What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a programme of learning and development, completed in the workplace that gives young people the skills, knowledge and competence they need to progress in their chosen career or industry.

• An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification, which proves your competence in your job role.
• Key or Core Skills, these give you the underlying skills you will need in business (e.g. Communication, Numeracy, Problem Solving) 
• A Technical qualification which provides and tests the underpinning knowledge required for the industry or job role. 
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities (England and Wales) which is not formally assessed, but ensures that an Apprentice knows the key rights and responsiblities they have whilst at work.

As an apprentice you will have the same responsibilities to your employer as any other employee. In addition you will have a range of commitments to your training programme:

• Observing the company's terms and conditions of employment
• Agreeing a training/development plan with all the parties involved
• Undertaking development in line with agreed training plan
• Attending meetings with trainers, assessors and verifiers as required
• Attending college/off-the-job-training where required
• Providing evidence of competence
• Developing a collection of evidence(portfolio) and retaining ownership of this throughout
• Behaving in a professional manner throughout

Last modified: 30 May 2008