An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.

Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. 

An apprenticeship includes: 

• paid employment with holiday leave 
• hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
• at least 20% off-the-job training 
• formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification

What the apprentice earns will depend on the industry, location and the level of apprenticeship they choose.  

If aged between 16 and 18 or in the first year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice is entitled to the apprentice rate (£4.81 per hour) 

If the apprentice is 19 or over and has completed the first year of the apprenticeship, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage.