Your Apprenticeship Questions Answered
Interested in applying for a Boston College apprenticeship, but still need some information confirming?
You will find answers to the most frequently asked apprenticeship questions below.
What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a full time study programme?
Unlike a study programme, which focuses on developing your knowledge and abilities on a full time college course, an apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and behaviours through training in the workplace, as well as classroom or workshop based learning at Boston College, all while earning a wage.
Apprenticeships are ideal for those who are ready to enter the world of work straight from school.
However, if you still like the idea of studying an apprenticeship, a full time study programme may help prepare you. Visit our 'Study Programmes' page for more information.
How old do you have to be?
You need to be at least 16 years old when you start your apprenticeship at Boston College.
There's no upper age limit - an adult can train as an apprentice too.Â
How much will I earn?
The current minimum wage for an apprentice is £6.40 per hour but employers can, and often do pay more. This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Apprentices aged 19 or over and in the 2nd year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage dependent on their age.
For more information regarding minimum wage, please the gov.uk website.Â
What are the entry requirements?
Entry requirements vary between individual apprenticeships - please see individual course information for further details.
Where will my apprenticeship be based?
The majority of apprenticeships are based in the workplace and usually include one day a week at Boston College (either at the Boston or Spalding campus), however some are 100% work-based. Please see individual course information for further details.
What support do apprentices receive?
As an apprentice you will receive support from your employer, your lecturers and assessors at Boston College. You will also have a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator who will support you and your employer throughout the apprenticeship journey.
The role of an Apprenticeship Coordinator is to make sure everyone is fully prepared and knows and understands the expectations required. They will carry out regular reviews with both the apprentice and the employer to ensure the apprenticeship is progressing well and to sort any issues or concerns that may arise.
The Coordinator will ensure that you, the apprentice, has a valuable and meaningful experience in the workplace, leading to successful completion. As well as working with your employer to ensure that the apprenticeship training is having a positive impact on their organisation and that their current and future workplace needs are being met.
How much will it cost?
As an apprentice, you won't pay any fees towards your training. However, you may want to buy books and stationery to support your learning.
Where do I start when searching an apprenticeship job vacancy?
Once you have decided which apprenticeship you'd like to study and the career you like to progress in, you will then need to find a suitable apprenticeship job role with this industry (ideally for a minimum of 30 hours per week)Â
You can view Boston College's current apprenticeship vacancies by clicking the 'Apprenticeship Vacancies' link at the top left hand side of this page. The Boston College Apprenticeship Team is also on hand to help match you to employer vacancies, as well as providing information on the training and qualifications available. Local vacancies are also advertised on the gov.uk 'Find an Apprenticeship'Â website.
The College's Career Team can also help you with CV writing and job applications.Â
For more information on finding a suitable apprenticeship job role, please contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01205 313238 or email apprenticeships@boston.ac.ukÂ
I've already got a job, can I still do an apprenticeship?
Definitely - if your employer agrees you can become an apprentice in your current workplace, and base your training around your current job role.Â
You need to have an employment contract for a minimum of 30 hours per week. However, terms are becoming more flexible, and if you do work less than 30 hours per week, you can still be considered for an apprenticeship
Contact the College's Apprenticeship Team for more information, or your employer can do this directly.
Will I get holiday pay?
You will be entitled to the same employment terms and conditions as other employees working at similar grades or in similar roles, including; paid annual leave, sick pay and company benefits.
How long does an apprenticeship take?
It will depend on the individual apprenticeship, however all apprentices have to be in training for a minimum of 12 months and one day.
Need some more advice?
If you would like more information about becoming an apprentice, you can contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01205 313238 or email apprenticeships@boston.ac.uk