Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for you to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in the workplace. At The Source, we offer a range of programmes to suit you and have a dedicated team to support you throughout the process.

An apprenticeship is a job with a training programme that runs alongside it, meaning you can earn whilst you are learning. You will develop skills which support your role and earn a qualification while doing so.

If you’re looking to begin an apprenticeship, but you are having trouble finding one or you feel like you don’t have the right skills or qualifications yet, we can support you through a traineeship.

Lasting any time up to six months, a traineeship is an educational training programme accompanied by work experience that prepares you for further employment. It aims to provide the much needed skills and experience that employers look for as well as ensuring that the trainee is confident of their own abilities and has the training that they need.

Find out more about traineeships here >>>

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship allows you to learn certain skills and knowledge while working in employment. Most of your learning takes place on the job, but you will complete lessons and assessments to earn a qualification. Usually, apprentices work towards their desired apprenticeship standard alongside functional skills qualifications in English and Maths.

What makes apprenticeships different from other qualifications is that you will spend 80% on the job and 20% in the classroom. You will also earn a wage.

A Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to an A Level or BTEC qualification, whereas a Level 5 apprenticeship is equivalent to a Foundation Degree.

What types of apprenticeships are there?

Apprenticeships can be offered in almost every profession. At The Source, we offer Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3) and Higher (Level 4/5) apprenticeships.

If you are 16 and leaving school, you would typically begin your studies on an Intermediate apprenticeship and progress to an Advanced apprenticeship. If you have some experience or have higher qualifications, such as an A Level, you can enrol on an Advanced or Higher apprenticeship.

Once you have completed a Higher apprenticeship, you can go onto study a degree level apprenticeship. These apprenticeships are the equivalent to an Honours Degree.

How long do apprenticeships last?

The length of an apprenticeship depends on the level of study, but most take between 12 - 18 months to complete. You will spend most of your time at your place of employment, doing your job. There will be some days when you will be required to attend classes, such as functional skills, but these will be agreed with you and your employer when you begin your apprenticeship.

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Why Choose The Source Academy?

OFSTED ‘GOOD’ RATING
SUCCESS RATES HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE
90% OF OUR APPRENTICES CONTINUE IN EMPLOYMENT OR GO ONTO FURTHER TRAINING
ALL TUTORS ARE INDUSTRY STANDARD SUBJECT SPECIALISTS
96% END POINT ASSESSMENT DISTINCTION RATE

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

90% OF APPRENTICES GO INTO WORK OR FURTHER TRAINING
89% OF APPRENTICES WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR APPRENTICESHIP OVERALL
92% OF APPRENTICES SAID THEIR CAREER PROSPECTS HAD IMPROVED
97% OF APPRENTICES SAID THEIR ABILITY TO DO THE JOB HAD IMPROVED

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What Are The Entry Requirements?

To enrol on an apprenticeship you will need to either hold, or be working towards, a GCSE in Maths and English at a grade 4 (or C) or above.

If you do not have this level of qualification you may find a Traineeship will be beneficial (see page 10 for further information).
Some companies will set their own entry requirements, such as having certain IT skills or personal skills. You will find these in our vacancy adverts on our website.

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school and they are also available for people who are already in work.

To apply for an apprenticeship, you must be aged 16 or over, ready to work and not already enrolled in full-time education.

Apprenticeships can also be undertaken on a part-time employment contract.

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How Will I Be Paid?

You will be paid at least the minimum wage rate for apprentices for your age, however many employers pay more than this. If you’re over age 19 after your first year of study, this will increase to the national minimum wage of your age or more.

You will be paid for the hours that you work, as well as any time spent on training with us. You will also get at least 20 days paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays.

If you are already in employment and looking to upskill, you will be paid your current salary when you begin your apprenticeship.

Debt Free!

The cost of your training is covered by the Government and/or your employer, so you will not be required to take out any student loans in order to fund your studies.

Student Discount

Although you’re in employment as an apprentice you’re still eligible to sign up and buy an NUS student card so that you can get discount at many different retailers.

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How Can I Progress?

Achieve More

You will gain a nationally recognised qualification. You will also develop sector specific work skills and receive support to complete English and maths functional skills (some students will be exempt from this depending on previous qualifications).

Boost Your CV

While on an apprenticeship, you will gain essential experience and skills that employers want to see on your CV. This highly valued experience can put you ahead of others and help when you decide to develop your career further.

Progress Further

When you complete your apprenticeship there are many progression opportunities, from moving onto a higher level apprenticeship, staying in employment with your current employer or progressing on to a different role.

Apply now to begin your apprenticeship journey >>>

Already an Apprentice?

Contact our Apprenticeships Team to discuss your progression opportunities >>>

Careers Advice & Support

If you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship programme or want to discuss your career options, we have a dedicated team to support you with information, advice and guidance (IAG). The team at The Source can also support you with applications for vacancies, interview and CV tips/preparation and guidance through skills revision and tests.

Find out more about our IAG sessions here >>>

Pre-Apprenticeship Programmes

If you’re looking to begin an apprenticeship but you feel like you don’t have the right skills or qualifications yet, we can support you with one of our pre-apprenticeship programmes.

Our range of pre-apprenticeship programmes and employability support can help to develop the skills and confidence you need to progress on to the next steps of your career. This might mean doing a traineeship or getting support from our Steps to Work programme to develop your skills in areas such as English, Maths, IT and CV Writing.

Traineeships

A traineeship is an employability programme which gives young people aged 16 - 18 an opportunity to gain real work experience, job skills and improve maths and English if needed. The programme can last up to a maximum of 6 months, but typically last for 12 weeks with the content tailored to your individual needs. If you’re aged between 19 - 24 and in receipt of an Educational Health Care Plan, you may also be eligible for a Traineeship.

Read about Tom's traineeship experience here >>>

Find out more about traineeships here >>>

Employability Support - Steps to Work

Grow your skills and confidence with the Steps to Work programme. We can support you each step of the way into employment by building a programme that suits your needs and skills. You can also attend job clubs, where you can search and apply for jobs and apprenticeships.

Read about Petra's Steps to Work experience here >>>

For more information contact our Community Team here >>>

Adele Teather

The best thing about an apprenticeship is learning on the job, gaining hands on experience, starting with the basics and working up and gaining confidence as you learn.

Kristina Kolar

I think doing an apprenticeship is perfect for all young people who are willing to work and study at the same time. Doing an apprenticeship for me, was the best thing I could have ever done.

Taylor Corey

I am constantly learning every day and I feel like I’m able to drive the business forward and progress. I also like interacting with other people in the office and getting to meet new people.

Omar Magdedy

The retail path apprenticeship has given me a bright future. I have gained employment and experience in a role I really enjoy.

Ross Faben

I feel I have now opened the door to many opportunities in the future. I hope I can progress onto other qualifications so I can be a supervisor and I would love to be a retail store manager one day.…

View All Case Studies

Apprentice at Costa