One common misconception is that apprenticeships are only available for young people and school leavers. In fact, there is no upper age limit for an apprenticeship, making them a great option for anyone looking to develop their skills and progress their career.
APPRENTICESHIPS
WHY APPRENTICESHIPS?
Take full advantage of all the benefits of an apprenticeship. From entry to master’s degree level, studying whilst working can equip you with the practical experience and qualifications you need to give your career a boost.

GET AHEAD WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP
It’s clear that apprenticeships are an easy win way of boosting your skills and enhancing your career, all while you’re still working. But starting an apprenticeship scheme can feel a daunting, complex and confusing to begin with. Do you take a pay cut? Do you have to pay for an apprenticeship? How long do they take to complete?
IS AN APPRENTICESHIP IS FOR YOU?
Here are answers to some of the common questions and myth-busters to help guide your decision.
I’m too old to be an apprentice.
Apprenticeships are for new recruits only.
Myth. The truth is, your employer can use an apprenticeship to support skills development for existing employees. So, you can undertake an apprenticeship to support your development, to reskill or to help you progress or change careers. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, all you need to do is prove that you’ll gain a significant amount of new learning.
Will I have to take a pay cut as an existing employee?
The pay rate for an apprenticeship is up to your employer to decide. But generally, existing employees undertake the apprenticeship on the same rate as their normal job.
Will my terms and conditions change?
Again, this is really your employer’s decision. You’ll enter into an apprenticeship agreement which may vary some terms, like your length of service, but your entitlements should remain the same.
Do I need to pay for the apprenticeship?
No. The cost of your apprenticeship training and any associated membership fees for professional bodies are covered in full by your employer.
Can I embark on an apprenticeship when I have a qualification that’s at the same or at a higher level?
Yes, providing it’s not in the same subject or similar. The important thing to remember is that an apprenticeship is designed to help you gain a significant amount of new learning. So, if your previous qualification means that you won’t be learning anything new, then you wouldn’t be eligible for the apprenticeship. This can be determined by your training provider following a skills assessment – as well as any important information about regional variations to eligibility.
How long is the apprenticeship?
This depends on the level and type of apprenticeship you undertake. The training element of an apprenticeship lasts a minimum of 12 months, followed by a final assessment. Some higher-level apprenticeships (such as degree apprenticeships) can take up to four years.
What’s involved in an apprenticeship?
You’ll be following a structured learning programme relating to a particular job. These are designed by employers, so you’ll be studying industry-relevant content that leads to recognised qualifications, often with membership to a professional body. There’s a mix of on and off the job learning and at the end you’ll take a final assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviour. This is called an end point assessment, and it’s conducted by an independent assessment body. Again, regional variations can be explained by your training provider.
Why should I do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are designed to help advance your career. They help you to develop your skills, gain industry-recognised qualifications and professional body membership. You put into practice the skills you learn straight away, have access to a range of learning resources and full support from a dedicated coach.
Do I have to do Maths and English as part of the apprenticeship?
Yes. Because Maths and English is an essential part of the Government’s strategy to improve workforce standards, all apprentices must undertake an initial assessment to find out their numeracy and literacy capability.
However, if you already have a Maths and/or English qualification at GCSE (or equivalent), you may be exempt from further study during your apprenticeship.
LET THE NUMBERS DO THE TALKING
Over the years, we’ve built our record and reputation on delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients.
12 Years of experience
We’ve been delivering successful apprenticeships accross the public and private sector for years.
12,000 Apprenticeship programmes delivered
We’ve delivered some of the country’s best-known apprenticeships schemes.
5,000 Apprentices on our programmes
Scale is no problem for us. We’re used to training thousands of learners at any one time.
100% Civil service pass rate
We have a 100% pass rate for civil service end point assessments as of April 2019.
9 out of 10 Learners boost their skills
Apprentices on our programmes have seen their English, maths and digital skills improve as a result of completing their apprenticeship.
8 out of 10 Learners see enhanced career prospects
Learners on our programmes strongly agree that their apprenticeship will support their career in the future.
SEE WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO FOR YOU
If you want to add to your skills, build your experience and enhance your career, we can help you make it happen.

Apprenticeship structure
Drive better business performance with a clear strategy when it comes to apprenticeships and pre-employment training.
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