What's an apprenticeship?
What’s an apprenticeship?
If you feel a bit confused by apprenticeships, you’re not alone. Apprenticeships have undergone some major changes in the past few years, leaving some people unclear on how they work, who they’re for and how they can help you build your career.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the facts about apprenticeships in the UK and help you decide if an AAT apprenticeship is right for you.
Apprenticeships explained
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job, practical work experience with study.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed to work while studying a formal qualification. You’ll learn from experienced colleagues, gain practical skills, achieve a qualification that employers want and earn a salary at the same time.
There are opportunities in virtually every industry, so there’s no limit to your career prospects.
Who can apply?
To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must meet the following criteria:
- be aged 16+ at the time of enrolment, there is no upper age limit
- not already be in full-time education at the point of enrolment
- live in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) or have lived in the UK or EEA for the past three consecutive years.
“Apprentices develop high levels of practical skills and behaviours and make valuable contributions to their employers.”
Source: Ofsted
