One of the main benefits of an apprenticeship is that it combines a real job with part-time learning. You’ll earn impressive qualifications, formidable skills and a shining CV – all while getting paid. You might be new to working life, looking for a fresh challenge or just hungry to gain new skills. But if you have the ambition to work your way into the career you want, an apprenticeship could be for you!
An apprenticeship is a job that comes with training, support and career progression as standard.
Just like any other job, you’ll have your own role, responsibilities and salary. You’ll also receive training from professional tutors. In 1 to 2 years, you’ll complete your apprenticeship and be ready and qualified to take the next step into your new career! Here are a few more benefits of an apprenticeship:
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Gain experience and skills that employers want
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Earn a nationally recognised qualification
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Enjoy a salary of at least the apprentice minimum wage
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Pay no learning costs, incur no debt or student finance
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Receive all employee benefits
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Begin work at 16 (apprenticeships for 16-year-olds to 116-year olds!)
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Meet new people and challenges
Another key apprenticeship benefit is guaranteed minimum wages. Apprenticeship pay rates vary, because employers set the salaries for each apprentice they hire. But it’ll always be the same or above the apprentice minimum wage.
The current apprentice minimum wage for new starters is £5.28 per hour. But if you’re over the age of 19, or as soon as you begin the second year of your training, your apprenticeship pay must meet the national or living wage that your age entitles you to. Apprentice minimum wage rates:
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23 and over
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£10.42
per hour
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21 to 22
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£10.18
per hour
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18 to 20
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£7.49
per hour
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Under 18
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£5.28
per hour
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Apprentice
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£5.28*
per hour
Apprenticeship benefits also extend to protected working hours and conditions. As an escalla apprentice:
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You will be guaranteed to work a minimum of 30 hours a week, including any training.
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You will receive all standard benefits from your employer, including holiday pay, sick pay and perks.
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20% of your apprenticeship will be spent completing off the job training. This often means weekly ‘block release’ at a training centre or college.
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Your apprenticeship will last between 1-2 years – depending on the qualification and your personal circumstances.
You can apply for an apprenticeship if you’re at least 16 and live in England.
People begin apprenticeships from all stages and areas of life. From marketing apprenticeships for 16-year-old school leavers, to adult apprenticeships in local government departments.
To apply for any apprenticeship, you just need to meet a few basic criteria…
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Be at least 16 (there’s no upper age limit!)
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Live in England
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Not be in full time education
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Meet the employer’s entry requirements for the job you’re applying for
To start an apprenticeship qualification, you’ll need to successfully apply for a job role that’s offering a position.
We currently offer seven apprenticeship qualifications. To begin one of our apprenticeships, you will need to successfully apply for a relevant job role that offers the qualification.
Today’s apprenticeships are designed to create skilled workers across all industries and levels of experience. Not just school-leavers. Apprenticeships are not age restricted. As long as you are above the age of 16 you are eligible for an Apprenticeship
The added benefits of an apprenticeship now mean that if you are already in a career, level 3 and level 4 apprenticeships are a great way to develop new skills and achieve career progression.
With the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, employers now get significant financial support from the government to put their staff on adult apprenticeships. Many levy-paying organisations already have funds waiting to be used. For non-levy paying businesses, apprenticeship fees are often heavily subsidised or even cost-free.
escalla offer Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships in IT,and marketing.
The skills and experience requirements for starting each apprenticeship will be listed on the job advert offering the position.
Apprenticeship levels
(Advanced) Level 3 apprenticeships | Equivalent to A-level standard. Level 3 apprenticeships give learners a solid grounding for learning a new area or subject. Evidence of a suitable interest in the subject will usually fulfil experience requirements.
(Higher) Level 4 apprenticeships | Equivalent to foundation degree or diploma standard. Level 4 apprenticeships dig deeper into the subject and explore more complex themes and topics. You may need some experience in a relevant job role to begin a level 4 apprenticeship.
LEARNING AND WORKPLACE SUPPORT
EMPLOYER SUPPORT
Your employer will be responsible for managing you in your job role, setting work-based targets and protecting your wellbeing at work. They will also give you time and tools to complete your apprenticeship training. If you need support in your workplace, your employer should usually be your first point of contact.
MENTOR SUPPORT
Your learning mentor will help you achieve your set targets as part of your apprenticeship training. This happens through regular contact and visits to your workplace. Your mentor will support you to achieve and record the evidence needed to pass your qualification.
TRAINING PROVIDER SUPPORT
Your training provider will be responsible for your overall apprenticeship experience. This includes everything from achieving targets and arranging off-the-job training, to supporting your welfare and employment rights.
Apprenticeship vs university place? Maybe an internship?
If you’re not sure which training route to take after leaving school, check out our School Leavers Guide for an overview of the benefits of an apprenticeship programme compared with other routes.
Choosing escalla as your apprenticeship provider is a smart move. escalla prioritises positive learning experiences alongside high-quality training.
This approach has led to a long history of apprenticeship success, highly positive Ofsted reviews, and above average continued-employment rates.
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Small class sizes
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Regular contact with mentor
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Integrated life-skills
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‘Family feel’ (just ask Teddy, our office dog!)
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Over 25 years delivering training
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Ofsted-rated good overall; and outstanding for ‘personal development, behaviour and welfare’
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Nationally (RoATP) approved provider
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87.6% continued employment rate
87.6% of escalla apprentices choose to stay on and continue their employment after their apprenticeship has ended.
ESCALLA
APPRENTICESHIPS TEAM
Based in Crewe, escalla partner with local employers in London and across the North-West of England, including:
London
Cheshire (including Chester, Crewe, Stockport, Macclesfield, Birkenhead, Congleton)
Manchester
Liverpool
Staffordshire
Shropshire
Across England for cohorts
