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Your Future Matters

Get the lowdown on what apprenticeships are really like. What can an apprentice earn and do employers really value them?

Confused about careers and courses? Unsure what to do next?

Working out your next step isn’t always easy and there are thousands of young people who feel the same. But here in Middlesbrough, there are lots of opportunities to learn, train and work.
Have a look at our handy guide of places to learn and train in Middlesbrough.
If you are ready to get a job and want to find out more about apprenticeships take a look at our myth busting below.

Are apprenticeships for people who don't do well at school?

Apprenticeships are an effective and alternative route into skilled work. They're a great way to earn while you learn and gain vital work experience. Doing an apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to gain new qualifications and you’ll also learn Maths and English if you haven’t already got these qualifications.

Are apprenticeships only for school leavers?

No! Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages. This makes them a great option for anyone looking to change career, improve their skills in order to secure a new role or re-enter the world of work after taking time out for whatever reason.

Employers don't value apprenticeships

Research indicates that apprenticeships boost productivity to businesses and more employers are now choosing to grow their business with apprentices. Employers say that former apprentices are more employable than those with other qualifications - apprenticeships genuinely provide a stepping stone to a brighter future.

Do apprentices earn much money?

Apprentices must receive at least the apprentice national minimum wage. Currently, the national minimum wage is £5.28 per hour (as of August 2023). As an apprentice you should get 20 days paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays.

Apprenticeships don't lead to good qualifications - is that true?

No. Apprenticeships are available at different levels, starting from Level 2, and provide the opportunity to progress to higher education and degree apprenticeships. More and more people are now choosing an apprenticeship as an alternative to university, where you can study either an intermediate, advanced, higher education or degree level apprenticeship. Visit the Tees Valley Careers website which provides further information about the different levels of apprenticeships.

Tees Valley Careers

Apprentices are only given 'donkey work'

Apprenticeships are full time paid jobs with training. As an apprentice you definitely won't just be the tea maker - you will learn practical work skills to help you in your future as well as studying for a qualification.

Is it true than an apprenticeship won't lead to a full time job?

According to Department for Education research, 85% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, with 64% of these remaining with the same employer.

If you want to find out more about apprenticeships or search for current opportunities visit the government's apprenticeship site.

More info and current opportunities