What is an Apprenticeship?

It’s more than just a job. If you’re ready to get out of school and get on in the world of work, an apprenticeship could be for you.

You learn practical skills as a real employee, but usually combine it with day-release or block-release classes to gain proper national qualifications on a huge range of courses over one to four years.

Apprentices get paid the minimum wage, but many apprenticeships pay more, and some pay a lot more.

Employees aged 16 or over are legally entitled to be paid a Minimum Wage Rate per hour, as introduced by the government in 1998. National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates vary according to your age and employment terms, and are reviewed annually.

For more information on the minimum wage and what you are entitled to, visit the Low Pay Commission website at www.lowpay.gov.uk/

You can also call the Low Pay Commission Helpline on 0845 6000 678. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm. All calls are taken in confidence and callers can be assisted in 30 languages.