Higher Apprenticeships
What is a Higher Level Apprenticeship?
It's a way for your child to gain a professional qualification. It is also the first step towards higher education and possibly a degree whilst working and gaining experience.
Higher Level Apprenticeships are available at levels 4-7, the equivalent of a foundation degree to a bachelor’s degree.
They offer a new work-based route into professions, which in the past have only been accessible to university graduates.
At the moment they are available in around 40 sectors including:
- banking
- broadcast production
- advanced manufacturing
- information security
Because higher level apprenticeships are valued by employers, there are more and more frameworks being developed. Please see this list of the higher apprenticeship frameworks.
Who can undertake one?
Higher level apprenticeships are really aimed at:
- people aged over 18 who have already got A levels
or
- an NVQ Level 3
or
- at people who are progressing from advanced apprenticeships.
Where could you do it?
- At any employer with a higher level apprenticeship vacancy
- At any one time there are around 30 vacancies in Staffordshire. They are with some of the biggest and most well-known companies in the county and the country. JCB and Jaguar Land Rover for example.
- You can search online for current apprenticeship vacancies
Are there any costs?
You should not be asked to contribute to the cost of your child taking an Apprenticeship.
If your child is aged 16-18 years, The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) will cover the full cost of their training with the employer. If they are aged 19-24, SFA and HEFCE will cover 50% of the cost and the employer would be expected to cover the other 50%.
In addition to this, your child should expect to be paid at least the minimum salary for an apprentice which is £2.73 per hour. Many apprentices earn significantly more.
How long does it take?
The minimum is 12 months, but many higher level apprenticeships will take longer and could take up to four years to complete.
How do you apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is easy. You can search online for Higher Level Apprenticeship vacancies in Staffordshire using the advanced search functionality at apprenticeship vacancies.
Your child will then need to register with the vacancy website to be able to make an application.
Where to next?
A Higher Level Apprenticeship can lead to further training and learning such as a degree. Most Apprentices will keep working for the company they trained with and may be able to work towards promotion.