Apprenticeship FAQs

This depends on the type of Apprenticeship you undertake, it could either be a BTEC or an NVQ. Both are nationally recognised qualifications. They are also available in different levels, including Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. To find a full list of the apprenticeship programmes we offer at The Source, click here.

Apprenticeships can be offered in many different professions and sectors. At The Source, we offer intermediate, advanced and higher level apprenticeships.

Intermediate Apprenticeship = Level 2 = 5 GCSEs

Advanced Apprenticeship = Level 3 = 2 A Levels

Higher Apprenticeship = Level 4 = Foundation Degree

The apprenticeship you chose to do will have a minimum time to complete. This all depends on each apprenticeship programme and the level that you’re studying at. Some take a minimum of 12 months; others can take up to 24 months. Each qualification specification explains the average time it takes to complete, but this might take you a little less or a little more.  

It might all seem overwhelming at first but it’s a very simple process. Once you’ve secured your apprenticeship, you’ll be assigned a tutor at The Source. You’ll meet your tutor, who will go through the OneFile system, where the tasks for your qualification will be found. When you start your employment, you’ll work a minimum of 30 hours a week. You’ll be expected to do both on-the-job training and off-the-job training.  

You’ll either be on a Framework or Standards assessment type. If you’re on a framework apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed throughout your apprenticeship. Whereas, if you’re on the newer standards type of assessment, you’ll gain knowledge and skills throughout your apprenticeship but will have an ‘end point’ assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. 

If you’re 16 years old or over, you can start an apprenticeship. There’s no age limit, you can never be too old to start an apprenticeship. Actually, choosing an apprenticeship can be a great option for adults who may have been out of work for a while and/or ready for a career change! Get yourself into a completely new sector, while learning new skills, gaining knowledge and earning money.

Apprentices aged between 16-18 earn the national minimum wage of £4.81 (April 2022). If you’re 19 or older and in the first year of your apprenticeship, you will be on the national minimum wage of £4.81 for the first year. After you complete the first year, you’ll automatically be entitled to the minimum wage of your age.

Nope! There’s plenty of employers who offer apprenticeships, from large companies, to smaller businesses. With our vacancy finder, you can easily search for apprenticeships. Just filter by the region and sector you’re wanting, to find results of jobs.

If you don’t have the right entry requirements or work experience, you would benefit from doing a traineeship instead. A traineeship will give you the chance to undergo a training programme for up to 6 months alongside work experience.

The best advice we can give if you’re unsure, would be to attend one of our Information sessions, which happen weekly at The Source. In these sessions, the team will help you discuss your career options and what the best first step would be for you. You can book onto these by clicking here.

The application process couldn’t be any easier. Just search for jobs on our Vacancy finder, find one you’re interested in, then select ‘apply now’ and follow the step-by-step process within our website. Start searching for a job here.

View our 'How to Apply' video here >>>

This depends entirely up to you! Many apprenticeships stay on at the same employer, either to progress onto the next level apprenticeship or they will be offered a full-time job. You may decide that you want to find a job elsewhere, or that you even want to go to university. Your options are wide and varied once you’ve completed your apprenticeship.