Introduction
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
As an apprentice you will:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)
- You can apply from the age of 16
Ben tells us about his supported apprenticeship, what his role involves and more about his working life.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|---|---|
| NameIntermediate | Level 2 | Equivalent educational levelGCSE |
| NameAdvanced | Level3 | Equivalent educational levelA level |
| NameHigher | Level4,5,6 and 7 | Equivalent educational level Foundation degree and above |
| NameDegree | Level 6 and 7 | Equivalent educational level Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
EHCPs and apprenticeships
People with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC plan) can also apply for an apprenticeship. You can find more information about apprenticeships and EHCP’s here
Apprentices aged 19 to 25 with an EHC plan are fully funded on the same terms and funding rates as 16 to 18-year-old apprentices. There is full information about apprenticeship, from 16 years upwards and whether you have an EHC plan or not, available from the government website.
If you are an employer and are wondering about employing an apprentice, look at the apprenticeship website employers hub for what it will cost you.
If you are unsure about the Maths and English requirements for an apprenticeship and your young person has an EHC plan, please read about the change in requirements that took place in 2017.
Apprenticeships at Somerset Council
You can look for local apprenticeship vacancies with the Council on the Somerset website jobs page or vacancies with other local employers on the National Apprenticeship Finder website.
Somerset Colleges also work with local businesses to help them find apprentices.
- Bridgwater and Taunton College Apprenticeships
- North Somerset Apprenticeships
- Richard Huish College Apprenticeships
- Strode College Apprenticeships
- Yeovil College Apprenticeships
The Council recruits around 100 apprentices a year, providing opportunities to young people of different abilities and interests. Apprenticeships are available from GCSE to Master’s Degrees, all fully funded. So, whether you want to be a solicitor or work in a nursery, have always seen yourself as an engineer or want to work in a library, there’s an opportunity for you. As apprenticeship places are usually filled one at a time, there isn’t a prospectus or course guide available.
If you want to get into employment, but an apprenticeship is not for you, people with an EHCP have other choices. Supported internships are one option – find out more on our supported internship page. You can also see what’s available to you on our preparing for adult life page.
Apprenticeships at Somerset Skills and Learning
Somerset Skills and Learning offer a variety of apprenticeships including teaching, childcare, customer service, business administration and leadership and management.
You can find out more on the Somerset Skills & Learning website
Skill Up Somerset – Apprenticeship and Skills Advisory Service
Nicky and Marie, Apprenticeship and Skills Advisers talk about traineeships, apprenticeships, supported employment and how Skill Up Somerset can help. Skill Up Somerset is a free and impartial advisory service, that helps individuals and businesses navigate the skills landscape across Somerset. You can find free impartial advice and guidance about Apprenticeships and Supported Employment on the Skill Up Somerset website.