Thinking about starting your career with an apprenticeship, but don’t know what to expect? We’ve all been there.
In this blog, we’ll go back to basics and take you through what an apprenticeship is, and outline what you’d be doing as part of the qualification.
What Actually Is an Apprenticeship?
Essentially, during an apprenticeship you’ll be employed in a real job, earning a real wage, while studying during working hours to achieve an industry recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship programme offers a useful blend of practical and theoretical knowledge that will give you the training you need to become a confident employee in your chosen field.
With an apprenticeship, you’ll have a completely different learning experience to what you might be used to from school or college. For those who are ready to hit the ground running, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain skills and experience.
Apprenticeships are incredible valuable, offering at least a year in your chosen industry. You’ll pick up skills that will set you up for your entire career, and which will be attractive to any employer in the future.
What Can You Expect From an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship programmes typically start at Level 3, which takes around 12-15 months to complete.
During this time, you’ll participate in technical training, workplace projects, and support sessions with your Coach.
Towards the end of your programme, you’ll get ready for your End Point Assessment, which is the final stage of an apprenticeship. This usually consists of an interview, a work-related project, and a portfolio you’ll create throughout your apprenticeship.
As well as gaining technical knowledge, you’ll also hone a whole host of workplace skills that will set you up for life. Transferable soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity will give you the confidence to go far in your career.
Read More: What Are the Benefits of Doing an Apprenticeship?
How Will You Learn On An Apprenticeship?
How you learn while completing an apprenticeship depends on the apprenticeship programme you are on. Different workplaces and apprenticeship providers will use a range of approaches to learning. For example, completing an apprenticeship as an Electrician will require a different approach than if you chose an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing.
During an apprenticeship, your learning will come from picking up relevant skills from the more experienced people in your workplace, as well as more formal education from your training provider.
Here at Baltic, your training will take place online. Our SMART Classroom blends live lectures with hands-on activities, and provides lots of opportunities to interact with your Coach and your cohort of other apprentices.
The SMART Classroom can be accessed from either your workplace or at home, so you can complete your training in an environment that suits you and your employer.
What Is On The Job Training?
There are two parts to your training as an apprentice. These are on-the-job training and off-the-job training.
On-the-job training is within the workplace, where you will naturally learn and practice a range of practical skills with your employer, who will be there to show you the ropes.
It’s normal to feel nervous about starting your first job, but the beauty of an apprenticeship is that you will be supported and encouraged as you find your feet.
What is Off The Job Training?
In addition to the skills you’ll develop at work, you’ll also learn from your apprenticeship training provider during off-the-job training hours. This is dedicated time during your normal working hours where you’ll be – you guessed it – off the job while you study.
Each programme has a different number of off-the-job hours, but it will usually work out as at least 6 hours every week. Off-the-job training can include formal training, projects for your portfolio, independent study, and other training relevant for your job role.
When it comes to training with Baltic, you’ll attend a short online course every few weeks and receive in-depth training on the latest industry tools, techniques and good practices. Afterwards, you’ll get the opportunity to channel your knowledge through workplace projects and demonstrate your learning through your portfolio.
How Will YOU Be Supported On an Apprenticeship?
Throughout your apprenticeship with Baltic you will have frequent reviews and support sessions with your Programme Coach. This is someone who will carry out your technical training as well as offer personal support during your programme. Your Coach will make sure you are up to date and on-track to achieve your potential!
How Does The Apprenticeship Grading System Work?
Apprenticeships are graded using the pass, merit, distinction system. These grades are calculated from your performance at the End Point Assessment.
Where Can an Apprenticeship Take You?
An apprenticeship is a great route to almost any career goal you can imagine. After your apprenticeship, you can continue learning at a higher level, or climb the career ladder with knowledge, skills and experience on your CV.
To find out more about where our apprentices go when they finish their apprenticeships, check out our recent Case Studies.
Interested in Starting Your Apprenticeship Journey?
If an apprenticeship sounds like the right option for you to kickstart your career and further develop your skills, check out our latest vacancies, browse our programmes, or get in touch with our team to find out more.