An apprenticeship is a job with training built–in. It’s a great way to develop new talent. Through on–the–job and off–the–job learning, an apprentice is considered a full–time employee and earns a good wage, whilst avoiding student debt (government pays their student fees).

An apprentice can be anyone who has reached compulsory school age and is either looking to be up–skilled in their current place of work, or a new employee taking up a permanent job offer.

If you have (or are currently working towards) GCSE or equivalent qualifications, Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships are best–suited.

If you have (or are currently working towards) A–level or equivalent qualifications, Level 5 (Foundation degree) or Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) apprenticeships are a good fit.

To be an apprentice, you must have:

• a job position (on–the–job learning); and

• a place on the training provider’s course (off–the–job learning).

You can apply for the apprenticeship job through Workplus (during the Workplus application campaigns – see website for dates and deadlines) and you must also apply separately to the specific training course, usually through the training provider’s own website. We recommend doing both of these applications in parallel (i.e. around January/February time), unless you are applying to Ulster University (only apply to their apprenticeship courses once you have a job offer). It is the applicant’s responsibility to apply to and get a place on the training course.

Applicants apply to most apprenticeship training courses (off–the–job learning) through the training provider’s own website (to the part–time or HLA course). Make sure that you apply to both the training provider and to the employer (on–the–job learning).

Yes – Workplus and UCAS/college applications are different platforms.

It’s worth bearing in mind that apprenticeship employers are keen to see that applicants are passionate and interested in their particular apprenticeship – they want to make sure applicants are serious about it and are offering an apprenticeship to the right candidate.

If you have a disability or a long–term health condition, you can access support from Disability Action to help you with your application.

To have a conversation about the support you can receive, email MichaelMoore@disabilityaction.org.

Alternatively, you can speak to either by calling 028 9029 7880.

We advise that you do this as soon as possible – we recommend contacting Disability Action at least 4 days before you submit your Workplus application to allow sufficient time for support.

Disability Action will aim to respond to your contact within two working days.

*NB: Disability Action is not able to advise on the content of your application.

You can enter HLA provision if it is at a higher level to your achieved qualification, or if it is in a subject unrelated to your qualification.

An apprenticeship is a permanent job!

We’ve found that 95% of apprentices stick with the company they’re working in after their apprenticeship, and they’ve already had years of experience.

Usually it’s the training provider that sets the entry requirements – check their website for specific entry requirements and eligibility checks.

There are three sections to the Workplus application:

• My profile – this section is open throughout the year. It includes your qualifications or predicted grades, work experience, and five 150–word questions.

• My apprenticeship application – this section unlocks during the application campaigns and is where you select the apprenticeships you want to apply to, as well as ranking employers.

• Aptitude test – this is optional, but we recommend that you complete this. It only takes around 35 minutes and can be quite fun! It helps employers see more than just a written application form from applicants. Make sure to complete it before the deadline.