Thinking about starting your career or taking it to the next level? You’re in the right place! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain valuable skills while earning money. If you’re curious about how to get started, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer your burning questions. Let’s dive in!

How do apprenticeships work?

Apprenticeships offer two main pathways, depending on where you are in your career. If you’re just starting out, the first step is to choose an apprenticeship that aligns with your career goals. Whether you’re with us at Shaping Lives or another training provider, we’ll help you find an employer looking for an apprentice in your chosen field.
If you’re already working and want to stay with your current employer, that’s great too! Your training provider will discuss options with you and your employer to find the right course that supports your career growth. It’s all about collaboration—your training provider, employer, and you will work together to ensure your apprenticeship is a success.
The beauty of an apprenticeship is that you learn by doing. You’ll apply what you learn directly in the workplace while earning a wage. Paragon Skills, for example, partners closely with employers to create a supportive environment where your learning thrives alongside real-world experience.

Finding your perfect fit

With so many apprenticeship programmes available, it can feel a bit overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry—you want an apprenticeship that matches your skills, interests, and career aspirations, while also being enjoyable!

Ready to kick off your journey? Check out our vacancies page, where we help match your strengths with exciting job openings.

You’ve got your apprenticeship!

Once you apply for your chosen apprenticeship and land the role, it’s time to get things official! Your dedicated Personal Tutor will reach out to introduce themselves and set up a meeting—either face-to-face or via video call. This is your chance to ask any questions and share your goals. Your Tutor is here to ensure your apprenticeship experience aligns with your ambitions and meets your employer’s expectations.

The importance of Off-the-Job training

Off-the-job training is all about expanding your learning beyond your daily work tasks. This training happens outside your usual workplace but still counts within your working hours. It’s designed to give you broader skills and knowledge that enhance your apprenticeship experience.
Activities can include shadowing, mentoring, training day releases, industry visits, role-playing, and even online learning. These experiences enrich your journey and equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

What happens next?

When you reach the End Point Assessment (EPA), you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in a real-world context. Don’t worry—this isn’t a traditional exam, so there’s no need to stress! Your Tutor will be there to support you every step of the way. Once you pass and receive your certificates, you’ll be ready to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.

Take the first step towards your dream career

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already on your way to your dream career! If you need more guidance on selecting the right apprenticeship, check out our sector pages—they’re packed with helpful information to assist you in making an informed decision.

If you’re eager to get started, whether you’re already employed or looking to jump in, reach out to us! You can call us at 0800 020 8890, email hello@shapinglives.co.uk, or chat with us live on our website. We’re here to help you take that exciting first step!