Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a programme of work based training for people who want to develop their prospects and their career. It gives the opportunity to work for an employer learning on the job while earning real wages at the same time. A pivotal part of an Apprenticeship is gaining new qualifications through studying for a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a nationally recognised qualification.

As well as training for a specific job, Apprenticeships equip you with key skills such as team working, customer care, communication and problem solving.

Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 250,000 young people in England training in over 150 different types of Apprenticeship.

Are there different levels of Apprenticeship and ways to progress?

Yes, Apprenticeships are available at different levels, letting you choose the speed you wish to learn. All Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain a recognised National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) from Level 1 to 3. These are:

Young Apprenticeship for 14-16 year olds. It is a high quality opportunity for young people to spend up to two days a week in the workplace learning a skill. (please note that the Young Apprenticeship is only available through Northallerton College at present).
Pre-Apprenticeships for those with potential but not yet ready to enter an Apprenticeship. Completion of a Pre-apprenticeship leads to an NVQ level 1 qualification.
Apprenticeships lead to an NVQ level 2 qualification and,
Advanced Apprenticeships lead to an NVQ level 3 qualification.

You don’t have to stop once you’ve completed an Advanced Apprenticeship; you can go on to do a Foundation Degree or NVQ Level 4.

Why would I do an Apprenticeship?

Completing an Apprenticeship will give you: -

An NVQ qualification
Key skills qualifications, for example working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
A technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City and Guilds Progression Award

This means that: -

You’ll be working in the real world, getting hands on practical experience and knowledge gained on the job while you’re learning
The skills and qualifications you will develop are recognised by employers everywhere
At the end of the apprenticeship you will be a skilled and valued employee
It can fast track you to a real career

What is an NVQ equivalent to?

Of the five levels of NVQ:

Level 1 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
Level 2 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A Levels/ 1 vocational A Level
Level 4/5 is equivalent to HNC, HND and degree level

What do you need for an Apprenticeship and am I eligible?

Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16-24 living in England and not taking part in full-time education. If you start an Apprenticeship before your 25th Birthday you can continue until you have completed your Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. Practical skills and your interest in the area of work will be important. To do an Apprenticeship you need to: -

Be focussed on the career you want.
Show that you are serious and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and NYCC
Be able to use your own initiative
Be prepared to work hard and be committed, you will need a lot of commitment to work all week and study on top of your job!

What do I do next and who do I contact for more information?

If you are currently an NYCC employee, and you are eligible for an Apprenticeship you should discuss your wish to undertake an apprenticeship with your line manager in the first instance. If you or your line manager would like more information on Apprenticeships at NYCC please contact

Ann Sarah Watson - Employment Training Services Manager employment.trainingservices@northyorks.gov.uk

If you are interested in completing an Apprenticeship at NYCC, but you are not currently employed by NYCC then please contact Lauren Collison, Recruitment Manager (01609) 780780 or e-mail Lauren.collison@northyorks.gov.uk.