Next Steps...
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A Day in the Life of an Apprentice Funeral Director
A real life account of a day in the life of a trainee funeral director...
Advice and Support During Your Apprenticeship
During your apprenticeship there will be a lot of advice and support available to help you through....
Am I Classed as an Employee If They Don't Pay My Wage?
A realistic answer to a complex question regarding apprenticeships, employment and money...
An Apprentice's Study Commitments
Learning to balance your work and studying will help you get the most out of your apprenticeship....
An Apprenticeship Using Your Skills or Talents
Wherever your skills and talents lie, there is an apprenticeship job out there to make the most of them....
Apprentice Awards and Recognition
As an apprentice or an employee, it always good to receive rewards or recognition of your work....
Apprentice Employers' Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at these frequently asked questions to learn more about employing an apprentice...
Apprentices' Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at some frequently asked questions about apprenticeships....
Apprentices Vs Conventional Employees
Apprentices are broadly entitled to the same treatment as conventional employees. Apprentices and employers should ensure that they are aware of their rights and obligations....
Apprenticeship or Internship: Which is Right for Me?
Apprenticeships and internships each have their own distinct characteristics. You need to understand which is best for you before making a decision....
Apprenticeship Vs Advanced Apprenticeship
There is a range of apprenticeships on offer, including basic-level, advanced, and higher. Each offers the apprentice the chance to study for a different type of qualification....
Apprenticeship Vs Conventional Job; What Should I Choose
Apprenticeships are a unique way of starting a career. But you need to decide whether an apprenticeship, or conventional employment, is the right choice for you....
Apprenticeship Vs Degree: What's Best for Me?
While apprenticeships are the right choice for some, others may benefit more from a degree. Your choice will depend on a range of factors....
Apprenticeships and Tax: What You Need to Know
Apprentices are taxed just like other employees. It is important that you understand the income tax and National Insurance systems in order that you pay the right amount....
Apprenticeships Vs Conventional Qualifications
Apprenticeships differ significantly from conventional qualifications - and yet they share some of the same characteristics, benefits and drawbacks....
Apprenticeships vs Internships: Rights and Responsibilities
Apprentices and employers have a range of rights and responsibilities under the Apprenticeships Scheme. These differ from the rights and responsibilities given to interns....
Apprenticeships: Parents' Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning an apprenticeship is a big step. As a parent of a prospective apprentice, you need to be sure that you understand the nature of the training....
Asking for a Pay Rise
To ask for a pay rise you need to plan your approach and prove that you are worth it....
Asking for a Performance Review
A guide to help you ask for an apprenticeship performance review from a helpful employer and a not-so-helpful employer....
Attracting Apprentices to Your Business
Having a good apprenticeship course in place and promoting your business will boost apprentice recruitment....
Balance Work and Study as an Apprentice
During your apprenticeship you will need to balance your work and study so you can do them both justice....
Becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador
Apprenticeship ambassadors help to further the cause of apprenticeships in the UK, whether informally in their community or officially through groups like the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network....
Boost Your Qualifications
Boosting your qualifications during and after your apprenticeship can help improve your career prospects....
Breaking Down the Costs of Hiring an Apprentice
There is a range of costs associated with hiring an apprentice. You should make sure that you understand these costs - and seek all the financial help available....
Can I Do a Degree After My Apprenticeship?
You don't necessarily have to turn your back on education after doing an apprenticeship. Some apprentices choose to return to university after completing their training....
Can I Sack an Apprentice?
Sacking an apprentice can be a difficult task. You need to understand, and act within, the boundaries of the law in order to avoid an appearance at an employment tribunal....
Can My Working Hours Be Changed?
Unless your contract states something different, your employer can expect you to work up to 48 hours a week....
Conducting Apprentice Assessment
An apprenticeship course should include ongoing assessment to measure your apprentice's progress and skills....
Coping With the World of Work
Entering the world of work can be a big adjustment. Take your time and ask for help so that your work based training is a good experience....
Dealing with a Bad Employer
If you have a bad employer then you need speak to your boss about the issues and try to resolve them....
Dealing With Bullying at Work
Dealing with bullying is never fun but they do not have the right to make you feel unhappy at work. Do not suffer in silence and keep a diary of the bullying to show your manager....
Dealing with Discrimination
You do not have to tolerate workplace discrimination, whether sexual, racial or ageist....
Develop Your 'Soft Skills' as an Apprentice
The development of interpersonal skills is a focus of many companies who want to increase the levels of personality traits such as communication and pro-activity in their employees....
Developing Your Career
Take control of your career development by getting some career advice and making a realistic plan....
Different Types of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available in all sorts of subjects and fields so take time to think which kind would suit you best....
Does my Employer Receive Funding for my Apprenticeship?
As an apprentice, you are entitled to the same employment rights as other employees....
Employer Quiz: Would an Apprentice Benefit Your Company?
Take our quiz ro find out ifan apprentice would benefit your business....
Expanding Your Apprenticeship Scheme
There is a range of help available for firms that wish to expand their existing apprenticeship schemes cheaply and effectively....
Famous Apprentices
Do you want to be rich and famous? Then being an apprentice could be the way to start....
Filling Skills Shortages with Apprentices
Taking on an apprentice can be a great way to fill a skills shortage in your company and you can actively encourage their skills development to plug a gap....
Financial Provisions for Apprentices
Many parents choose to help their son or daughter through their apprenticeship - but there is financial provision available for all apprentices....
Finding a Learning Provider
Learning providers can help businesses keep down the cost of running an apprenticeship, and concentrate on providing great on-the-job training....
Finding a Potential Apprenticeship
To find an apprenticeship job you need to know what you want, do your research and ask around....
Five Reasons Why Apprentices Are Great for Business
Apprentices provide a range of important benefits to businesses of every size, including the ability to develop a skilled, flexible workforce....
Fixed Term Apprentice Contracts and Dismissal
Contracts between apprentices and employers are time-limited, but they are not considered to be of a fixed term. This has important implications for dismissal rights....
From Apprentice to Business Owner: A Case Study
When Lee left school he had no direction until he started a mechanics apprenticeship. Now he runs his own business and is employing apprentices himself....
GTAS and ATAS: Here to Help Your Business
Group Training Associations and Apprenticeship Training Agency offer guidance and hands-on support for small firms that wish to become part of the Apprenticeship Scheme....
Handling a Bad Work Attitude
If your apprentice has a bad work attitude then you need to address their behaviour....
Handling Poor Attendance or Lateness
If your apprentice is having a problem with time and attendance then you need to address it....
Health and Safety for Apprentices
Your company should provide you with health and safety training so you know how to protect yourself at work....
Hotel Management Apprentice: A Typical Day
Mark, 17, is doing an apprenticeship in hotel management. Here is a day in his life:...
How Apprenticeships Work
Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to study while also gaining on the job training in employment....
How Can the Government Help Me Get an Apprenticeship?
There is a wide range of government support on offer for those who wish to start an apprenticeship. There are several services available to help you find a suitable vacancy....
How Does My Organisation Become a Learning Provider?
Learning providers offer apprentices and businesses key facilities and expertise to help them complete apprenticeships according to national frameworks....
How I Chose My Apprenticeship: a Case Study
A real life example of how one young person prepared themselves to gain an apprenticeship....
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
After finding an apprenticeship job you need to take care and time about the application and interview....
How to Choose The Best Candidate
There are number of steps to take to make sure you give the apprentice job to the best candidate....
How to Deal with a Poor Apprentice
Having a poor apprentice can affect other staff and your company so try to recognise the problem and work on improving them....
How to Find a Good Apprentice
To find a good apprentice you need to have a strong apprenticeship scheme in place and take time to advertise it and choose the best applicant....
How to get Good References
As an apprentice it is important to show your next employer good references....
How to Mentor Other Apprentices
Having been an apprentice you are in the perfect position to mentor new recruits. As well as helping them, you will also gain a lot from the experience....
How to Offer a Competitive Apprenticeship
To offer a competitive apprenticeship you need to know what apprentices want, offer good training, wages and be flexible....
How You Will Be Assessed
During an apprenticeship assessment is ongoing as you manage to meet criteria in certain skills....
Is an Apprenticeship For You?
Consider all the aspects of an apprenticeship such as the study and on the job training to decide whether being an apprentice is right for you....
I've Completed My Apprenticeship - Now What?
Having completed your apprenticeship you have a range of options, including employment with the same firm, moving employers, or returning to education....
Joining a Trade Union
Joining a trade union can be a good source of support and can bargain with your employer over your rights....
Keep in Touch With College During the Apprenticeship
Understanding why it's a good idea to keep in touch with your college tutor and friends during your apprenticeship....
Keeping Within Budgets, Should I have to Resign?
Nobody can be foreced to resign their job against their will....
Learning about Your Chosen Industry
As an apprentice you should take every opportunity to learn about your chosen industry....
Learning from Your Colleagues
As an apprentice, asking questions and getting feedback from your collaegues is one of the best ways to learn....
Learning Providers: A Vital Tool for Employers
Learning providers help businesses fulfil their academic obligations to apprentices. They help to guide apprentices through the off-the-job element of the training process....
Learning Providers: How Can They Help My Business?
Learning providers help businesses to provide the best possible apprenticeship scheme, often taking on elements of the training process....
Life as an Apprentice
Being an apprentice can be hard work but will also be fun, rewarding and provide good training for the future....
Make a Good Impression at Interview
Practice and planning makes perfect when it comes to making a good impression at an interview....
Making an Apprentice Redundant
Apprentices enjoy protection from redundancy that is not extended to other employees. Failure to understand this could result in an expensive tribunal case....
Making the Most of Your Apprenticeship
Tips for helping you gain the maximum possible benefits from your apprenticeship....
Meeting Other Apprentices
Meeting other apprentices is a great way to learn about the industry and start cultivating contacts for your future career....
Missing Out on the College Experience
Understanding the pros and cons of starting an apprenticeship rather than going to college after school....
My Apprenticeship: A Case Study
Katy, 18, is half way through a health and beauty apprenticeship. She says that it was the best route for her and she is really enjoying it....
Offering Employment When an Apprenticeship Ends
It can be worth offering your apprentice permanent employment when their scheme comes to an end....
On-the-Job Training
Make the most of your on the job training by making sure your employer has a good scheme in place and that you work hard to excel....
Prepare Fellow Employees for an Apprentice
Keep your employees informed about the apprentice recruitment process so that they feel involved....
Provide a Supportive Company Environment
Your company can benefit from offering help and support services to your apprentices and staff....
Provide Relevant Training for Your Apprentice
To provide relevant apprenticeship training you need to look at how it can complement your apprentices job role and college course....
Qualifications You Can Get as an Apprentice
There are a number of different qualifications your can gain on an apprenticeship....
Quiz: Is an Apprenticeship For You?
Take our quiz to find out if an apprenticehip is right for you....
Risk Assessment for Apprentices
A clear guide to the five stages of risk assessment, with a particular focus on the role of the apprentice....
Support for Apprenticeships in a Large Firm
Apprenticeships can be very useful for large businesses. There is a range of government support available to large firms looking to set up or expand an apprenticeship scheme....
Supporting Your Son or Daughter Through an Apprenticeship
Parents and other family members often have a vital role to play in ensuring that an apprentice gets the most out of their training....
Taking the Next Step After an Apprenticeship: A Case Study
When Karen reached the end of her apprenticeship in beauty, she never dreamed that her next job would take her half way around the world....
The Apprenticeship Provider: College Relationship
During an apprenticeship the employer and college need to work together to provide the best training....
The Impact of the 2010 Budget on Apprenticeships
The government's Emergency Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review painted a mixed picture for adult and youth apprenticeship schemes....
The Three Apprenticeship Levels
Apprenticeships are available at three Levels, each of which is designed to suit individuals with a certain set of qualifications or experience in their chosen field....
Top 10 Tips for Successful Workplace Relations
A safe, productive workplace is a necessity for everyone - whether you are an employer or an apprentice. Read some tips to help you build a happy working environment....
Top Tips When Applying for an Apprenticeship
These top tips will help ensure that your apprenticeship application has the highest possible chance of success....
Typical Business Sectors to Use Apprentices
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of business sectors so apprentices can find an industry that suits them....
Unusual Apprenticeship Opportunities
A guide to apprenticeship opportunities you may not have considered - and how to get them!...
Wages & Training for Your Apprentice
The training and wages that you offer your apprentice should fairly reflect their experience and progression....
Wages and Funding for Apprentices
Apprentices should be given fair wages and may be entitled to other funding and benefits....
What a Candidate Wants from an Apprenticeship
Apprentices what an apprenticeship job that treats them fairly and provides a good training scheme that complements their work....
What an Apprentice Added to My Business: A Case Study
William had always chosen to employ more mature staff so he was surprised at the boost an apprentice brought to his business....
What an Apprentice Can Offer Your Company
An apprentice can bring new skills, productivity and motivation to your company....
What Do the Government's New Plans Mean for You
The coalition has announced a range of new measures that it says will boost apprenticeships. What do the plans mean for apprentices and employers?...
What Does My Business Need to Do?
New pension rules mean big changes for employers, including businesses who take on apprentices. Businesses must understand the changes in advance....
What Funding is Available For Apprentice's Employer?
There is funding available to help employers take on apprentices and afford their training....
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship schemes allow on the job training while also studying for a qualification....
What is Minimum Age for Building Site Apprenticeship?
As long as an apprentice is over the age of 16, they can get stuck in on a building site....
What Pension Reforms Mean for You
Changes to the pension rules mean that many apprentices will be entitled to automatic enrolment in an occupational pension scheme....
What Should an Apprentice's Employment Contract Contain?
An employment contract for an apprentice should cover the same details that you would include for a regular employee....
What to Do When Your Apprenticeship Ends
There are lots of options available when your apprenticeship ends whether you want to find a job or continue studying....
Why Should My Son or Daughter Start an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can provide your son or daughter with vital on-the-job training, while allowing them to study for a formal, recognised qualification....
Working Hours and Holidays
As part of the working hours directive you have a certain amount of holiday entitlement and a limit on your working hours....
Working Up the Employment Ladder
Consider what you want from your career and make a plan for working your way up the employment ladder....
Worksheet: Creating a Career Plan
Creating a career plan can put you on the right track to achieving your goals...
Your Commitment to Your Apprentice
As an employer you have a commitment to offer your apprentice a fair and flexible apprenticeship....
Your Rights as an Apprentice
As an apprentice you are entitled to the same fair employee rights as other members of staff....