An Apprenticeship is a real job with training so you can earn while you learn and pick up recognised qualifications as you go. As an apprentice you will normally work full time (minimum of 30 hours) with a local employer learning about the job, undertaking the qualification, taking on various tasks and responsibilities and earning a wage; this is currently a minimum of £3.40 per hour as of 1st October 2016.
An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’ developed by Sector Skills Councils. Most Apprenticeship frameworks follow a standard format that comprises:
A National Vocational Qualification (e.g. Level 2 for Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Level Apprenticeships)
The learning provider provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject and on the learning provider.
Currently, there are no age limits for somone to undertake an apprenticeship. The Government will meet in full the cost of training (including tuition, exams and manuals) for 16-18 year olds and heavily subsidise those aged 19+. For the older age group, an employer contribution / top up fee will be required to cover the other costs that are part of the apprentice's training not covered by the Government subsidy. This will vary according to training provider, qualification framework and level of qualification.
However, please note that graduates will receive no funding from the Government; anyone who holds a Level 4 qualification or higher (HNC/HND, Foundation Degree, Degree etc) will not be eligible for funding according to government regulations and therefore will not be able to complete a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship.
To check current eligibility, please call 01752 256610.
In the first 12 months of an apprenticeship, an apprentice currently can be paid a minimum of £3.70 per hour however, many employers pay more than this. At Aplus training our Accountancy Apprentices tend to start on around £150-£160 per week; this will entice a higher calibre of candidate to apply for your role. At the end of his/her first year, an apprentice aged 19+ has to be paid the National Minimum Wage (National Minimum Wage rates) for his/her age.
The rate recommended is fair to apprentices alongside their training, and does not discourage employers from other apprenticeships. The rate is a minimum, employers can pay more – and many do so.
As of the 1st August 2012, the Government insisted that an Apprenticeship needs to be a minimum of 12 months and 1 day for each level. As an apprenticeship is funded by the government so the apprentice and the employer are given a start and end date for funding as part of an individual learning plan. We find that AAT Level 4 may take 18 months to complete.
We offer apprenticeships in Accountancy and Office Skills. Please see the full list below.
Accountancy - Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3) and Higher Level (Level 4)
Business and Administration - Intermediate (Level 2) and Advanced (Level 3)
Digital Marketing* - Advanced (Level 3)
*Exeter only
By the time they come to the end of their apprenticeship training, apprentices from Aplus Training have usually proved their worth to their employer and are kept on as permanent full-time employees.
