Your Guide to Apprenticeships 2023

LEARN & EARN
LEARN & EARN
LEARN & EARN
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LEARN & EARN
CLOCK ON.
STAND OUT.
STEP UP.
Your guide to Apprenticeships

This handy guide will tell you all you
need to know about apprenticeships,
how to apply and how we can help
you get job ready.
Hello 3
Q&A 4
What can I train in? 8
How to apply 10
Need help? 11

HELLO.
We know it’s not always easy to decide
what to study after your GCSE exams.
So we’re here to help.
An apprenticeship could be a great way to start
your career if you like practical learning.
It’s also a great way to:
⚫ Get straight into work
⚫ Earn your own money
⚫ Develop your knowledge
⚫ Gain practical skills
3

Q&A
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a mix
of work and training.
As an apprentice, you’ll
have a job with an
employer where you’ll
work as a member of their
team and be trained to
do a specific role by your
colleagues or supervisor.
You’ll also spend time
with Gateshead College
staff developing skills and
knowledge relevant to your
chosen job.
4

WORK
A paid job with an employer.
£
+
£
TRAINING
Time at college developing
your knowledge.
+
SKILLS
Develop specific skills and
behaviours that you can apply
in your role.
5

What will I achieve?
You’ll get the skills and experience
employers look for, putting you
ahead in the jobs market. You’ll also
achieve English and maths at Level 2
if you don’t have them already.
Are there different levels of
apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprenticeships are now
available from Level 2 through to
masters degree level.
What level will I start at?
School leavers can start on a Level 2
or Level 3 apprenticeship, depending
on your exam results, experience and
the kind of candidate the employer is
looking for.
6
Level 2 Apprenticeship
This is the same level as GCSEs.
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
This is the same level as A levels.
Level 4 to 7 Higher Apprenticeship
This is the same as a foundation
degree or above.
What will I get paid?
This depends on your employer but
there are nationally set minimum
wages for your age. If you’re already
employed your salary may not
change. The salary will be advertised
with the job.
Will I get any holidays?
Yes. You will be entitled to a minimum
of 20 days holiday, plus 8 statutory
days such as Bank Holidays.
What are the entry qualification
requirements?
The entry requirements will be set
by the employer advertising the
apprenticeship. For some high level
apprenticeships you may need
GCSE grades C/4 or above including
English and maths.
Some apprenticeships will not require
you to have any prior qualifications,
but will expect you to demonstrate a
great attitude.
What happens if I don’t have the entry
qualifications for English and maths?
Don’t panic you have options:
● You can start on a full time
vocational qualification with
us and we’ll help you get the
grades you need to apply
for an apprenticeship.
●
Not all apprenticeships require
English and maths so check
the job description for entry
requirements. If you’re still
unsure call 0191 490 2450.

How long will an apprenticeship take?
The duration depends on the type
and level of apprenticeship. It can
vary from a minimum of one
year up to four years.
Most apprentices are employed
for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will take place during
your apprenticeship and at the end.
You will then be awarded a grade
based on your performance.
I don’t have any qualifications, can I still
do an apprenticeship?
At Gateshead College we offer
a range of introductory training
courses and pre-apprenticeships
which are designed to give you the
skills you need to progress onto an
apprenticeship. For more information
call 0191 490 2246.
How much time do I spend at
Gateshead College?
A minimum of 20% of your
working time has to be spent ‘off
the job’ studying towards your
apprenticeship. This could be made
up of time in college or time at work
or a combination of both. When
you’re in college, you’ll study at one of
our 4 campuses:
- Baltic Campus
- Academy for Sport
- Skills Academy for Construction
- Skills Academy for Automotive
and Engineering
What can I do after an apprenticeship?
With a CV bursting with work
experience and ‘job ready’ skills,
you’ll be ideally placed to secure
a job in your chosen field following
an apprenticeship. The majority of
apprentices stay in employment
with two thirds staying with their
apprentice employer.
Or you can progress onto a
foundation degree or HND, many of
which can be studied part time so
you can continue to work.
Can I still go to university?
Yes. Some apprenticeships attract
UCAS points or lead to foundation
degrees and HNDs which enable
you to progress on to a full honours
degree programme at university.
What if I’m already employed?
If you’re already employed, you can
still do an apprenticeship with your
current employer.
Contact us on 0191 490 2450 or by
email employers@gateshead.ac.uk
and we’ll work with you and your
employer.
7

WHAT CAN
I TRAIN IN?
8

No longer just for the traditional trades,
apprenticeships can be the starting point for
a wide range of exciting careers.
We offer training in:
Accounts/Finance
Beauty Therapy
Bricklaying
Bus & Coach Engineering
and Maintenance
Business Administration
Business Analyst
Carpentry & Joinery
Children, Young People and Families
Practitioner/Manager
Community Sport and Health Officer
Content Creator
Cyber Intrusion/Security
Data Analyst
Early Years Educator
Electrical Installation
Engineering Machinist/Mechatronics
Engineering Operative
Hairdressing
Health & Social Care
Healthcare Support Worker
Leadership & Management
Learning & Skills Teacher
Manufacturing
Marketing/Digital Marketing
Metal Fabricator
Network Engineer
Plate Welder
Plumbing Heating & Gas
Quantity Surveying
Software Developer/Tester
Supply Chain
Surveying Technician
Teaching Assistant
Vehicle Body Repair & Paint
Vehicle Mechanic (Light & Heavy)
9

HOW TO
APPLY.
Securing an
apprenticeship
is very similar to
applying for a job.
1Apply for a vacancy
First you need to find a suitable
apprenticeship vacancy that you’re
interested in.
All our vacancies can be found on
our website. Simply find the one you
like, send us your details and we’ll
take it from there.
Find vacancies here:
www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships
www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
You’ll then be asked to complete
an application form and if you’re
shortlisted, you’ll be invited in for an
interview with the employer. We can
provide help and support every step
of the way to give you the best
chance of success.
10
2
Sign up to alerts
If you can’t find a vacancy that’s
right for you, you can sign up to
our apprenticeship alerts. As soon
as a vacancy becomes available
we’ll let you know and help you
prepare. Sign up for alerts here:
www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships
3Fast track from a
vocational programme
If you’re not sure if an apprenticeship
is right for you or you don’t have
the right GCSE English and
maths grades to be able to
apply, no problem.
You can start on a full time vocational
course in the relevant subject
area and we’ll help you gain the
grades you need to apply for an
apprenticeship, alongside the
vocational qualification. Then, when
you’re ready, you can fast-track to an
apprenticeship.
Find our vocational courses here:
www.gateshead.ac.uk

NEED HELP?
NO
PROBLEM.
Our Apprenticeship Team
is here to help with:
●
●
●
●
General information and advice
Completing application forms
Writing a CV
Preparing for interviews
GET IN
TOUCH OR
POP IN AND
SEE US.
www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships
0191 490 2450
apprenticeships@gateshead.ac.uk
11

Every effort was made to ensure that information in this guide was
correct at the time of going to print (January 2023). Gateshead College
reserves the right to amend information at any time.
© Copyright Gateshead College 2023.
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