National Apprenticeship Week - What is an apprentice?

In celebration of the UK’s biggest National Apprenticeship Week, here is what you need to know about them and how we support Apprentices at Valda Energy.

What is National Apprenticeship Week?

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an annual event to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the UK and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses and the wider economy.

This year’s theme is “Skills for Life” to raise awareness of the many benefits apprenticeships can offer you.

 

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a type of paid job that provides you with the opportunity to work with a team while studying at the same time. The majority of your time is spent learning on the job, with at least 20% of working hours dedicated to classroom-based study with a college, university or training provider.

Once you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you will have a nationally recognised qualification to help you in advancing your career.

 

Do you get paid in an apprenticeship?

In an apprenticeship, you will earn a salary like any other employee. Additionally, some companies may offer a higher wage than the minimum to attract you to work for them. So, make sure to do your research!

 

 

Young person working in a call centre sitting at their desk.

 DID YOU KNOW

 In 2023, the National Minimum Wage for 16-18-year-olds was £5.28 per hour.  At Valda Energy, our apprenticeships received a starting wage of £11.03 per hour. 

Three employees collaborating on a project

Is an apprenticeship the same as a job? 

Similar to a standard job, you get paid a salary and are part of a team. But, you also get dedicated study time throughout the week.

While many jobs provide on-the-job training, an apprenticeship’s training is to prepare you for a specific occupation that can be transferred to other employers.

 

How old must you be to train as an apprentice?

To start your apprenticeship, you will need to be 16 or older. However, you can apply at 15 as long as you’re 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are open to people of any age, so there is no upper age limit.

Person writing in a note pad with an open laptop

Does an apprenticeship lead to a job? 

Apprenticeships have a lot of benefits, one being they can lead to permanent jobs either at the company you’re working at or elsewhere. Statistics from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, showed that 90% of apprentices were offered permanent employment either during their apprenticeship or upon graduation.

Once you graduate from your apprenticeship at Valda Energy, your learning journey doesn't stop there.

Unlike most traditional apprenticeships, Valda offers a permanent contract right after you complete your apprenticeship. We also continue to support you with a Personal Development Plan (PDP) and further training opportunities.

Three of our apprentices from class 2023/24

Apprenticeships at Valda

We currently offer two apprenticeships in Level 2 Customer Service and Credit Control. This year we planning to extend our opportunities to share the extensive knowledge of our team. By providing apprenticeships, we can help to create a more skilled and diverse workforce and support the next generation of talent in the UK.

Learning and Development Manager, Tom East said:

“We are extremely proud of the exceptional abilities of our apprentices and the way our programme and supportive culture of learning has helped them grow. This is at the core of what we do, greatly aiding the development of our apprentices.

“One part of our programme that goes beyond the typical apprenticeship by offering life skills sessions on topics such as personal finance, nutrition and health, and cyber safety. Topics I believe we all wished were touched on in education too.  

“Thanks to the success of our first apprentices, I am excited at the prospect of expanding our offering, creating more opportunities for learners.”