Apprenticeships enable you to study in the sector of your choice for a recognised qualification, gain valuable and practical skills for a career you’re passionate about while continuing to earn a competitive salary.
An apprenticeship offers an exciting combination of work experience and education. It is a training course linked to a full-time profession, so you gain the benefits of a programme of study with workplace practise and understanding.
Apprenticeships are designed by training providers in conjunction with employers, to meet skills gaps and create value in an organisation. They are a great blend of real-life experience and relevant academic studies to empower you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours for a successful career.
Earn while you learn
When you begin your apprenticeship, you will have a full-time paid job and contract of employment. Typically, you will spend one day per week of formal training at the university and four days per week at your employer, although this can vary depending on the course, your employer and your needs.
Throughout your course, your employer and your training partner such as City, works in close partnership to ensure the course is tailored to both of your needs with regular meetings, assessments and study reports. At the end of the course there will be an End Point Assessment (EPA), which is a required part of all apprenticeship standards.
Why are apprenticeships beneficial?
An apprenticeship can unlock your career journey. Apprenticeships allow you to work full time and earn a competitive salary while completing a recognised qualification.
It is a chance to join a programme that includes work experience and the opportunity to make a long-term investment in yourself. As an apprentice you will earn an apprenticeship wage and apply what you learn at the university to your workplace.
When asking ‘what are apprenticeships are good for?’, it is the real-world focus and relevant work experience employers find of particular value; you will be able to be qualified for a particular role with professional accreditation.
You will learn in a supportive environment, build contacts on your course as well as in your workplace, and put yourself in the best position to address the fast-changing aspects of your chosen career with the latest skills.
Differences between an apprentice and a student?
The key difference for an apprentice is that you will be undertaking a full-time paid role, gaining workplace skills and knowledge while continuing a course of study at the same time.
On a practical level, this means managing your time and being professional, so that you have a successful learning journey and can add value to your career and organisation. Although you will have a wage, you will still have the benefits of other students at the university.
Many apprentices will go on longer-term to work for their business following the apprenticeship, and for employers it is hugely valuable in creating value in an organisation, filling skills gaps, talent retention and acquisition for expansion, and succession planning.
How to balance work with study
Apprenticeships are designed to combine practical training in a job with study. Your employer can be expected to provide a motivating and supportive workplace with substantial on and off-the-job training.
Your needs are equally as important as the needs of the business, meaning you get to achieve competence in a skilled occupation, receive coaching and mentoring assessment, build long-term earnings potential and the ability to progress in the workplace.
A successful apprenticeship will support you to thrive in your career and deliver to employers someone with the right knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Study tips
Balancing work with study can be demanding and challenging. Here are some tips to guard against ‘overwhelm’ and keep your apprenticeship on track:
- Talk to your tutors about how much coursework you’ll have to do and when your deadlines will be, to plan and create a detailed schedule
- Talk to your employer about your apprenticeship coursework, what is involved and when the pinch points will be, so you can balance work and study
- Keep everyone informed, ask questions and ask for help. Employers understand students are working in a job as well as studying, so make time to check in with them and tutors; communication is key to get the support you need
- Create a dedicated space where you can study, either at home or elsewhere
- Make time for yourself, so you have time to enjoy rest, stay healthy and can perform at your best.
How are apprenticeships funded?
Employers will cover the cost of all apprenticeship training in conjunction with the Government.
Finance options for you depend on whether your employer is a levy or non-levy paying employer, but various finance opportunities are available subject to employer business type and the apprenticeship programmes on offer.
More information on this can be found on our What is the apprenticeship levy? page.
Apprenticeships UK: What apprenticeships does City offer?
City combines academic excellence closely aligned for business and the professions and offers apprenticeships in London, close to the Square Mile, Tech City and in the design hub of Clerkenwell. It has a fast-growing range of apprenticeships aligned with apprenticeship jobs, and there are more coming online soon. Our current apprenticeships are as follows:
- Senior Leader level 7 (integrated degree - Senior Leader Master’s degree)
- Solicitor level 7 (non-degree qualification)
- Nursing Associate level 5 (non-degree qualification)
- Advanced Clinical Practitioner level 7 (integrated degree - Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice)
- Digital & Technology Solutions Specialist level 7 (integrated degree - MSc Digital & Technology Solutions)
Apprenticeships near me: Contact us
If you would like to discuss how to get an apprenticeship, the team at City are happy to look at your training needs.