School Leaver Apprenticeships

An apprentice is an employee with all the same rights and benefits as other members of staff, but they just take some time out to continue their learning in college. It’s an alternative to college or sixth form and can even be for adults who want to completely change their career or develop their skills in a new role. You’ll work for a company (this means applying and having an interview like you would for a job) and learn on the job, by working with more experienced members of staff. 

Once you have finished the apprenticeship, you’ll have a qualification and bags of experience under your belt. This will make you an attractive candidate to employers, and you could even be offered a permanent position at the company you’ve studied your apprenticeship with.  

Apprenticeships are available at Level 2 to Level 7, but the level you’ll study can depend on the job role you are applying for and your current qualifications. 

Level 2: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship equivalent to five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (a*-c) 

Level 3: Advance apprenticeships equivalent to two A-levels 

Level 4, 5, 6, & 7 Higher & Degree Apprenticeships equivalent to HND, Foundation Degree and Degree Level 

If you are over 16, living in England and are not in full-time education then you are eligible to become an apprentice. Individuals who have achieved degree-level qualifications or above are not eligible for apprenticeship funding in the same subject as their degree. 

The length of an apprenticeship programme varies according to the occupational sector in which you are working. They will last a minimum of one year and up to four years for more complex areas such as engineering. 

Most employers are looking for candidates who have achieved or are expecting to achieve GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, or A Levels. However, some employers will accept slightly lower grades if initial assessment testing indicates that you can work at the required level. 

There is a minimum apprenticeship wage that all employers must pay apprentices. However, most apprentices at MK College are paid more than this. All of our apprenticeship vacancies list their salaries.  

Yes, but it is important that you declare that you have a disability or support need when you meet with our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team. We can then ensure that a package of support is put together at the start of your apprenticeship in partnership with our Learning Support Department to meet your own individual needs. Our Learning Support department will work closely with you and your employer to ensure that you are successful in achieving all outcomes of your apprenticeship.

Becoming an apprentice has never been easier! If you know what you’d like to study, you’ll want to start checking out the latest apprenticeship vacancies to make sure you don’t miss out! If you are not sure on your career route, check out www.startprofile.com to get started.