An apprenticeship is a real job with a paid salary, providing you with work experience and training while you work. You get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider. The benefits of an apprenticeship are that you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation and you’re on a career path.

Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which one you choose, what level it’s at, and your previous experience.

If you’re interested in doing an apprenticeship but don’t which ones are out there, visit the GOV.UK website where you can do a search based on your location and interests.

A training provider is an organisation that will arrange and deliver the accredited training that forms the basis of the apprenticeship.

Your salary will depend upon the industry, location and type of apprenticeship you choose. The minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.90 per hour if you’re aged 16 to 18 – but many employers pay far more than this. If you’re aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you are entitled to the national minimum wage for your age.

An apprenticeship can be based anywhere within reasonable travelling distance. It may be based outside the borough, or you may be asked to work outside the borough from time to time if the organisation is in Haringey.

You will be paid for at least 30 hours per week, where you can expect to work 4 days and train for 1 day. When you are not in college you will be expected to attend work.

This will depend on the employer, but you may be eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard or Apprentice Oyster photocard.

A minimum of one year or until the successful completion of your apprenticeship.

Your training provider will support you throughout this process.

Not all employers will be able retain their apprentices at the end of the apprenticeship and this will depend on the type of firm and/or their circumstances. Where this is not possible, apprentices can receive application, CV and interview support from their training provider.