Doing an apprenticeship is a great way to get all the skills and the qualifications you need to work in the trade you are interested in.

You can work for a real employer and earn money while learning which will give you valuable experience that most courses won’t.

To do an apprenticeship you must be over 16 and not in full time education. An apprentice will earn the appropriate national minimum wage but this doesn’t apply to Higher Apprenticeships.

Apprentices work at least 30 hours a week and over 150,000 employers offer apprenticeships in thousands of locations. There are three different levels of Apprenticeships (Intermediate, Advanced and Higher) which are available in over 170 industries.

Apprenticeships last 12 months or longer and will earn the apprentice a national qualification if they complete it.

Apprenticeships are respected by employers all around and they show a passion and love for the job. Customer Services Administrator, Kerri, from facemediagroup says: “I think Apprenticeships are brilliant. They’re a chance to take a leap into the real world. I’m dealing with real-life customers and situations all the time, answering calls and emails, checking deliveries, advising customers and interacting with them.

"It’s all about learning and moving forward, and I’m getting everything I need to move onto the next step.”

In Yorkshire, East Riding College provides hundreds of apprenticeships in many different locations and while working with the employer the apprentice will be gaining skills and practical experience.

The work goes towards a level two qualification relevant to the job they want to start. Apprentices at East Riding College will be working full time with their employer but one day a week they will spend at the college doing written work.

Some apprenticeships at this college do not require students to come into college for the day, they are completely work based. The college also provides advanced apprenticeships which will help employees develop their knowledge of a subject even further preparing them to become a manager, supervisor or technician.

East Riding College also provides traineeships for 16 to 23 year olds which will give you experience to put on your CV to help you secure an apprenticeship of job. The traineeships include:

  • Work experience with local and national companies
  • Help with preparation for job interviews and support when writing your CV
  • Help with improving essential English and maths skills
  • Tasters in the subject area or industry of your choice

Plastering apprenticeships are popular at the East Riding College and it is perfect for anyone wanting a career as a plasterer. The apprenticeship lasts 12-24 months and apprentices will be assessed on site and by the student’s portfolio.

After this apprenticeship then students can carry onto a Level three Advanced Apprenticeship which will give them more knowledge of the trade. Even when working as an apprentice you must remember to take out tradesman liability insurance in case of any injury, loss, theft or damage.

These apprenticeships give every young person all the knowledge and skill they need for the industry they want to go into. The apprentice will benefit from on-site experience as well as a qualification which is what every employer wants in their staff.

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