Advice for Parents & Guardians

Apprenticeships are workplace training programmes that allow learners to gain and develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours while earning a wage and performing a real job. At the end of the apprenticeship, learners receive a nationally recognised qualification.

Yes, apprentices do earn a wage while on the programme. All apprentices will earn the minimum apprentice wage of £6.40 per hour.

Once apprentices have been on the programme for at least a year, their wage will increase to the national minimum for their age group.

While companies are obligated to pay apprentices the minimum wage, some may choose to pay learners a higher wage at their discretion.

No, the learning involved in our programmes is delivered to the learner either remotely via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face in their workplace.

This is not guaranteed. Most employers we work with choose to keep their apprentices on after they complete their programme and make them full-time employees. However, this is entirely up to the organisation, and sometimes they are unable to offer a permanent position. Nevertheless, the qualification gained from our programmes will help apprentices find a new job.

That depends on the duration of the programme. Our programmes typically last between 12 and 18 months; however, learners can finish their programmes earlier than anticipated if they meet all the requirements.

If your child has not achieved their GCSEs in maths and English, they will be assigned a functional skills tutor and will need to undertake lessons in these subjects alongside their apprenticeship programme.

While we do provide functional skills training, please be aware that some employers may not hire an apprentice who hasn't already achieved the mandatory skills in maths and English.

Yes, apprentices count as being in full-time education and will receive the same benefits. Learners on the programme are also eligible to apply for a Totum card, which allows them to receive student discounts at selected retailers.

It's important to remember that the apprenticeship is a job, so potential candidates should do their best to stay professional and leave employers with a positive impression.

It’s good practice for the person you're supporting to take charge of their own application. This is their chance to shine and although it can be intimidating, it leaves a positive impression if they're doing the talking. 

We know its nerve-wracking getting your first job and as someone supporting them, you want to do all you can to help them succeed so here are some hints and tips for ways you can provide support:

• Practice interviews with them to help with their preparation
• Ensure they're completing their own application, this keeps them familiar with what they've said.
• Encourage them to proof read their own application. Ensuring it makes sense and there are no spelling errors. This is good practice and will support them in the long run. You can always proof read it after to make sure they've not missed anything.

There is no cost for you or your child. Apprenticeships are fully funded by the company your child will be employed by or via government funding.

Yes, an apprenticeship is a full-time job, so your dependent will be legally entitled to the same hooliday allowance as any other employee.

This depends on the companies employment contract, however you can expect your child to be working at least 30+ hours per week.