Apprenticeships

At The Malling School we acknowledge that our students are individuals with differing strengths, needs, and different learning styles. We want to make sure that our students know about all the opportunities and various routes open to them when they leave school at any time from year 11 onwards. Apprenticeships are one of the routes students may wish to take and so we let students know about this option in assemblies, on notice boards and during one-to-one advice. We then offer groupworks from specialist providers for those showing interest so they have the best chance of success should they wish to take this competitive route.

We offer live opportunities for apprenticeships through our Careers Facebook page, Future You, (20+) Future You - The Malling School | Facebook where we also advertise plenty of links, advice and events related to apprenticeships throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming an apprentice please read our introduction to apprenticeships below and use the helpful links to find out more.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity of a job alongside training. You can start an apprenticeship any time after you have finished Year 11 and there is no upper age limit.

As an apprentice, you are an employee with the same employment rights and responsibilities as any other employee in the organisation. In most cases, you will work at least 30 hours a week.

Usually 20% of your hours will be spent with a learning provider outside of your workplace. For example, if you work five days a week, you may spend one day working towards your apprenticeship standard qualification.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will not only have an apprenticeship qualification, but you will also have work experience in the sector you are in – this is really valuable to future employers.

An apprenticeship is a great way to kick-start your career. Although the minimum wage for an apprenticeship may be lower, your prospects of higher earnings in the future can be accelerated.

Here are some of the other reasons you may want to consider an apprenticeship:

You can earn while you learn.
You won’t pay any training fees (even if you do a degree apprenticeship).
You will gain experience in the workplace.
You will learn industry skills and gain a relevant qualification.
You will be exposed to opportunities in the workplace.
You will meet individuals within that organisation or sector.
You will have the support of your employer, as well as the training provider delivering your apprenticeship.
You will be able to get a student discount card.

If you wish to contact the experts to ask more questions then The ApprenticeKent team is available to support you with your apprenticeship search. If you would like further help and advice, you can email ApprenticeKent.

The Engagement Officer team can help you:

Understand what an apprenticeship is and how they work.
Work out which apprenticeships are right for you.
Search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies.

Click here Become an Apprentice (kentprospectus.co.uk) to watch videos about becoming an apprentice and for more help on the following;

What are the Different Apprenticeship Levels?
Minimum Wage for Apprentices
Entry Requirements for Apprenticeships
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
Some Other Things to Consider About Apprenticeships