Apprenticeships are jobs with training that can lead to leading to nationally recognised qualifications in a specific trade or skill. They can be accessed after school or after college level study.

Apprenticeships are offered at different levels and vary in the length of time taken to complete; an Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship usually takes around 12 to 18 months, an Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship around 24 months and a Higher Level Apprenticeship can last up to be 5 years. Degree Level Apprenticeships are also now an option for some career pathways.

An Apprenticeship may include time away from the workplace to do some training at a college or training centre, but most training and Assessment is done on the job.

There are a wide range of apprenticeships available. Around Greater Manchester the greatest numbers of vacancies are in business administration, customer service, financial services, digital industries, retail and childcare.  Apprenticeship vacancies also include design, hospitality, construction, vehicle industries, surveying, engineering, Teaching Assistant, dental nursing, estate agency and paralegal roles.

After completing an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship, young people can continue with their education or training through a Higher, Advanced or Degree Level Apprenticeship (which are currently being delivered by universities such as Manchester Metropolitan University) or continue onto a related vocational qualification. Alternatively, some young people may go on to a college or university level course, or take a professional qualification that may lead to a specific job role.

Apprenticeships give valuable industry experience which is an advantage when looking at progressing in a career.

For more information on apprenticeships within Bury Council, please see here https://www.bury.gov.uk/jobs-and-skills/backing-young-bury 

You can search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies on the government website: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship