How do Apprenticeships Work?

How do Apprenticeships Work?

So, you are thinking about applying for an apprenticeship? Below we have broken down what an apprenticeship is, how they work and more!

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a great alternative to full time further education and allows you to work and study at the same time. You will get paid and be part of a team of experienced professionals, but you will also have your dedicated study time each week.

Most of your time will be spent working on projects with your team, however 20% of your time will be dedicated to you attending college/university, studying towards your qualification and building your portfolio of practical evidence.

You will be studying the same content as your friends at college and university, but you will also be able to put into practice what you are learning on your course, straightaway, during your time at work. 

What grades do I need to do an apprenticeship?

Each level of Apprenticeship will have different entry level requirements. At WSP, we offer apprenticeships at Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship), 4 (Higher Apprenticeship) and 6 (Degree Apprenticeship).

• Level 3: The Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship is for students with predicted or achieved 5 GCSE’s or equivalent at grade C/Level 5 or above including English, Maths and Science.
• Level 4: The Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship is for students with 5 GCSEs at grade C/Level 5, A BTEC Extended Diploma, Level 3 Apprenticeship or A levels in a relevant subject.
• Level 6: The Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship is for students with predicted or achieved A Levels or equivalent with grades BBC. To study Engineering subjects, you will need a grade C minimum in Maths or Further Maths OR you can have achieved or be predicted an Extended Diploma (level 3) with grades DDM in an engineering subject with a further maths component. You also need to have achieved 5 GCSEs at grade C/level 5 including English, Maths and Science.

What qualifications can I achieve?

There are a range of qualifications that you can achieve with an apprenticeship depending on your level of study:

• Level 3: At the end of your apprenticeship, you will have acquired the equivalent to a BTEC Level 3 qualification or 2 A Levels. 
• Level 4: At the end of your apprenticeship, you will have acquired the equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC). 
• Level 6: At the end of your apprenticeship, you will have acquired a full Degree at Bachelor's level.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

The length of an apprenticeship depends on the level that you are taking. Typical durations for each level are:

• Level 3: 2-3 years (including End Point Assessment in England)
• Level 4: 2-3 years (including End Point Assessment in England)

• Level 6: 5-6 years (including End Point Assessment in England)

The end point assessment is the final, mandatory, stage of the apprenticeship journey that allows you to demonstrate you have gained the knowledge, skills and behaviours required through your apprenticeship.

What sort of support will I get?

At WSP we understand how important it is to have support and guidance at the very beginning of your career. We deliver a bespoke internal training programme via our dedicated Early Careers team to accompany the training you receive at college or university during your apprenticeship.

The Early Careers team will also be a central point of contact throughout your apprenticeship for support with your qualifications and answering any queries relating to your course.

Not only will our programme provide you with the skills and technical development needed to progress in your work, but it will also enable you to build a network internally and externally as well as connect with peers.

The programme ensures that you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are set out in your apprenticeship and help you successfully pass your course.

You will also have the opportunity to become registered with a relevant professional institution and undertake further apprenticeship study to progress and develop your career.

How do I apply?

Take a look at our webpage for more information or look at our opportunities, click through the link to apply!