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Apprenticeship FAQs

There are a lot of misconceptions about Apprenticeships, HSDC is here to help you sort the myths from the truths!

Statistically, 90% of Apprentices secure themselves a full time job at the end of their Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain a wide variety of skills, knowledge and experience which are often seen as an advantage and can be used to secure future opportunities. On completion of an Apprenticeship, you may look at further opportunities to broaden your skills, or even consider a higher-level Apprenticeship to continue your learning.

English and Mathematics (GCSE grade 4-9) are mandatory aspects of all Apprenticeships. If you are yet to achieve this or no longer have your certificates, you will be automatically enrolled on Functional Skills at an appropriate level and will be expected to complete this alongside your Apprenticeship.

If your degree is significantly different to the Apprenticeship that you wish to study, you are still eligible for an Apprenticeship.

No. All Apprenticeships are funded by your employer or the Government. Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to professionally develop, earn an income, gain vital work experience and give you a head start in your career – all at no personal cost!

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. There is no upper age limit; we have HSDC Apprentices at school leaver age and people who have been in the working world for a number of years. Here at HSDC, we have had Apprentices aged from 16-45!

All Apprenticeships are completely different and depend on what industry you are in, but businesses will have guidelines to follow to ensure an Apprentice is gaining the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to complete the qualification.

The skills you will learn during your Apprenticeship will be dependent on what industry you are in and what programme you are studying. All skills, knowledge and behaviours learnt during your Apprenticeship will be transferable and allow you to move into a different job or sector if you wish to.

Apprenticeships offer a ladder of opportunity, so learners can progress from intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeships right up to Higher Degree Apprenticeships. Meaning the same qualifications can be achieved as completing a full time college or university course.

The national Apprenticeship minimum wage can be found here. This acts as a guide to employers. Here at HSDC, we work with employers who are keen to invest in their future workforce. The wage is dependent on the sector, size of employer and position available.

Apprenticeships can last from one year up to six years depending on the Apprenticeship you study. There are always progression opportunities available to you for when you complete your Apprenticeship.

The majority of your Apprenticeship will be spent in the workplace, where you’ll undertake on-the-job learning. You are also expected to take 20% off-the-job training each week, which could either be a taught session in college or a set time in the week to study away from the workplace, which your Assessor will support you in planning.

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