Your Choice in Tameside

Opportunities at 16

Apprenticeships

Work Based Learning

Work based learning might suit you if....

• you already know what career you’d like to go into
• you want to gain qualifications whilst working
• you’d like to earn a wage and learn at the same time
• you prefer to attend college for one day a week or on block release
• you want to learn how to do a job by actually doing it.

Some employers prefer to recruit their apprentices at 16 or 17, although you can become an apprentice up to the age of 24. An apprenticeship is where you will work in a company and learn specific skills through experiences and training in the workplace. You will achieve a national vocational qualification. Choosing this route may also give you the option to go into higher education.

An apprenticeship allows you to continue learning while you are working for an employer and earning a wage. When you have completed your apprenticeship you will have obtained a nationally recognised qualification which will establish you in your chosen career.

Talk to your personal advisor about what apprenticeships there are and what might suit you. You can also get more information at www.learningdirectory.info or www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 0800 150 600.

Apprenticeships are available at three levels:

Apprenticeships

These are for jobs at a skill level which would enable you to earn a living by working at craft level. You can enter this route at age 16 to 18 or later up to age 24 and you would study up to NVQ level 2. You can use a successful Apprenticeship as a launching pad for an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Advanced Apprenticeships

These are for jobs with a higher level complexity, possibly including technical aspects or supervisory responsibility. You can enter this route at age 16 to 18 or later up to age 24 and you would study up to NVQ level 3. In some fields you can use a successful Advanced Apprenticeships as a launching pad for a Professional Apprenticeship.

Professional Apprenticeships

These are for jobs which may require professional qualifications, including Foundation Degrees and membership of Professional Bodies. They are jobs with a high level of complexity and responsibility. You can either progress to this level after completing an Advanced Apprenticeship or at 18 when you have completed suitable A levels or equivalent qualifications. You would study to NVQ level 4 and/or a professional qualification.

Apprenticeships are available across Tameside including:

• Tameside College Training
• Skills Solution
• Rathbone Training
• Henry Boot Training Ltd
• Age Concern Training
• Training & Manpower Ltd
• Graham Austin

Full details of these providers and others are available from the Connexions Service.