Apprentice FAQs – How can we help you?

An apprenticeship gives you the chance to earn recognised qualifications while learning on the job. You’ll get hands-on experience, work alongside seasoned professionals, and yes—you’ll get paid while you train. It’s the best of both worlds!

As an apprentice, you’re a valued employee, with all the same rights, pay, and holiday perks as your colleagues. By the end, you’ll walk away with qualifications, work experience, and glowing references to boost your CV.

No need to wait for September—apprenticeships can kick off anytime! Once you’ve landed a job with an employer, you’re good to go. We’ll enrol you in the programme, and your Personal Tutor will meet you at your workplace on day one to help you settle in and answer any questions you may have.

For many apprenticeships, no previous experience or qualifications are needed. At Shaping Lives, we’ll have a chat with you to understand your skills, interests, and goals, then guide you towards the best option. Get in touch, and we’ll walk you through it.

You need to be at least 16 to start an apprenticeship, but there’s no upper age limit. Depending on how old you are, there’s different government funding available to help cover the cost of your training.

If you’re applying for a new job, yes—you’ll need to interview. But don’t stress, we’ll help you prep. If you’re already employed and just looking to upskill, an interview usually isn’t needed.

Yes, apprenticeships are work-based, so you’ll need to be employed. No job? No problem! We’ve got employers looking for apprentices all the time. Check out our job board to see the latest vacancies. Already in a job and want to gain a qualification? We can help with that too (with your employer’s go-ahead, of course).

You won’t always need a CV, but having one ready is a good idea. We can help you spruce up your CV and even give you tips on nailing that interview if you’re feeling nervous.

Absolutely! If you’re already working and want to get qualified in your role, an apprenticeship is the perfect way to go. Chat with your employer about it, or visit our website for more info.

Employment and Work Hours Questions

If you earn above the tax threshold, yes. Your employer will take care of this through PAYE (Pay As You Earn). And if you’re under 25, you won’t have to pay Class 1 National Insurance unless your earnings hit a certain level.

As of April 2022, apprentice wages start at £7.55 per hour. The exact rate depends on your age, and it’s reviewed every year—so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for updates. Some employers may even pay above the minimum!

Nope! You won’t pay a penny for your training. Your employer covers your wages, and your training is funded by the government. If you’re aged 16-18, 100% of your training is funded. For apprentices aged 19+, 95% of the cost is covered, and your employer pays the rest.

Yes, you’ll get holidays just like any other employee. Your holiday allowance will be set out in your contract, and it includes any extra perks like sick pay or workplace benefits.

You sure can! As an apprentice, you’re eligible for an NUS discount card, giving you great savings at loads of high street and online stores. It costs just £12 and is totally worth it!

Yes, you’ll be a proper employee with a contract, wage, and holiday entitlement. Your contract will lay out all the details—working hours, pay, and holiday allowance. You’ll have the same rights as any other employee in the company.

Apprentices usually work at least 30 paid hours a week, but no fewer than 16. Your exact hours will be sorted out between you and your employer and written into your contract.

The EPA is the final assessment of your apprenticeship, where you show off everything you’ve learned. Don’t worry—we’ll make sure you’re fully prepped and ready to ace it!

‘Off-the-job’ training is any learning you do that’s outside your normal work tasks. It’s a key part of your apprenticeship and helps you build the knowledge you need to succeed in your role.

Most of your training will happen on the job, but sometimes, you might need to attend training sessions elsewhere—depending on your sector.

Apprenticeships can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months, depending on the level and the sector. After that, you’ll do your EPA, which usually takes about 8-12 weeks.

Once your apprenticeship is complete, it’s up to your employer if they keep you on permanently. If they offer you a role, consider the opportunities it brings for your career. We’ll be here to support you with whatever’s next!

Yes. All apprentices are required to embed Maths and English learning as part of their apprenticeship. If you opt out, the main difference is that you won’t need to take an exam before you can reach gateway, but you will still need to complete maths and english learning each month.

Opting out means that you choose not to sit the Functional Skills exam before gateway. You’ll still take part in the learning, but your apprenticeship can continue to gateway without the requirement to take the Functional Skills exam.

Yes, as long as you complete all the apprenticeship requirements including your on-programme Maths and English learning. Taking the Functional Skills exam is not required before gateway if you have opted out.

Developing your core skills in Maths and English strengthens your future career options, and are skills that employers value.

Absolutely. You can decide to opt back in to functional skills (so long as there is time remaining for you to complete the course).

Not at all. You’ll still receive support, resources and learning time to help you develop your English and maths skills, just like any other apprentice.