Adult applying for an apprenticeship

Coppt003

Hi

I'm applying for an apprenticeship that I really hope I get. It's in the industry Ive always wanted to get into and seems ideal.

Only problem after looking into apprenticeships more is how low the wage is for apprenticeships. I'm a 29 year old adult in a full time job and if I'm reading the guidance right I will be taking a 7 pound an hour pay cut to retrain in the industry I want.

Now I'm sure the wage is fine for under 20s living at home where they don't have to pay rent, but I share a home with family and we all pay a share of the bills and rent.

Is there any benefits that an adult apprentice can get to support themselves whilst they re train? I've had a bit of a search and can't see much guidance for people who are older doing apprenticeships.

Thanks

Smodlet

Welcome to the forum.

I don't want to rain on your parade but are you sure you are even eligible for an apprenticeship at your age? Or that you are likely to be accepted given minimum wage levels for teenagers and those over 25. Why would an employer pay so much more than they have to just to train someone?

I wish you luck in your chosen field but think it is more usual to pay for training at the ripe old age of 29 at an adult education place in the evenings while working full time during the day.

If you are accepted, please come back and tell us as it would be useful for others in your situation to know this is a possible route for them.

touch*my*food*feel*myfork

yes, most apprenticeships are upto 25 years old as the government assists with the funding for this, over that age they do not
sorry

z1a

See if somebody will take you on as semi-skilled. A few years experience should make you skilled enough for employer to re-assess your pay.
Where I work, we have a couple of people like this,(used to be called "dilutees.") and now they are great at their jobs and on skilled rate.
An apprenticeship is really only a piece of paper at the end, and I know some so called skilled people who have the papers, but aren't a patch on the "dilutees".

Neil_Jones

Coppt003 wrote: »

Hi

I'm applying for an apprenticeship that I really hope I get. It's in the industry Ive always wanted to get into and seems ideal.

Only problem after looking into apprenticeships more is how low the wage is for apprenticeships. I'm a 29 year old adult in a full time job and if I'm reading the guidance right I will be taking a 7 pound an hour pay cut to retrain in the industry I want.

Now I'm sure the wage is fine for under 20s living at home where they don't have to pay rent, but I share a home with family and we all pay a share of the bills and rent.

Is there any benefits that an adult apprentice can get to support themselves whilst they re train? I've had a bit of a search and can't see much guidance for people who are older doing apprenticeships.

You can claim working tax credits if available or the equivalent through Universal Credit, though the only caveat with this is you have to declare it (for WTC) as last year's earnings which will most probably be considerably higher than what you'll take home on the apprenticeship so your topup may not be very much.

The funding is the only difference between the three tiers of an apprentice - 16 to 18 its fully funded by the government, 19-23 50% funded and 24+ "it depends" but could be up to 40% but is more likely to be, shall we say, a drop in the ocean.

There is no barrier to adult apprenticeships other than getting on one in the first place. I'm 36 and I'm on an apprenticeship too after a period of unemployment after redundancy. If it means working for peanuts for a while, so be it.

sarahblonde2018

There are some higher level apprenticeships, mature apprenticeships available, our company recently offered some at good pay too. Booo to that person who writes us oldies off! and as a 40 year old i know its hard to get funding. I have a mortgage to pay and im looking for a career change!