IT Apprenticeships: Have you got a passion for technology?

In today's digital age, information technology (IT) has become an integral part of almost every industry. From managing networks to developing software applications, IT professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of businesses.

Recognising the importance of skilled IT workers, the United Kingdom offers a wide range of apprenticeship programs to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed in this rapidly evolving field. In this article, we will explore the world of IT apprenticeships in the UK, discussing their benefits, eligibility criteria, and the opportunities they provide for aspiring IT professionals.

What is an IT Apprenticeship?

An IT apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines practical work experience with theoretical learning. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications required for a successful career in the IT industry. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a salary, making them an attractive option for those who prefer a more practical learning approach.

Benefits of IT Apprenticeships

Practical Experience: One of the primary advantages of IT apprenticeships is the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real-world setting. Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical tasks, thus bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Earning While Learning: Unlike traditional educational routes, apprenticeships offer individuals the chance to earn a salary while studying. This financial support allows apprentices to cover their living expenses and reduces the need for student loans, making it a more financially viable option.

Industry Recognised Qualifications: IT apprenticeships provide learners with industry-recognised qualifications upon completion. These qualifications, such as NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council), enhance the employability of apprentices and demonstrate their competence to potential employers.

Career Progression: IT apprenticeships often provide a clear progression path, enabling individuals to develop their skills and advance in their careers. The knowledge gained through apprenticeships can serve as a solid foundation for further specialisation or higher-level qualifications.

Eligibility Criteria for IT Apprenticeships

To be eligible for an IT apprenticeship in the UK, certain criteria must be met. While specific requirements may vary between programs and employers, here are some common prerequisites:

Age: Apprenticeships are available to individuals aged 16 or over. However, some programs may have specific age restrictions or preferences.

Education: Typically, apprenticeships require a minimum level of education, such as GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or A-levels. However, specific entry requirements can vary depending on the level and type of apprenticeship.

Right to Work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, either through citizenship, residency, or an appropriate visa.

Skills and Aptitude: Employers often look for candidates who possess strong problem-solving skills, a passion for technology, and good communication abilities. Having a basic understanding of IT concepts or prior experience in the field can also be advantageous.

Types of IT Apprenticeships

IT apprenticeships in the UK encompass a wide range of specialisations, catering to various interests and career goals. Some common types of IT apprenticeships include:

 

1. IT Support Technician:

This apprenticeship focuses on providing technical support to users, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and maintaining IT systems.

 

2. Software Developer:

As an apprentice in software development, you will learn programming languages, develop software applications, and work on projects alongside experienced developers.

 

3. Network Engineer:

Network engineering apprenticeships concentrate on designing, implementing, and managing computer networks, ensuring the efficient transmission of data within an organisation.

 

4. Cybersecurity Analyst:

Apprenticeships in cybersecurity equip individuals with the skills to identify and mitigate security threats, safeguard data, and develop strategies to protect organisations from cyber-attacks.

 

5. IT Project Manager:

IT project management apprenticeships provide the opportunity to learn how to plan, execute, and monitor IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.

 

Finding IT Apprenticeships

There are several avenues to explore when searching for IT apprenticeships in the UK:

 

Government Websites:

The UK government provides a comprehensive apprenticeship portal (www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) where individuals can search for IT apprenticeships across various industries.

Training Providers: Many training providers collaborate with employers to offer IT apprenticeships. Researching and contacting these providers directly can help you discover apprenticeship opportunities.

 

Company Websites:

Numerous companies advertise their apprenticeship programs on their websites. Checking the career or apprenticeship sections of company websites can provide valuable information about available opportunities.

Job Boards and Recruitment Websites: General job boards and industry-specific websites often feature apprenticeship vacancies. Keeping an eye on these platforms can help you identify suitable apprenticeships.

 

IT apprenticeships in the UK offer a fantastic opportunity to kickstart a successful career in the technology industry. Through a combination of hands-on experience and theoretical learning, apprentices gain practical skills, industry-recognised qualifications, and the chance to earn a salary while studying.

 

With various specialisations available, individuals can choose a pathway that aligns with their interests and aspirations. Whether you're interested in software development, IT support, or cybersecurity, embarking on an IT apprenticeship can provide the foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling career in the ever-evolving world of technology.

 

 

Apprenticeship Levels Explained

 

Intermediate Advanced Higher Degree

Intermediate Apprenticeships

Intermediate Apprenticeships are your entry level into the world of apprenticeships more commonly known as a Level 2 Apprenticeship. Level 2 apprenticeships offer an excellent route into further education post 16, as an alternative to staying on at school, whilst receiving on the job training and studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

During your intermediate apprenticeship you will study part-time with a college or a training provider, 20% of your training, towards an NVQ Level 2 and knowledge based qualification such as a BTEC, together these qualifications are the equivalent to 5 GCSE's grades 9 - 4 (A* - C on the old grading system). You will also receive a Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English if you don't already have them.

An Intermediate Apprenticeship is great for learning work related skills as apposed to being given more responsibility. This level of training will make you work ready and train you in the hands on skills required to undertake the responsibility of the task and give you the employability skills you need to be successful.

Qualifying Criteria

There is no formal qualifying criteria for a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship however some employers may ask for a minimum of 2 GCSE's to be able to join their apprenticeship programme.

 

Advanced Apprenticeships

Advanced Apprenticeships or commonly known as Level 3 Apprenticeships are the equivalent to doing 2 A-Levels and are the next level from an intermediate apprenticeship. Level 3 apprenticeships are great for you to start once you have completed your GCSE's and have attained the correct grades to be able to start at this level.

Starting at the advanced level even if you already have A-levels enables you to gain on the training, of which some employers prefer you to have before starting a Higher or Degree apprenticeship.

Just like an intermediate apprenticeship you will be required to spend at least 20% of your time studying with a college or training provider to be able to achieve the qualifications. On completion of you r apprenticeship you will achieve the equivalent of 2 A-Levels in the form of an NVQ Level 3 and a knowledge based qualifications such as a BTEC diploma.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualifying for a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship many employers ask for a minimum of 5 GCSE's which must include Maths and English, this is why an intermediate apprenticeships gives you these qualifications on completion. Although an advanced apprenticeships is the equivalent of 2 A-Levels some employers may add A-Levels as their requirement at this level also.

Find companies advertising advanced apprenticeship jobs on our website.

Higher Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships are your Levels 4 and 5 qualifications and enable you to study towards a HNC or HND respectively whilst at Level 5 you can also attain a foundation degree which is great if you want to continue in your studies towards a bachelors degree.

During your higher apprenticeship training you will be required to studying part-time with a training provider, college or university which along with your on the job training will enable you to train towards a Level 4 or 5 NVQ and BTEC diploma along with their respective HNC or HND qualification. Higher apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete.

As a higher apprentice you will be given a lot more responsibility which may include managing people or teams or even responsible for managing projects. You will be supported by your employer along side your mentors and tutors making sure to advise and guide you along the way during your apprenticeship programme.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualifying for a higher apprenticeship you will need to have achieved and completed at least a Level 3 Apprenticeship or have 5 GCSE's grades 9-4 which must include Maths and English and 2 A-Levels.

Find companies advertising higher apprenticeship jobs on our website.

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships were introduced in September 2015 and have been receive with open arms both by employers and apprentices alike. Also known as Level 6 or 7 apprenticeships the degree level apprenticeship enables you to study towards a Bachelors or Masters degree.

You can start a degree apprenticeships straight after your advanced apprenticeship level or alternatively if you want to gain more on the job training before the Level 6 programme you can overlap from a higher apprenticeship programme. Many employers are now partnering with leading universities across the country to offer degree level apprenticeships to help advance your learning opportunities.

Just like studying at university a degree level apprenticeship takes between 3 to 6 years to complete you will achieve this by on the job training with your employer and training provider and then part-time study at the designated university for your apprenticeship course.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualifying for a degree apprenticeship you will need to have at least Level 3 qualifications of 2 A-Levels, NVQ and BTEC or have completely the advanced apprenticeship. Level 6 and 7 are also a natural progression from a higher apprenticeship.

Find companies advertising degree apprenticeship jobs on our website.

What? Why? How?

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a form of further education which offers on the job training for you to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst studying part-time with an apprenticeship training provider, college or university through workshops or classroom training.

Apprenticeship training has to be delivered by a registered apprenticeship training provider which can also be an employer-provider, where the employer you are training through are on the register of training providers to be able to deliver their own training requirements. If an employer acts as an employer-provider they will usually employ a number of people such as Apprenticeship Assessors, Mentors and Managers to support you through your apprenticeship programme.

During your apprenticeship you will receive a salary and all the other benefits permanent employees receive. An apprenticeship job is only for a specified time as stipulated at the beginning of your apprenticeship training which can last anything from 12 months to 5 years.

To find our more about apprenticeships please refer to our What is an Apprenticeship? guide.

Why should you start an apprenticeship?

If you are considering your post 16 options you probably wouldn't have considered an apprenticeship a few years ago and would be struggling or worrying what to do when you leave school. It is a legal requirement for you to now stay in some form of further education until the age of 18 and you now have three options A-Levels, College or an Apprenticeship.

You can start an apprenticeship at the age of 16 through the Intermediate or Advanced level apprenticeship programmes across many industry sectors from Construction, Technology or even Marketing. There are no entry requirements for the intermediate apprenticeship, however you will need at least 5 GCSE's at grade 4 (previously C grade) or above to qualify for the advanced apprenticeship. On completion of the intermediate you will gain the qualifying criteria for a level 3.

The best reason for starting an apprenticeship is on completion of each level you will receive a nationally recognised qualification from an NVQ all the way up to a degree level apprenticeship such as a Bachelors or Masters.

 

How can you become an apprentice?

There are a number of ways to become an apprentice so we thought we would list them for you:

• Register with websites like ourselves, there are others available.
• Apprenticeship Job Fairs are great for meeting employers and training providers.
• Contact training providers in your area, a simple Google search "Training providers near me" will give you the information you need.
• Contact your local colleges or universities or visit their websites to see if they offer apprenticeship training.
• UCAS promote apprenticeship opportunities on their website on behalf of employers.
  
  

and finally......

• Do some research on apprenticeships and find a topic or industry that you would like to start an apprenticeship in and then research local companies in those sectors and visit their websites to see if they offer apprenticeship training and apply directly with them.