What is an Apprenticeship?

Information for students and parents

An apprenticeship is a real job with hands-on experience, a salary and the ability to train while working. You will have a contract of employment, holiday entitlement and be treated the same as other employees in the business. By the end of your apprenticeship you will gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours, as well as an industry-recognised qualification, to succeed in your chosen career or to progress to the next apprenticeship level.

Apprenticeships are mostly delivered in the workplace with some college-based studies. Apprentices may be required to attend college for day release or workshops combined with a blended delivery approach to learning. In most cases, you will be employed full-time (around 30-hours) and will be attending weekly or fortnightly sessions at Totton College to complete your on-programme learning.

Click here to view our current apprenticeship vacancies.

How do I know whether an apprenticeship is right for me?

Apprenticeships are a great option if you already know what industry you want to work in, and you are looking for a way to earn money while studying towards a qualification. An apprenticeship allows you gain the qualification in your preferred industry allowing you to progress further in your career. Different levels of apprenticeships are available so you are able to enrol on the most suitable course for your experience. You can enrol onto an apprenticeship from the age of 16, and there is no upper age limit either. It’s never too late to start a new and exciting career!

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a study programme?

An apprenticeship is a full-time job in a specific industry, where you will study your chosen industry in-depth and gain a qualification while earning a wage. Whereas, a study programme is a full-time course, meaning you will be at college between 3-4 times a week studying across a broader range of sectors. It completely depends on how you prefer to learn – there is no right or wrong answer and both paths give you a nationally recognised qualification to progress in your workplace or into higher education. If you are still not sure which is the best path for you, we can offer lots of information, advice and guidance to help you decided the best route for you.

What level apprenticeships do you offer?

We currently offer three different level apprenticeships, these range across several sectors such as Hairdressing, Early Years and Team Leading.

Intermediate Apprenticeships – Level 2

Level 2 Apprenticeships are ideal for people who are completely new to a career sector. Intermediate Apprenticeships bridge the gap between your existing education and experience and will give you all the basic understanding you’ll need.

Advanced Apprenticeships – Level 3

If you already have some experience or qualifications, an Advanced Apprenticeship will develop your understanding further. Qualifications you gain here are equivalent to A levels and will give you the opportunity to progress on to university, a HNC or HND.

Higher Apprenticeships – Level 4+

You can continue learning through work-based apprenticeships all the way up to a Master’s Degree (Level 7). This is a highly cost effective way to get a degree, as you won’t incur the student debt of university, and will be earning a wage at the same time! At Totton College, we offer Higher Apprenticeships at Level 5, perfect for supporting operational management roles across a range of different sectors.

How much will I get paid?

The minimum wage for apprentices is set by the Government and is currently £5.28* per hour. Employers will often pay more than the minimum wage and, if you are over 19, you will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age in your second year of your apprenticeship.

Apprentices are entitled to this rate if they are:

Aged under 19
Aged 19 or over and are in the first year of their apprenticeship

*Due to increase in April 2024.

What are the entry requirements for an apprenticeship?

Ideally we would ask that you have a minimum of a Level 1 (grades 2-3 or E-D)in English and maths, and we will give you the opportunity to study your English & maths alongside your apprenticeship. However, some employers require a minimum of five GCSE passes, including English and maths.

We also like to see that you have a passion for your chosen industry and a willingness to learn.

When can I enrol for an apprenticeship?

Unlike other educational courses that start in September, our apprenticeships are generally roll-on-roll-off which means we are flexible in terms of start dates and have multiple opportunities for enrolment throughout the year. Some apprenticeships, like Hairdressing, have several enrolment points throughout the year. Please contact us for more details.

Is there any financial assistance available like bursaries?

Unfortunately, as apprentices are fully employed staff and are paid a wage throughout the duration of the apprenticeship, there are no other financial assistance available.

What are my progression options after an apprenticeship?

We have had many apprentices progress onto higher education, like university to gain a degree in a specific subject. On the other hand, we also have apprentices who are offered permanent positions in their workplace and complete further training within a specific area.