 | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
Levels of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
| Type | Level | Equal Educational Level |
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C/9-4 |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A Levels |
| Higher | 4, 5 | Foundation Degree |
| Degree | 6, 7 | Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees |
Training Courses
Need to build up your skills before becoming an apprentice?
Traineeships provide the platform for motivated young people, aged 16-24 to launch their career.
If you’re eager to get out of the class room and into the world of work but currently lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for, a traineeship could be the solution for you.
As a trainee you’ll gain insight into a range of different industries, developing relevant skills through hands-on work placements.
We’ll also support you to gain confidence with invaluable skills such as CV writing, interview techniques and job searching.
If you haven’t quite achieved at least a grade C/4 or above in your GCSE English and maths, you will have the opportunity to retake them.
Completing a traineeship will equip you with the tools to progress on to an Apprenticeship or full-time employment.
Am I eligible for a traineeship?
To be eligible for a Traineeship you must be aged 16-24 and qualified below Level 3 (or up to one A-level), with the drive and ambition to succeed in a working environment.
How long does an Apprenticeship last?
An Apprenticeship can take between one and five years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the Apprentice’s ability and the industry sector.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
- Earn a wage
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Opportunity to progress on to university
- Receive support and mentoring
- Paid holidays
- Good career prospects
- Avoid costly university fees and debt
- Relevant work experience
Wondering where an Apprenticeship could take you? Just ask fashion designer Stella McCartney, master chef Gordon Ramsay or hairstylist John Frieda who all started out as Apprentices.
Find out more about the Association of Apprentices
Want to find out more?
View our current available apprenticeships and Apply Today, or get in touch with our friendly careers coaches.
They can answer any apprenticeship queries you may have and help you with CV writing, mock interviews and can provide impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance.
Phone: 01709 513147
Email: careerscoaches@rnngroup.ac.uk
Please note that our telephone lines are open:
- Monday – Thursday: 8.30am and 5pm
- Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Struggling to find a vacancy to apply for?
If you can’t find a vacancy you are interested in, please email a copy of your CV to apprenticeshipenquiries@rnngroup.ac.uk and our team will support you in finding the right Apprenticeship for you. You will also be added on to our Apprenticeship vacancy mailing list which will allow you to hear about all our new vacancies first.