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Modern Apprenticeships

  • A Modern Apprenticeships is a job combined with part time training.
  • You work towards a recognised qualification, usually a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3 or 4.
  • In some types of Modern Apprenticeship you can work towards an SVQ Level 2 qualification and move on to Level 3.
  • Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at people aged 16 and over.
  • You can train in over 80 different types of Modern Apprenticeship, from plastering to hairdressing.
  • But, not all types of apprenticeships are available in every area.

What's involved?

Most apprentices train for 2-4 years. Training usually has three parts:

 

·         part-time study or training (at a college or training centre)

·         work-based assessments

·         practical experience on-the-job.


You develop a Training Plan with your employer and training provider, and your progress is reviewed regularly. A training provider can be a college, a training company or an industry-based organization - like ConstructionSkills, the sector skills association for the building industry.

Do I need qualifications to get into a Modern Apprenticeship?

 

·         It depends on the industry and level of job you go into. Most Modern Apprenticeships don’t need formal qualifications, but some do.

·         For example, if you are aiming at a craft level Modern Apprenticeship in engineering you will probably need a group of 3 or 4 Standard grades, including English, maths and a science subject.

·         You may be asked to sit selection or aptitude tests before you are offered a job. This is typical for construction, engineering and garage-related apprenticeships. 

 

Visit the MappIT website to check what you need for different types of Modern Apprenticeships.

 

When can I apply?

·         Most employers and training providers don’t have a set recruitment time.

·         They look for apprentices throughout the year as vacancies come up.

·         But, some industries or sectors do the bulk of their recruitment at a specific time of year.

·         For example, companies in: construction, engineering and garage services do most of their recruitment and aptitude testing early in the year – from January to June.

·         Some big engineering firms start to accept applications in January, and have closing dates as early as the end of February or March for apprenticeships starting in August!

·         So, speak to your career adviser about when you should start contacting employers, and training providers.

      

 

Will I get paid?

 

·         Yes! You’re an employee from day one of your training. You usually get the going rate, for the job.

·         The wage depends on the type of training you do. Your training comes free as part of the package.

 

How do I get involved?

 

You can:

 

  • speak to your career adviser or pastoral care teacher if you are still at school
  • contact Careers Scotland on 0845 8502 502 (Textphone 0141 889 8581)
  • get in touch with your local Careers Scotland Centre
  • apply direct through the MappIT website 
  • contact employers or training providers directly
  • apply through Jobcentre Plus - although many employers advertise in local newspapers or recruit by word of mouth.