Apprenticeships

Claire_MUFC

Hi,

I've been looking at apprenticeships as a route into employment. Admin is what I really want to do, however at a recent interview for one, found out I wasn't eligible to do Admin ones as already have an NVQ Level 2 Admin.

I did the NVQ Level 2 Adnin through my Work Programme and the local college weren't sure it was an NVQ as did it in 4 days at provider. But provider are adamant it is.

Anyway, I am wondering as its something I did through my provider, whether to just apply to admin apprenticeships and leave any mention of the qualification through Work Programme off the application. Or would potential employers find out about it anyway ?

sniggings

probably not, I can't see them finding out.

I would only do an apprenticeship if you know it's a good one.

There are a lot of bad ones out there, if all they are offering is a qualification that is less than an NVQ which only takes 4 days to get, not sure I would want to take a job paying £2.68 for a 40 hour week.

Why not go to Uni and do a proper course in something.

Admin is so varied you normally learn on the job, why not look for a proper job in admin, even at min wage you will be earning a lot more than on an apprenticeship and probably learning more too.

In my view very few apprenticeships are worth doing, all they are is a form of cheap labour, and your statement that what they are offering is worth less than a 4 day NVQ is proof of that.

R_P_W

There are decent apprenticeships out there with larger companies like BT, British gas etc.

To be honest an apprenticeship in admin sounds like a waste of time. Why bother doing an apprenticeship that is just going to consign yourself to very low wages for rest if your working life?

Be cautious with the suggestion of the uni route......only worthwhile if doing a degree that is in demand big employers!

sniggings

R_P_W wrote: »

There are decent apprenticeships out there with larger companies like BT, British gas etc.

To be honest an apprenticeship in admin sounds like a waste of time. Why bother doing an apprenticeship that is just going to consign yourself to very low wages for rest if your working life?

Be cautious with the suggestion of the uni route......only worthwhile if doing a degree that is in demand big employers!

as apposed to the apprenticeship, I would say the UNi route was preferable almost every time.

The OP would most likely qualify for a student loan/grant of around £6000 a year whilst at uni, which is about £500 more than they would be earning on an apprenticeship and come out with a bit more than a qualification that is worth less than a 4 day NVQ.

I agree tho, they need to choose a worthwhile degree.

saintjammyswine

If (I will come onto that) you have an NVQ then this will not stop you doing an apprenticeship in that subject. All that will happen is that you will do the other elements, the taught part (e.g. Diploma) and, if required, the Literacy & Numeracy. Your prior qualification in the subject will count as the Workplace Assessed element (NVQ) and so add them all up and you have an apprenticeship qualification. The provider will not receive any funding for the element you have already done.

Regarding Apprenticeship vs. Uni studying, dont forget that apprenticeships can go up to Degree level qualifications (Higher Apprenticeship = Level 4 = Foundation Degree or HNC). The cost for this will be much lower than Uni and will provide a more vocational route with more work experience. It can then be topped up later to a full Degree.

Regarding wages, Apprentices only earn low wages (lower than NMW) for the first year of their apprenticeship or while under 19, after that, they must earn at least NMW.

Regarding the 4 day NVQ. Normally, at a college a NVQ Level 2 in Business Admin will take 1-2 years part time. Either evenings if employed in the industry or daytime for those who have a work placement for the duration. IF you can provide the details from your certificate then I am happy to check what the qualification is. The detail I need is what is called the Learning Aim and will in the format 100/123/45 possibly including letters.

Sorry for the long post.