Apprenticeships

Study programmes will help your young person develop their employability skills. They combine qualifications with other activities to support personal development and progression. Study programmes are a good stepping stone between school and work.

 But if your young person feels ready, they may want to go straight from school into a supported internship or an apprenticeship.

Supported Internships

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16-24 year olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

A supported internship is a study programme that provides your young person with SEND with the help and support to get the skills and support to gain paid employment by:

• Supporting them to develop the skills valued by employers
• Enabling them to demonstrate their value in the workplace
• Developing confidence in their own ability to perform successfully at work

Find out more about internships and supported internships.

Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. You can start an apprenticeship at age 16 or over. 

An apprenticeship can take 1 to 6 years to complete depending on their level, experience of the apprentice and the delivery model. An apprenticeship includes:

• Being employed and earning a wage and holiday pay
• Time for training and study related to your apprenticeship role
• Working alongside experienced staff
• Job-specific skills

All apprenticeships include on the job and off the job training and lead to an industry recognised standard or qualification.

Some apprenticeships will require your young person to have an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice's ability and competence in their job role.

View videos of people who have taken the apprenticeship route. 

Each apprenticeship has a level which will fall into on the four categories below:

Intermediate

• Level 2
• Equivalent Educational level - 5 GCSE passes at grade A*-C or 9-4

An Intermediate apprenticeship can lead to a high level job or an Advanced Level Apprenticeship.

Advanced

• Level 3
• Equivalent Educational level - 2 A Level passes/Level 3 Diploma

An Advanced level apprenticeship can lead to professional qualifications, or possibly a higher level apprenticeship or degree level apprenticeship. It can also be a way into higher education.

Higher

• Level 4,5,6 and 7
• Equivalent Educational level - Foundation degree and above

Higher level apprenticeships are available in work areas such as accountancy, law, engineering, IT, business management, care and enterprise. Your young person will study for a relevant professional qualification, such as a Higher National Certificate or Diploma, or a foundation degree.

Degree

• Level 6 and 7
• Equivalent Educational level - Bachelor's or Master's degree

Degree level apprenticeships make it possible for your young person to achieve a Bachelor's or Master's degree whilst working full-time. They can last up to six years. They are a way of getting a degree without getting into student debt. They are available in work areas such as digital, engineering, chartered surveying, laboratory science, nuclear and public relations.

When looking for an apprenticeship it is important for your young person to keep an open mind to explore all of the opportunities available.

Entry Requirements

An apprenticeship is a real job and all vacancies on Find an apprenticeship will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. There will be different entry requirements depending on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level. Your young person is likely to need at least two GCSE passes at grade A*- C or 9 - 4 in English and Maths.

If your young person hasn't gained GCSE maths or English at level 4 or above, they will be required to complete a Math and English initial assessment and will be supported through level 1 maths and English functional skills as part of the apprenticeship programme.

Individuals with a learning difficulty or disability can access a level 2 intermediate apprenticeship as long as they can achieve an entry level 3 qualification during their apprenticeship.

There may be exceptions to the English and maths minimum requirements, if your young person previously had:

• An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
• A Statement of Educational Need (SEN)
• A Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA)

Further information can be found in Department for Education apprenticeship guidance.

How to apply

You can find and apply for apprenticeship vacancies across England in a variety of careers and industries online at Find an apprenticeship, available at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. You can search by keyword (job role, occupation type or apprenticeship level) and by location. In addition, some employers advertise vacancies on their website.

Once the right job comes up, simply register on the website and follow the step-by-step instructions to apply for the role.

Further Information

For further information on apprenticeships, please visit Apprenticeships Norfolk or Amazing Apprenticeships.

For further advice and guidance, contact the Pathways to Work Team. They support young people aged 13-19 (25 years for young people with an Education Health Care Plan and young people who are care experienced) across Norfolk. The team can provide you with information and advice on the following:

• Apprenticeships
• Work-based learning options
• T-Levels
• Writing CVs and applying for jobs

To get in touch email PTW@norfolk.gov.uk.