Learner information

If you are 16 years of age or over, you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least half of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship and you are not in full-time education.

You can start an apprenticeship via two different routes:

  • You are already in employment and you / your employer is looking to upskill you in your workplace to support your progression in your role
  • You are currently unemployed or looking for a change in employment and looking for an apprenticeship opportunity, a job that combines an apprenticeship training programme as part of the terms of employment.


When you're an apprentice:

  • You get paid and train at the same time, with at six hours per week in off-the-job training, either at a college, university or with a training provider
  • Off-the-job training can consist of day release, workshops, internal workplace training, being mentored or coached, online learning and study time in the workplace
  • The rest of your time is spent applying your knowledge and skills in the actual workplace, doing your job
  • You train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation, working with your training organisation and your employer to prepare you for End Point Assessment
  • You are a member of staff and as such, have the same rights and responsibilities as any other member of staff with a contract of employment.
  • You get valuable hands-on, practical work experience that will help you in developing your career
  • There is no cost to you for the delivery of your apprenticeship training.