Become an Apprentice
SEN & Disability Confident
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Becoming an apprentice
Apprenticeships should be open to anyone, including disabled adults who might reach this stage several years after leaving school. To become an apprentice, you must:
- be 16 or over
- not already be in full-time education
- live in England
You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- learn and train for a specific job
- get paid and receive holiday leave
- get hands-on experience in a real job
- study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider
- complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
- be on a career path with lots of future potential
Apprenticeships usually last for between one and six years depending on which apprenticeship you choose, the level and your previous experience in that job area.
Usually, apprenticeships involve working four days a week and spending one day a week studying. They are offered at six different levels:
- Intermediate (Level 2): Equivalent to five GCSE passes
- Advanced (Level 3): Equivalent to two A level passes
- Higher (Level 4): Equivalent to an HNC or a foundation degree
- Degree (Levels 5-6): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree
- Degree (Level 7): Equivalent to a master's degree
Get Ahead
Get Ahead is a toolkit and resource co-produced with and for disabled young people. The newsletter and magazine will help you navigate the wide range of information and resources that are available in post-16 education, training, and work.
Stay informed with news and information on your journey through education, training, and work.
Become an Apprentice
Whether you're just starting out, upskilling, or looking for a career change - there's an apprenticeship for everyone.
FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP
An online government service which allows you to search, save and apply for apprenticeship opportunities.
Parent Resources
Visit Amazing Apprenticeship Parents Zone to learn more about apprenticeships so you can support your child with their career choices
Amazing Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are amazing.
Visit Amazing Apprenticeships for free resources and learn about becoming an apprentice
Disability Confident
Check out our career resources and disability confident employers
Meet Real Apprentices
The Disabled Apprentice Network brings together current apprentices and those who recently finished their apprenticeship. Here are some of the network members.
More apprenticeship stories
Watch more apprenticeship stories including Apprentices on the Frontline
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS?
Why not search apprenticeship opportunities in the region...