The ultimate parent/carer guide to apprenticeships | Optimum Skills

It’s National Apprenticeship Week, from February 10th to February 16th 2025, a week dedicated to celebrating apprenticeships. Many parents and carers may wonder what apprenticeships are and how they can help their young person. Let’s dive into this guide to apprenticeships and explore why they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice for so many young people!

Apprenticeships are real jobs which combine a job-based training programme along with hands-on learning day to day. They allow young people to gain skills and experience in a specific job or industry. They’re a great way to learn while earning money, without the burden of student debt.

1. Earn while you learn—no student debt!
2. Get real work experience
3. Gain qualifications that employers love
4. Learn skills for life
5. Open doors to future career paths

Levels of Apprenticeships:

• Intermediate (Level 2) – Equivalent to GCSEs
• Advanced (Level 3) – Equivalent to A-levels
• Higher (Levels 4-7) – Foundation degree and above
• Degree (Levels 6-7) – Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. As apprenticeships are real jobs, the entry requirements depend on the sector and job, details of these are available for each apprenticeship vacancy as they are posted.

An apprenticeship is free for the apprentice, as the employer covers the costs, with the Government funding 95% for non-levy paying employers and providing additional support for levy-paying employers.

One of the most appealing parts of an apprenticeship to many young people is that you earn as you learn. The Government has set minimum requirements for what businesses hiring apprentices need to pay as an hourly rate, this is currently £6.40 per hour and will be rising to £7.55 per hour in April 2025. This applies to all apprentices aged 19 and under or over 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

There is no upper limit, and many companies offer more than this. Apprentices are paid a salary by their employer and benefit from all the same benefits as other staff members, including paid holidays and sick pay.

1. Talk about their interests and goals. What careers are they interested in?
2. Help them research different options. Some young people will thrive as an apprentice, some might need support before hand through traineeships and study programmes. Optimum Skills offers multiple options so all learners start out on a journey that suits them.
3. Practice job applications and interview skills with them.
4. Support them through the process. As exciting as a new apprenticeship opportunity is, there might be lots of changes and information for your young person to process, Optimum Skills are here every step of the way to support all of our learners and apprentices through each step of their learning journey.

Remember, apprenticeships are a great way for young people to start their careers. They get to learn, earn money, and gain valuable experience all at once. It’s an exciting opportunity that could lead to a bright future!

• Business Administration Level 3
• Customer Service Level 2
• Content Creator Level 3
• Data Analyst Level 4
• Multi-channel Marketer Level 3
• Warehousing Level 2
• Lean Manufacturing Level 2
• Bricklaying Level 2
• Joinery Level 2
• Roofing Level 2

If you have more questions about apprenticeships or need guidance on how to support your child in their journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate the exciting world of apprenticeships and ensure your child makes the best choices for their future. Contact the Optimum Skills team.