IT Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships and VQs
Apprenticeships and Vocational Qualifications are work based Training Programmes which enable individuals to combine employment and training. YouTrain provide Apprenticeship Training Programmes in both Scotland and England – Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland: Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships in England – and we work with all types of businesses, from Blue Chip Corporates to small and medium sized businesses, the Public Sector and the Third Sector.
Let’s get a couple of things straight.
Firstly, Modern Apprenticeships can be taken by people of ANY age, not just young people.
Secondly, they are not only for the “traditional” areas of trades and crafts. Modern Apprenticeships are available for almost all occupations.
Here in YouTrain, we run Modern Apprenticeship Programmes in:
- IT Professional
- IT User
- Management
- Business Administration
- Customer Service
- Contact Centre
- Distribution & Warehousing (Warehousing and Storage)
Topics:
General Questions
Apprentices Questions
Employers Questions
How much does an Apprenticeship programme cost?
Any cost is usually borne by the employer not the apprentice. Skills Development Scotland put public funding into apprenticeship programmes and we acknowledge their help in providing such funding. For 16 -19 year olds, YouTrain usually charges an employer a small fee for registration, certification and admin. For people aged over 19, the costs depend on the programme. See Help With Costs/Apprenticeships
How long does an apprenticeship take?
The programmes we offer take between 6 months and 2 years, depending on where you are starting from. In some other occupations, for example in some engineering apprenticeships (which we don’t offer) it can take you years. It does require commitment on the part of the apprentice and their employer) over an extended period of time.
SO I have to be committed to seeing it through?
Yes. Don’t start what you don’t want to finish. We pride ourselves on having low drop-out rates from our programmes.
What do I earn as an apprentice?
That depends on your employer. We have people on Modern Apprenticeship Programmes that may have been with their employer for years and are earning excellent salaries. (Remember what we said at the top of the page – apprenticeships can be for all ages).
I’ve recently left school or college. If I am RECRUITED as an Apprentice, how much will I be paid?
People who are recruited on to apprenticeship programmes are exempt from the National Minimum Wage, so your employer may pay you as little as £2.50 an hour, which is the minimum for apprentices. Now listen – if you’re thinking, that’s not very much, remember it’s better than nothing; and if you were in full time education, you wouldn’t get paid at all; and, most important, you’re earning while you’re learning.
Does YouTrain offer apprenticeships in everything?
No, we stick to what we’re good at and know about. However, we have been in the business for 14 years, so we might be able to point you in some right directions. Here are some links:
Scottish Training Federation – has over 100 training organisations as members – www.stf.org.uk
How does the programme run?
That’s a big question for a web page and we won’t go into details. Essentially, you are assigned a YouTrain Trainer/Assessor. Your trainer will either see you regularly every 2-4 weeks OR he will have regular communication with your though our own YouTrain portfolio.
I am not working. Can I do an apprenticeship?
Unfortunately, no. An apprenticeship is a work based programme and you have to be employed to do a Modern Apprenticeship. This is because an apprenticeship involves you acquiring and demonstrating competence at work, and you have to be at work to be able to do that.
So if I’m not working, can you offer me anything?
Yes we can, visit our other tabs on training in training rooms and e-learning. Some other points to remember are – when you DO get a job, then that’s when you could perhaps start an apprenticeship – and if you are getting an interview for a job, it can sometimes help to say that you would be keen to do an apprenticeship programme if it was available. Having a good attitude to learning says a lot about you.
Is there anything at all you can do to help me find an apprenticeship (and a job!)
We do get employers who ask us to help them find someone. We have got to be honest with you – we are not a recruitment agency, and we get far more people asking us this question than we have employers who are looking for someone. We can suggest some links.
I am fed up with not being able to get a job.
Listen, we know it’s not easy. There’s a recession on, employers are reluctant to take on staff, people are holding on their jobs, so there are less jobs coming up, and we know it’s tougher (especially for young people) than it has been at any time in the past 25 years. But our messages are simple and can be found here.
I’m an employer. We are always being asked to take on a young apprentice but I’m worried I won’t be able to get the right person.
There are lots of excellent young people who just need a break. It’s certainly true that as an employer you need to be prepared to put some time into young inexperienced employees, but it’s worth the effort. We can also help you recruit a young person if you want us to.
