The following are the questions you are most likely to be asked by the would-be trainee. Hopefully, this section should help you give an accurate answer and provide the most up to date information.

If you do get stuck for an answer, call 0845 345 1041 for more information.

Why would I want to become an Apprentice?
How old do I have to be to become an Apprentice?
Are there different types of Apprenticeship Schemes?
How long will an Apprenticeship take?
How much will I earn?
Will I get holidays?
Who pays for my training?
Who gives the training?
Will I have to go to College?
What qualifications will I get?
What can I do afterwards?







Why would I want to become an Apprentice?

Because being an Apprentice means that you earn a full time wage and learn at the same time.

You'll be getting on-the-job experience while you work towards qualifications that are recognised by employers everywhere. Apprenticeships are available in pretty much every type of work you can think of - from Accountancy to Motor Vehicle Repair.

You'll also gain your independence by earning a wage and you'll improve your future job prospects by gaining skills and nationally recognised qualifications.

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How old do I have to be to become an Apprentice?

So long as you are over 16, there's an Apprenticeship scheme for you – there's no age limit.

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Are there different types of Apprenticeship Schemes?

Yes, there are two types - a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) and a Modern Apprenticeship (MA).

You can start a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship with no GCSEs, but you do need to be enthusiastic and be willing to learn. You will gain qualifications at Level 2. Your next step would be to go on to a Modern Apprenticeship.

A Modern Apprenticeship can be started with a minimum of 4 GCSEs. You can also start with a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship. You will be working at Level 3. When you've finished, you could move on to a Modern Skills Diploma which leads to university level qualifications.

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How long will an Apprenticeship take?

An Apprenticeship scheme can take between 2 and 4 years. The exact length of time depends on the scheme you choose and how hard you work. When you sign up for your Apprenticeship, you will be given a target time to finish.

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How much will I earn?

The amount of money you earn will be decided by your employer. There is no fixed salary for an Apprentice. Your salary will reflect your skills, age and ability.

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Will I get holidays?

Yes, you will get holidays. This is something that your employer will arrange with you.

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Who pays for my training?

The Welsh Assembly Government will pay for your training, so neither you nor your employer will have to pay a penny.

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Who gives the training?

Your local College will provide the training.

You'll have an Assessor from the College who will help and support you throughout your training scheme. Your Assessor will meet with you every 2 to 3 weeks. This will give you the chance to talk about how it's going and get feedback on how you're getting on. They will also observe and assess your performance at work and set targets for next visit.

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Will I have to go to College?

Depending on the framework being followed, you could do the training at work or at College (a day a week or block release)

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What qualifications will I get?

While working as an Apprentice, you'll work towards three types of qualification. Apprenticeship frameworks include an NVQ, job related qualifications and Key Skills. You will also get training on employment rights and responsibilities.

Your NVQ will be at Level 2 or 3 depending on the type of Apprenticeship scheme you are on. The job specific qualification will relate directly to your job. This could be something like a BTEC or a City & Guilds qualification and will give you greater knowledge and understanding of the work you do.

On top of these you will also study Key Skills. There is a choice of 6, and the ones you'll study will vary depending on the Apprenticeship you choose.

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What can I do afterwards?

Through your Apprenticeship you will have gained well respected qualifications. You've come this far, why not stay in work, keep on learning with another work-based training course and take your qualifications and experience one step higher? You could train all the way up to university level.

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