Companies are recruiting apprentices to secure the highly skilled people they need for the long term future of the industry. If you are looking for a rewarding career with meaningful qualifications and great prospects then look no further.

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
As an apprentice you will be employed to undertake education and training within a company that prepares for your progression within your chosen career. "You learn as you work". This normally means you will go to a Further Education College and/or a Training Centre for either a day a week or for longer periods called 'block release'. This, combined with training 'on-the-job' in the company, provides the skills and knowledge that you will use in your future career.

WHAT ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS WILL I NEED?
These are stated by the recruiting company and do vary so look out for them when you read the advertisements on this Web site or in the newspaper. Generally if you wish to become an Advanced Apprentice as a Technician (NVQ Level 3/4) you will need 4/5 GCSEs at grade C as a minimum, including English, Mathematics and Science. For those who are seeking an Advanced Apprenticeship concerned with mainly practical Craft skills (NVQ Level 3) then GCSE requirements are for 4 or more GCSEs at grade C-D.

If you are considering an Apprenticeship (NVQ Level 2) then you should have 4 or more GCSEs at grades C-E.

HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE?
Apprenticeships are available to School/College leavers aged 16+, 17+ and 18+ and indeed to older candidates provided they complete their training to NVQ Level 3 or 4 before their 25th Birthday. Successful completion of Advanced/Intermediate Level GNVQs in Engineering or Manufacture with their associated Work Experience and Key Skills will be a big factor in your favour. Companies also recruit 18+ School/College leavers with A Levels or the International Baccalaureate.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I GET AT THE END OF MY APPRENTICESHIP?
The qualification you gain as an apprentice will vary depending on the type of apprenticeship you are undertaking. Advanced Apprenticeships will lead to a Level 3 NVQ as a minimum, and some lead to a Level 4 NVQ. A number of companies will allow Advanced Apprentices to go on to Higher Education and take degrees, either in business or in engineering subjects. In addition to the NVQ, many apprentices will also gain City and Guilds or BTEC qualifications as well as key skills.

DO I GET PAID?
Yes! Employed apprentices get paid throughout their apprenticeship and how much will depend on the company you work for, but you can expect between £80-£120 per week to start with and this will increase during an Apprenticeship to whatever the skilled job rate is that you are training for. Currently many skilled people in the engineering and manufacturing industry are earning in excess of £400 per week, that is over £20,000 per year.

WHEN WILL MY APPRENTICESHIP START?
Companies normally start apprenticeships between June and October, but there is no fixed common starting date. The company will agree the start date with you.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Apprenticeships in the engineering industry enable you to progress as quickly as you are able. They usually take between 3½ - 5 years to complete, depending upon your background experience and ability and the nature of the apprenticeship. Some companies still offer time-served apprenticeships which vary in training content and duration.