Apprenticeships [what are they?]

Apprenticeships have been around for decades and despite what you’ve heard, they never stopped [they just suffered a lapse in popularity!] An apprenticeship describes training where you can achieve a national qualification while you work. This means someone is employed as an apprentice and learns a ‘trade’ while they’re working – which means they’re earning while they’re learning!

What does it involve?

Anyone who thrives on a mix of practical hands-on learning along with classroom study will find that an apprenticeship is just the ticket. During an apprenticeship the learning takes place 'on-the-job', as the apprentice carries out normal, everyday tasks in the workplace alongside qualified workmates and 'off-the-job', as the apprentice attends night school, block courses or does correspondence.

What’s learnt is assessed against unit standards. Each unit standard covers the skills and knowledge needed to do a specific aspect of the job. Once the apprentice achieves all the unit standards that make up the qualification they’ve completed their apprenticeship – and that’s when the National Certificate is awarded.

How much does it cost?

The great thing about an apprenticeship is that apprentices are paid a wage by their employer while hey are training, so they don’t run up a huge student debt!

The only 'fixed cost' involved in an apprenticeship is the annual training management fee, which is usually picked up by your employer. Off-job learning costs vary, depending on what, how and where you study.