Whether you’re leaving full-time education or looking to make a career change, apprenticeships (Bury) offer the opportunity to learn new skills while you work, in a range of settings from voluntary schemes through to paid placements.
What Does An Apprenticeship Involve?
For those looking to take the next step in their career, apprenticeships offer a combination of study and hands-on experience via an approved study programme.
Throughout the placement, apprentices work towards a nationally-recognised qualification while continually gaining valuable transferable skills to carry with them to the next stage in their career journey.
Is An Apprenticeship Right For Me?
If you are aged 16 or over and looking for a flexible yet structured way to gain skills while you work, an apprenticeship might be suitable for you. Apprenticeships are continually being developed and approved - so there’s always something to choose from - but don’t just settle on the first one you see - consider the following:
- Whether it’s relevant to your preferred job category
- What qualifications and/or skills you could stand to gain (including transferable skills) - and how these could be useful in future
- Whether the employer you are thinking of working with is the type of company you would like to work for
- Whether the skills and experience you acquire from your placement will make you a good fit for your chosen profession and company
- What type of learning style you benefit from - not everyone is suited to “classroom learning” - some people are “kinasthetic” learners, which means they learn better through direct “hands-on” experience
- How long the apprenticeship training will last for, and how you could fit it around your other commitments
- Whether the training will be based locally, or whether it required travel to different locations
- Funding requirements and financial support - some, though not all apprenticeships are paid (this can be a great stepping stone to financial independence if you’re a school-leaver) - but there may be cases where you need additional support.
Choosing A Training Provider
When looking for an apprenticeship, you can find a local training provider via the .gov website. Make sure your training provider communicates well with you, that they offer constructive advice - and look for feedback from other apprentices to see what their experience was like working with them. Here are some tips to help you find yours.
Check The Company Website
Before speaking with a prospective training provider, first do your research and check the website. This will help give you an overview of the company. This is also encouraging for prospective employees, as it demonstrates proactivity.
Opportunities for Progression
Consider whether there is scope to progress within the company after your apprenticeship, or if not where you could go onto next. Forward planning helps give you purpose and demonstrates ambition - so discuss this with your training provider.
Which Industries Do Apprenticeships in Bury Cover?
In and around Greater Manchester, the largest number of apprenticeship vacancies available are currently in the following industries:
- Customer service
- Retail
- Childcare
- Business administration
- Digital industries
- Financial services
These are the most commonly found, although apprenticeship vacancies are also available in a high number of other professions including dentistry, hospitality, design and much more.
What Kinds of Apprenticeships Are Available in Bury?
There are over 400 different types of apprenticeship available - but as a general rule they can be categorised as intermediate, advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships (more detail on this can be found here).
What Qualifications Could I Gain?
The qualifications or skills you can gain from an apprenticeship vary depending on the nature of the placement. Each type of apprenticeship offers a different level of qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) with varying entry requirements, content and resulting qualitfications. For more information click here.
How are Apprenticeships Structured?
The nature of the apprenticeship itself and the qualification or skill received at the end varies depending on your chosen industry. Apprentices spend a minimum of 20%of working hours engaged in “on the job” training with their chosen training provider.
The exact hours you work depend on the nature of the job - some professions, such as those in hospitality and medicine, may involve less sociable hours than the standard 9-5.
Can I Earn Money As An Apprentice?
In general most apprentices are paid a minimum of £3.70 per hour (for ages 16-18) - although depending on the circumstances it may be possible to earn more.
While some apprentices may be voluntary, paid apprenticeships offer the opportunity to invest in your career learning while making money at the same time, allowing you to “earn while you learn”.
Where Can I Study For My Apprenticeship?
Some apprenticeships may include study away from your workplaces at a training centre or college, but the majority of study is done in-house or “on the job”.
I Have Additional Needs. What Support Can I Get?
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty or if you are a Carer, SEN support is available via Bury Council. Additional support and advice on reasonable adjustments can also be found through Access to Work.
How Do I Apply For An Apprenticeship in Bury?
Career Finder advertise apprenticeships - this is a good starting point. You may also find advice and support from the following resources (More information can be found via this link).
- Backing Young Bury- Bury Council’s campaign to improve learning and working for local young people, with regular apprenticeship opportunities.
- Able Futures - a nationwide specialist partnership with Access to work to help support you if you have mental health difficulties.
- Bury College - local college offering a full range of academic and vocational courses.
- Kids Workshops and worktasters - a range of workshops to help young people become work-ready, tailored to suit individual needs.
- The Pathway Group - local training provider delivering to people aged 16 plus.
- The Shaw Trust - a registered charity offering training and employment services for those with health problems, disabilities and disadvantages as well as older learners.
- Six Steps to Success - an employment and training programme for Six Town Housing Residents.
- The Manchester College - the largest further education college in the Uk with 400 courses to choose from.
Where Can I Find Funding Support For Apprenticeships?
There are a number of financial resources available to apprentices.If you are over 19 when you start your apprenticeship, you may be entitled to additional funding from the government to support you while you learn. This is known as an Advanced Learner Loan.
Further advice on funding and support can be found via the City and Guilds website.
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2021, 13:52