Can A Non UK Citizen Do An Apprenticeship?
Are you an international student who wants to apply for apprenticeship jobs in the UK? If yes, then read this article.
If you’re looking for a way to earn your living while you study in the UK, there are thousands of apprenticeship vacancies across all sectors. You can study for a specific trade, or work in a range of occupations across a range of industries.
In the UK, everyone may work, learn, train and work hard to earn a decent living. Although apprenticeships are available in different sectors, there are some sectors that are popular with international students.
Apprenticeships are a great way to get a job after graduation. These programs provide students with hands-on training and a real world experience help students.
They also give employers more flexibility in their workforce. But, if you are an international student, you might be wondering whether you can apply for apprenticeships in the UK.
The answer is yes. However, there are certain entry requirements that you need to meet before you can apply.
This article explains what you need to do in terms of residency and student visa to employers status. It also gives you information about the different apprenticeships available.
What is Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship is a new way to gain some industry knowledge, some personal skills, and some job experience, all while getting paid some money. It’s a great way to learn about a new industry, gain some sufficient skills, or get some cash.
From a business perspective, a firm can use a program of apprenticeship to teach young people the skill level needed to join the workforce and advance within it.
In the corporate world, training and development programs for employees are often referred to as Apprenticeships.
An apprenticeship is when someone trains under another person to gain new skills. The apprentice receives on-the-job training from his/her mentor.
This combination allows them to develop practical skills level as well as knowledge through learning theory.
There are two main kinds: full time and part time.
- Full Time means working 36 hours per week usually Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.
- Part Time means 35 hours per week which can be Tuesday – Saturday 9am– 4pm. There’s nothing wrong with doing both at once depending on your situation!
Many people think they have to go to college degree first to complete an apprenticeship but not necessarily. You could get started straight away by completing online courses and other qualifications such as NVQs, BTECs, OCR levels and others.
Two types of apprenticeships in the UK.
- One is an Apprenticeship in Industry, which is training to do a job that you have already got a job in.
Like Construction : Construction is one area with the most shortage of people who can fit into the skilled industries.
This is because the industry is growing, with many graduates looking to build their career with a trade. With apprenticeships, you can learn your trade fully, and have a trade for life.
- The other is an apprenticeship in Learning, which is training to do a job that you may not have.
This includes things like teaching, social services, healthcare and legal roles.
You will find these jobs advertised as ‘Trainee’ positions, this term is used to describe any kind of position where you’re going to be trained up.
What Qualifications do you need for an Apprenticeship UK?
Apprenticeships are widely available in the UK. They are the most common route into work for 16 to 19 year olds, and many employers will pay unemployed people to take an apprenticeship as a first step into the workplace.
However, many people don’t know how apprenticeships work, and there is sometimes confusion around what they involve.
To qualify for an apprenticeship program, your educational background needs to match one or both two categories:
- Category 1 – The additional requirements is three GCSEs at grades C/4 including English Language and Maths OR 3 AS Levels at grade B+/5. Your school should have provided proof of attendance.
- Category 2 – Or the following qualification may satisfy Category 1 on its own:
- A Level / IB Diploma – This will usually require 4 years of study, but it could be shorter depending on how many subjects you took at higher education level. You must complete all four years unless you take exemptions from some parts of the course.
- AS Level – Also known as ‘Advanced Subsidiary’; These exact requirements for 5 years full time study.
- BTEC National Vocational Certificate – NVQ stands for national vocational qualification. There are around 900 different levels of NVQs which include everything from engineering to health care.
Skills needed to be considered for an apprenticeship
These are often decided by the employer. The skills and knowledge that you have gained through your education at university can help with this decision-making process, as well as indicating well what sort of work environment you may thrive in.
An example would be if you are studying Business Management, then it is likely that you will want to apply for positions such as Marketing Manager, Finance Director or Human Resources Coordinator.
If however, you were doing a course like Law or Social Work, then it is possible that you could find yourself working within legal settings, social services, and counselling.
This means that when applying for these roles, employers look at which qualifications you hold before they consider whether to offer you the job.
However, there are certain jobs where no formal qualifications are required; therefore, it’s important to note any gaps in your CV so that employers don’t miss out on opportunities!
What is the process of applying for an apprenticeship in UK?
The process of apprenticeship training in UK includes applying online, registration, interview, and training. You can start by applying for apprenticeship through the government website or
government departments.
- The registration is through the training provider you will be working with. You will be interviewed along with other academic applicants at the providers’ premises.
- The training is usually in the job you will be working with.
- You may also need to attend a course or two before starting work as part of your pre-apprenticeship programme.
The number of courses required varies from one licensed sponsor employed to another, but it’s likely that you’ll have to complete around three courses before being able to begin on-the-job learning.
It might take several months after completing all these steps before beginning actual employment duties.
Applying for apprenticeship job requirements are some skills and knowledge about the procedure.
Different Types of Apprenticeship
The key to becoming an apprentice is to research the different apprenticeships that are available.
You will be able to find many opportunities, but it is crucial that you find one that is relevant to the career you want to pursue.
Apprenticeships also vary in length, starting at around one year and lasting up to five years, depending on the level of the opportunity.
It is important to retain contact with the company that you will be working for, as they will be your main source of support throughout your apprenticeship.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship, you will need to apply to the company that you would like to work for.
Here are the different types of apprenticeship:
1. Apprentice Plumber – this is a job that can be done in your own home. You will need to apply for an HND plumbing qualification and then you’ll have to attend training at work before starting the job. This could take about three months, depending on how long it takes to get all the necessary qualifications.
The average salary for plumbers is £22k per year plus bonuses. So if you want to become a qualified plumber you should expect to earn around £30-45k as a starter wage once tax has been considered.
2. Industrial and Commercial Training – These training programmes can last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on your industry.
They usually involve a combination of classroom-based study as well as practical work placements in local businesses or organisations where you will gain real life experience to help students that is focused around what time for employers need from their employees.
You may be required to complete an accredited qualification before applying for ICTs such as GCSE’s A level or BTEC qualifications which could lead towards further Higher education student career development.
2. City & Guilds Vocational Qualification – This vocational training programme lasts 3 years after completing your National 5/6 education with a minimum grade C at Level 1 and above.
It provides you with all the skills necessary to work within a particular career pathway.
3. Apprentice Training – This is where you will be working in a company for an agreed period, usually between 18 months and 3 years.
The graduate employer may offer financial support towards your training costs, but this won’t always be included as part of the package.
4. Trainee Placement – Here you’ll work under close supervision from experienced staff members who have been through the same process to help develop your skills.
There’s no set duration on these placements, however they’re often longer than other forms of vocational education or employment.
A Wife, a mum and a Tutor! I am the Lead Editor at TheTutor.Link & also the Head Tutor there. I love teaching seeing young minds flourish. I also love blogging and sharing my experience on the world wide web.