Your apprenticeships questions answered

Published: 17 February 2022

As part of National Apprenticeships Week 2022, we took to social media to ask aspiring apprentices their burning questions about being an apprentice and the process of getting an apprenticeship. From this, we compiled the frequently asked questions.

1. How long do apprenticeships take?

Depending on what level of apprenticeship you’re undertaking and the subject matter that you are studying, it can range from 18 months to 4 years. More information about each apprenticeship timescale is available in the individual job descriptions on our website.

2. How do you balance work and studies?

This is all about managing your work and learning time correctly, but you are allocated a specific amount of time during your working week to complete your learning. Support would also be given through the duration of your apprenticeship around this, should you require it.

3. What is the apprenticeship wage?

You will start on £4.30 per hour increasing to £4.81 from April 12022. After the first year of your apprenticeship, if you are over the age of 19, this then increases to the national minimum wage for your age.

4. What apprenticeships do you offer?

Here at Derby City Council, we offer a huge selection of apprenticeship opportunities from Business Admin, Customer Service, IT and Digital, Teaching Assistant, Accounting, Horticulture and Groundwork, Social Care and Management and Leaderships.

5. What are the different levels of apprenticeship?

At Derby City Council, we offer a wide range of apprenticeships, from Level 2 all the way up to level 7. To find out which level of apprenticeship would best suit you, contact the apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@derby.gov.uk.

6. What qualifications do I need?

Normally we ask for A-C/4 and above in both Maths and English GCSE or functional skills level 2. However, we may consider you if you don’t have this dependant on experience etc. If you are considering an apprenticeship but do not have the required qualifications, contact our apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@derby.gov.uk.

7. Can I use apprenticeships to get my degree?

Yes, there are lots of different levels of apprenticeships available, including degree level.

8. Do I have to be a school leaver to get an apprenticeship?

No, anyone aged over the age of 16 can be an apprentice, from any background.

9. What opportunities are available after completing an apprenticeship?

We will always try to place our apprentices in permanent positions once completed. Where this is not possible, we support in finding something external. You could also apply for higher-level apprenticeships to further your career options.

10. Can I do an apprenticeship if I already have a degree?

Yes, you can, providing your apprenticeship is in a different subject area to your degree.

In summary, there is a vast range of apprenticeship opportunities available with Derby City Council, regardless of your age, background and current career path from business administration to teaching assistant roles and beyond. Also, apprenticeships can be a great, direct route for anyone to get skilled jobs and careers.

Although National Apprenticeships Week is now over, we have opportunities available all year round throughout our departments, as well as having support available for current and future apprentices. To find out more, head to the Derby Employment Hub on our website.

Many former apprentices have gone on to gain successful employment within the City Council and we hope to offer the same for future apprentices joining the Council. If you have any further questions, please contact the apprenticeships team on 01332 643702 or alternatively at apprenticeships@derby.gov.uk.

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