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Available throughout the UK in more than 180 different job areas, an Apprenticeship will help you learn the new skills you'll need in the world of work and get work-related qualifications

Remember that not all job areas will be available locally - plus for some job areas an Apprenticeship is the main way to get into a particular job, so these learning opportunities are very popular.

There are two ways to take an Apprenticeship - with a learning provider/college, or with an employer:

Learning providers and colleges offer Apprenticeship courses where you will learn the skills you will need when you start work. This type of Apprenticeship may also be called a Programme Led Apprenticeship. You may be able to claim Education Maintenance Allowance.

Employers can take you on directly as an employed Apprentice. This type of Apprenticeship may also be called an Employer Led Apprenticeship. You will be employed and be paid a wage of at least £80 a week by the employer. You can apply for vacancies on our site and on the National Apprenticeship vacancy site.

What is an Advanced Apprenticeship?

Advanced Apprentices are nearly always employed. Pay for employed apprentices is usually at least £80 a week to start with, (£90 from October 2009) and can be more.

They usually last for at least two years and apprentices work towards an NVQ Level 3, Functional Skills and a technical certificate.

They can lead to higher qualifications, such as a Foundation Degree.

More information on Apprenticeships

e2e is available to young peole aged 16 to 19 who are not already employed or in education. It is designed to help you move on to an Apprenticeship, a further education course or employment.

The programmes are tailor-made to meet your needs. They can include lots of activities including independent living skills, confidence building, vocational training, team building, literacy and numeracy, outward bound type activities and many more.

Young people on the e2e programme can claim Education Maintenance Allowance. If you are starting on an e2e course, the good news is that you will receive the maximum £30 weekly EMA payment regardless of how much your parents earn.. You will also get any travel expenses paid and if special equipment or clothing is needed you will receive help with this too.

If you have a child/children, you will receive a childcare allowance so that you can have them taken care of while you attend the programme

There are no minimum entry qualifications

Because each programme is tailor made, the time it takes to complete will vary for each young person

Pre-e2e (Pre-Entry to Employment)

Pre e2e courses are available to help young people onto an e2e course, an apprenticeship, a further education course or get a job.

Pre-e2e programmes are available to young people aged 16-25 years old. (Some projects are targeted at 16-19 year olds)

They are tailor-made and help young people get the skills and confidence they need to move on

All Pre-e2e courses offer travel expenses as well as protective clothing and footwear if needed. Many also pay you a training allowance, provided you attend your agreed hours.

Qualifications in things like Functional skills in English, maths or IT and first aid can be taken on the programmes.

There are various ways you can find out about opportunities in your area.

Visit the Apprenticeship website at www.apprenticeship.gov.uk

On the Connexions Black Country local jobs and Apprenticeships searchable database and on the National Apprenticeship vacancy site.

Ask you Personal Adviser or visit a Connexions centre

Look on our site's Area Prospectuses page or the Education and Training Opportunities Directory (copies should be kept in school/college Connexions Resource Centres and all Connexions Centres)

Both of these will give you information on work-based learning programmes in the Black Country

Contact the Black Country Training Group on 08000 321 222 www.bctg.org.uk

Applications

Your Personal Adviser may call the training provider to find out how you should apply. The training provider might want to speak to you on the phone, but this would just be to say hello and find out a few things about you.

Some training providers might make an appointment to meet you at this stage, or might ask for an application form to be sent in. Your Personal Adviser will have a copy.

If you find out about a work-based learning programme yourself, you will probably have to contact the training provider for more details on how to apply. If you need any help with this, speak to a Personal Adviser.

Assessment

Most training providers use interviews and assessment tests

Don't be put off, they aren't there to catch you out; they are simply a way of finding if you are suited to the programme you're applying for.

If you have any concerns about the assessment procedure, talk to a Personal Adviser. They can give you an idea of what to expect and answer any questions you might have.