Apprentice FAQs

Nurturing Apprentices, Shaping Futures

Apprentice FAQs

Who can do an apprenticeship?

You can do an Apprenticeship as long as you are over 16! You can be a learner fresh out of college or someone who has already begun their career journey, apprenticeships are a great tool for career progression at any point.

What subjects areas can I do an apprenticeship In?

There are over 600 different apprenticeships available to undertake, with some being more generalised and others being more specific.

The most common areas of apprenticeships include business, early years care, adult care, customer service and accounting.

What level of qualification can I achieve?

Apprenticeships can reward you with a variety of qualifications due to the variety of levels available. You can work your way up from a GCSE equivalent to a master’s degree through apprenticeships.

Intermediate – Level 2 Apprenticeship

A Level 2 apprenticeship is an ideal start for people who are entirely new to the career sector and are looking to learn the basic knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in the industry.

Advanced – Level 3 Apprenticeship

Level 3 apprenticeships are ideal for people who already have some experience and qualifications, as the apprenticeship will build upon your existing knowledge, skills and behaviours and develop a further understanding, resulting in a qualification equivalent to A Levels.

Higher Apprenticeships – Level 4 and above

Higher Apprenticeships allow you to access University level education up to a Master’s Degree (Level 7). Higher Apprenticeships are a cost-efficient way to get a degree as you won’t incur any student debt, instead, you will be earning a wage.

Can I do an apprenticeship if I am already employed?

Yes, apprenticeships are a method for those in employment to supplement their practical learning at work with the theoretical knowledge needed to excel in their field.

How do apprenticeships work?

An Apprenticeship works by providing a blend of “off-the-job” training, which is a minimum of 20% of a 30-hour week, where you will be training with one of our tutors or carrying out self-learning and “on-the-job” training which your employer will deliver, teaching you skills and knowledge to help you fulfil your job role.

How much do I get paid as an apprentice?

Apprentices get paid at different rates; although there is a national minimum wage for Apprenticeships, Apprentices tend to get paid at standard job rates depending on experience and knowledge.

*Table accurate as of June 2024

Age & Apprenticeship Stage Minimum Wage (per hour)
Under 18 £6.40
Aged 19 or over and in their first year £6.40
Aged 18 to 20 £8.60
Aged 21 and over £11.44

How many hours do I have to work?

The Apprenticeship guidelines state that you should do at least 30 hours a week as an Apprentice, but most Apprentices work full-time.

If you don’t meet the minimum hours you can still become an Apprentice and have the Apprenticeship take longer to complete, allowing you enough time to develop the required knowledge and skills.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

Most Apprenticeships take between 18-24 months but some can last up to 6 years depending on the standard, level and your experience.

What qualifications do I need to become an apprentice?

The entry qualifications required will depend on the level of the apprenticeship and the requirements of the employer.

All apprenticeships require you to have GCSE or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths, if you don’t have these qualifications you can still become an apprentice! If you are missing these qualifications we will help you work towards attaining them as part of your apprenticeship program.

When do apprenticeships start?

Apprenticeships can start at any time of the year, but we opt for a cohort based approach to ensure learners get the full attention and support they need.

Keep up to date with us

Let us keep you updated with the latest Nishkam Apprenticeship news and exciting opportunities.

Working together to harness the infinite potential of individuals and organisations.

Visit Us

Nishkam Centre

6 Soho Rd, Handsworth

Birmingham B21 9BH

Contact us

+44 (0) 121 515 4229

apprenticeships@ncauk.org

Available Hours

M-F: 9am - 5pm

Sat: Closed

Sun: Closed