Apprenticeships give young people an opportunity to learn on the job while being paid a wage by their employer.

They give people a head-start in the world of work. Apprentices gain an understanding of the realities of the workplace, learn new skills and increase their knowledge of the area they want to work in.

Benefits of being an apprentice

Earn a wage while you learn

Apprentices are employed and paid a wage. This gives young people the opportunity to earn a living and avoid student debts. An apprentice is entitled to a minimum payment of £95 per week. Employers may pay more in line with their own pay structures but this is not guaranteed, employers will determine this.

Relevant Training and Support

The Apprenticeship framework consists of qualifications developed by employers to meet the skills needs of the sector now and in the future, this ensures the training and knowledge the Apprentice receives is relevant and up to date. Practical skills are learnt with the theoretical knowledge that underpins this to enable Apprentices to perform in the workplace.

Apprentices are assigned a mentor who will support them throughout their Apprenticeship training, in addition to their line manager.

Opens doors to other opportunities

At the end of their Apprenticeship, Apprentices may be offered a job with an employer or their Apprenticeship may be a vehicle for promotion.

Apprentices are a step ahead of those who have not been in the workforce as they have work experience and work based skills to offer employers.

Apprenticeships may also lead to further study at Level 4 and above.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements are flexible and usually based on ability and potential rather than academic track record. Competition can be fierce so the following attributes are highly sought after:

• Motivation to succeed within the industry
• Discipline, enthusiasm and initiative
• Capacity to develop organisational skills and cope in busy conditions
• Willingness to learn and ability to apply learning
• Willingness to work with due regard to health and safety
• Willingness to adapt to different work roles and to communicate with a range of people
• An interest in the Creative & Cultural Industries.