About Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn gaining recognised qualifications as you work.
This prospectus will tell you about Apprenticeships, what qualifications can be achieved, Apprenticeship areas and different levels we have available. Skills @ Oldham has over 650 Apprentices earning and learning in over 300 local companies.
What is an Apprenticeship
If you are looking for a job that allows you to carry on learning, or are already in employment and want to gain further qualifications then an Apprenticeship is for you!
How long do they last
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships last as long as it takes to achieve the necessary skills and competencies required for the job in which you are training. An Apprentice programme at Level 2 typically takes between 12 to 18 months and an Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3 takes 18 to 24 months.
Work placement
To complete an Apprenticeship you must be suitably employed. Skills@Oldham have a team of friendly consultants who are specially trained to help you find employment. The consultants have expertise in working with local and national companies who can provide Apprenticeship opportunities for you.
Earn while you learn
The minimum wage for apprentices is £95 per week, with the average wage being £170 a week. You will also get at least one and a half days’ paid holiday for every month of your training. This is on top of bank holidays. Your exact wage and holidays will depend on your employer.
Support available
The Oldham College has an excellent range of support available to all Apprentices including a personal learning mentor who will help with any issues you may encounter during your Apprenticeship.
Your employer will support you by allocating a mentor whilst at work, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve gained on the Apprenticeship programme.
Qualifications
As an Apprentice you will learn on the job enhancing your knowledge and skills, earning money at the same time. The qualifications are work based awards which are achieved through assessment and training. Apprenticeships offered by Skills @ Oldham are available as an Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship.
The qualifications will test your competence at work (NVQ), your knowledge, technical certificate, your functional and key skills such as communication and numeracy which are required for all jobs.
To take up an Apprenticeship you must be age 16 or over. Most Apprenticeships require GCSE’s in Maths and English (A-D grade)