How to do an apprenticeship while employed

If you’re employed and want to do an apprenticeship, you must get your employer to agree to let you do an apprenticeship. This page has more information about apprenticeships and the steps you need to take.

Understand what is an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training, with classroom-based or tutor-led learning for some of the time. Once you have completed the apprenticeship, you will get a national and industry-recognised qualification. To complete your apprenticeship, you will need to pass an end-point-assessment.

Apprenticeships allow you to carry on working whilst learning a new skill. There are different levels of apprenticeships, from Level 2 (equal to GCSEs) to Level 7 (equal to a Masters).

Are you already in employment?

To do an apprenticeship you must have a job. This is because the purpose of apprenticeships is to allow a person to do on-the-job learning. If you are employed, you need to get your employer to agree to let you do an apprenticeship whilst you are employed by them.

We can help you and your employer understand the process! Fill in the from at the end of this page and we will contact your employer to help get you started.

Types of apprenticeships you can consider

Apprenticeships can take between 12 months and 6 years to complete, depending on the level, the industry, your previous experience, and your working pattern (for example whether you work full-time or part-time).

Are you eligible?

To do an apprenticeship you must be in employment, therefore you will need to be at least 16 years old, not be in full-time education, and live in England. To apply for some apprenticeships, you might also need certain qualifications, such as GCSE English or Maths.

There may be additional requirements depending on the type of apprenticeship, and some apprenticeships may have specific criteria such as a certain level of experience, but many are designed for people with little or no experience.

How can you help me do an apprenticeship if I already have a job?

To do an apprenticeship, you need to get your employer’s agreement. Once they agree to let you do an apprenticeship, either you or your employer will need to contact us so that we can speak with you or them about the skills that you need to develop during the apprenticeship, and at what level.

We can speak with your employer on your behalf and explain to them the apprenticeship process. Fill in the contact form below, and we will contact your employer on your behalf.

During the apprenticeship, your salary will remain the same as you will still be doing your job. The only difference is that you will be spending a minimum of 6 hours a week developing new skills, knowledge, and behaviours. Your employer is responsible for ensuring that you are exposed to the right tasks and projects to help you develop your skills in the area of your apprenticeship.

Balancing work and study

One of the biggest challenges of balancing a job and an apprenticeship is time management. You will need to complete regular assessments to prepare for the end-point assessment.

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Contact us

If you are employed and would like support communicating with your employer about studying with us, please fill in the form with your details and your manager’s details so we can help you take the next step.