CGC Ebook 5.0

How is the training delivered in an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are predominantly practical, with most of the learning happening on the job. However, you are also required to study the theory behind the work. This usually takes up 20% of your normal working hours. You employer will decide how your study time is structured. They can either require you to study one day every week, known as day release. Or they can choose for you to study for a full week, alternating between weeks of work and study. This is called block release. Depending on your course and employer you will study at either a university, college, or a training provider. Some apprenticeships will also provide online learning resources for you to study remotely. Furthermore, you may also be required to attend various additional training events: – Workshops – Classroom sessions – Virtual webinars

How do I get ready for an apprenticeship?

Prior to applying for an apprenticeship, you need to be vocationally ready and you also need to personally ready. Being vocationally ready refers to not only having decided on your career area but having taken steps to get work experience in the field. You will have found out as much about the job role as possible and may even be achieving grades in the subjects that an employer needs. Being personally ready is about whether you have the maturity and life skills to take on an apprenticeship. This is extremely significant because apprenticeships are a large step up; they require you to start work in a real job whilst also balancing study alongside. To assess whether you feel you are ready, you can ask yourself the following questions: – Am I certain of the job and industry I want to enter into? And why? – Am I able to balance both work and study, maintaining high levels of performance in both? – Do I learn best from practical experience? – Am I ready to learn and earn?