As an apprentice, you’ll be paid to work towards your qualification. That means you’ll do practical assessments at work, which your boss will sign off on to say you’ve successfully learned those skills. You’ll also do some off-job training to learn more about the theory behind your trade. Once you’ve finished your apprenticeship, you’ll be fully qualified in your trade.
| If you just have a job … | If you have an apprenticeship … |
|---|---|
| You sign a contract with your employer | You sign a contract with your employer AND an apprenticeship provider |
| You’ll be paid to work | You’ll be paid to work towards your qualification |
| You’ll do work your boss needs you to do | Your boss and apprenticeship provider will make sure what you’re learning at work includes the skills you need to get qualified |
| You won’t be working towards your qualification, so your work won’t be formally assessed | You’ll do practical assessments at work, where your ITO will check you can do certain tasks, and you’ll do some off-job training in a classroom |
| You could work in your job for decades and never get qualified | You’ll be fully qualified when you finish your apprenticeship |
You can find out more about the difference between a job and an apprenticeship on our website.