Other Apprenticeships include: Horticulture, Jewellery and Architecture.

Thinking of becoming an Apprentice when you leave school?

To help you in that process here are the answers to questions that get asked all the time about the States Apprenticeship Scheme.

Q: What is the Apprenticeship Scheme?

A: A scheme that allows young people (and older people too) the opportunity to earn while they learn a trade or craft.

Q: How do Apprentices learn their trade?

A: They spend part of their week in the workplace (on-the-job training) plus a day a week at College (off-the-job training). Depending on which trade is chosen, one evening per week at college may also be necessary

Q: How long does it take to be an Apprentice?

A: Anything from 3 – 5 years depending on the trade you choose.

Q: What qualification will I achieve?

A: During your apprenticeship of 3-5 yrs you will study continuously to achieve an NVQ or City & Guilds Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.

Q: Why do I need these qualifications?

A: All of the trades in the Apprenticeship Scheme are quite highly skilled –they require quite a high standard of ability. In order to achieve this ability – apprentices need to go through different levels of achievement, each level being continually assessed and examined - then a certificate is given to prove that they have passed. These certificates build up into different levels of qualification e.g. certificate, diploma, advanced diploma.

When you have finished your Apprenticeship and perhaps want to move jobs (as a newly qualified apprentice) employers will ask to see your qualifications. They need to be sure that you are what you say you are – a fully qualified tradesperson who has completed all their College courses up to a certain standard.

Q: How do I become an Apprentice?

A: First of all you need to find a job . The Apprenticeship Scheme does not find young people jobs – you need to do that bit yourself. Also, it is very important that any employer you work for is a States Registered Employer. This means they have been visited by a panel of Assessors from the Apprenticeship Scheme to make sure they can offer on-the –job training to the standard expected for the courses you will be doing at College.

Q: How do I choose the right Apprenticeship?

A: This is the most important question that you need to ask yourself. Many young people jump into any Apprenticeship simply because they want to earn a wage and “at least it’s a job”. This rarely ever works out! As you have already seen so far, an Apprenticeship is quite a commitment with 3 – 5 years of work and study, similar to the commitment made by young people going to university – so it is important to get it right.

Ask yourself:

• What sort of trade/craft interests me,?
• Why does it interest me?
• Can I see myself working and studying for that trade/craft for 3-5 years?
• Is it the sort of job I want to be doing in 10 – 15 years time?
• Is there plenty of work in that trade at the moment?

Q: Are there any specific requirements e.g. Maths or English GCSE?

A: There is no set criteria for entry into the Apprenticeship Scheme, but some trades do require a higher standard of education than others. (This requirement will be more common in the future as College courses become more difficult). For example, Electrical Apprenticeships require a good standard of English and Maths. The course requires confidence in figure work, ability to understand complex systems of work and good written skills.

Motor Vehicle Technician (Motor Mechanic) is increasingly becoming harder to get into because of the requirements for GCSEs.

Q: Do you have these qualifications?

A: If you do then choosing any Apprenticeship should not present you with a problem, so long as you have asked yourself the right questions first.

Q: If not what do you do?

A: It might be a good idea to:

• Have a chat with your Careers Teacher at school
• Drop into the Careers Service and have a chat with one of the Careers Advisers.
• If you want to discuss the Apprenticeship Scheme further – pop and see Alma (tel: 737501) at the College of Further Education
• It is probably best to ring the above contacts first to make an appointment

Q: After asking yourself all the right questions, what Apprenticeships are on offer to you?

A: The following Apprenticeships are available.

• Fabrication & Welding
• Engineering Trades (mechanical/marine/aero/telecommunications)
• Motor trades (cars/bikes)
• Motor trades (body repair/paint spray)
• Architecture
• Building Trades:
• Electrical
• Carpentry & joinery
• Painting & decorating
• Plumbing & heating
• Trowel trades
• Catering
• Horticulture
• Jewellery
• Hairdressing

As you have probably gathered finding a job is going to take time, thought and a lot of forward thinking. You need to think of the future and not just what you will be doing next year. Finding the right job, one that will develop your employability skills can change your life. Work is a large part of most people’s life so when you get it right then every working day has something to offer - job satisfaction, a working environment that interests you, prospects and a good future.

To help you in your search for a job it is possible to get a list of all Registered Employers for the trade you want to do. Contact – Alma Harradine (Apprenticeship Scheme Manager) tel: 737501 or e-mail almah@gcfe.net