Apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience

An apprenticeship is a way for young people and adults to earn while they learn in a real job. It gives apprentices real qualification and a real future. The scheme provides high quality training that benefits both apprentices and employers and an appropriate wage.

An apprenticeship means:

• Earning the national minimum wage at least
• A real job of at least 30 hours per week for at least 12 months with a specified job description
• A qualification leading to a national qualification that can be up to degree level - respected by employers around the world
• A real future - after finishing 85 percent of apprentices stay in employment with 64% staying with the same employer

Read our apprenticeship case study (PDF document) for more details.

A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience. It focuses on giving young people skills and experience that employers are looking for. That means work preparation training, English and Maths if appropriate, and a high quality work experience placement.

A traineeship means:

• Putting you in a better position to compete for an apprenticeship or job
• The opportunity to build your CV and gain vital experience with employers
• Improving English and Maths skills to boost chances of getting a job
• Improving your long term prospects and earning potential over your lifetime
• Giving you the skills you need to secure a job and succeed
• At the end of the work experience placement you’ll get a job interview with the company if a role becomes available or a reference and an exit interview
  

Work experience or internships provide high quality work experience placement. They last from 1 week to 12 months.

Work experience means:

• A real workplace experience
• A structured opportunity matched to areas of interest and aspiration
• Development of new skills and behaviours

Internships include:

• Work experience for school pupils for 1 to 2 weeks
• Work-based projects with an employer, charity or educational organisation
• Sandwich placement for college or university students to cover a gap year
• Internship for a year in a specialised field to support graduates or those not in employment, education or training

You can find out more on the Becoming an adult: jobs and careers web page.

To find out more:

• See the latest opportunities in our job search
• Visit the Gov.uk website apprenticeship service
• Visit the Bracknell and Wokingham College website
• Email us at: hrenquiries@wokingham.gov.uk