What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships provide a mixture of on and off-the-job training whilst in employment. They encompass an NVQ, Key Skills and a Technical Certificate, and have two levels:

Apprenticeships

Equivalent to GCSE and include an NVQ level 2, Key Skills and sometimes a Technical Certificate.

Advanced Apprenticeships

Equivalent to A Levels and include an NVQ level 3 Key Skills and a Technical Certificate.

What are Key Skills

Key Skills are a generic set of skills that are required for any job role and include Communication and Application of number.

What are Technical cetificates

The technical certificate is designed to test occupational knowledge and understanding. They are delivered through a taught programme of off-the-job training, unlike NVQs, which are delivered through on-the-job training. Technical certificates may be existing qualifications such as Foundation Health and Safety in Hospitality or new qualifications developed to meet the needs of a particular sector e.g. Food Hygiene.

All learners completing Apprenticeship programmes will be awarded the relevant NVQ, Key Skills and Technical Certificate.

To download a PDF of the:
Apprenticeships, A Young Person's Guide Leaflet
see the Resources section below.