If you’ve just finished school and don’t like the idea of going to college/university, and would rather get straight into working, you may be already considering an apprenticeship. Or you might be a bit older and fancy switching career paths and learning something entirely new. Whatever your reason, you’re probably wondering: when do apprenticeships start?
Apprenticeships are different from school courses and don’t follow the same structure. But don’t worry, in the following blog from Avant Skills Academy we are going to answer the important questions like “when can i start an apprenticeship?” and “when can you apply for an apprenticeship?” so you can begin your career at a time when you’re ready.
What Is An Apprenticeship?
Before we get into the anticipated topic: when do you apply for an apprenticeship, we need to establish what it is first. An apprenticeship is a job with training built in. You’re an employee and your apprenticeship is your training route. You should have a contract of employment and an apprenticeship agreement or training plan that explains what you’re working towards. By the end of the course, you will have a qualification and your employer will either keep you on or, should they decide not to for any reason, you will certainly have the additional skills and experience to get a job elsewhere.
When Do Apprenticeships Start?
So, when do apprenticeships start? You can start an apprenticeship at any time, of course this depends on if a position is open. Many people may think that you can only start an apprenticeship in September as that’s when college and university starts, but that’s simply not true and is all too common a misconception. Although that’s the most common start date for apprenticeships, that’s mainly from school leavers going into apprenticeships after they’ve left full time education. Really apprenticeships start as soon as the business is ready for you to join and the programme can be set up with a training provider.
When Can You Apply For An Apprenticeship?
When can you apply for an apprenticeship? You can apply whenever the vacancy is open. There isn’t one national deadline. People get stuck asking when do you apply for an apprenticeship because they think it works like school applications. It doesn’t. You’re applying for a job just like you would any other.
If you’re still in education, you can apply before you finish. Just be clear about your earliest start date. If your final day is 20 June, say you can start after that. If you’re already working, your notice period matters. This is where “when can I start an apprenticeship?” becomes personal. Put your availability in the application or mention it in your interview so nobody is left guessing.
What Makes You Eligible For An Apprenticeship?
You may be asking: “when can I start an apprenticeship?” when really you need to be asking “am I eligible?” before you apply. Here’s the criteria you need to meet:
You’re 16 or over
You need to be 16 or over to start an apprenticeship. If you’re 16 and still in school full time, you can look and apply but you won’t start your apprenticeship until you’ve finished school. If you’re leaving college, you can apply while you’re still there and line the start state up with your finish date. If you’re older, you can still apply. If you’re asking when can I start an apprenticeship at 30 or 40, the answer is the same time as anyone else: when you’re hired and the training course is ready.
You live in the country
If you’re applying for an apprenticeship in the UK, you need to live in the country and have the right to work here. When in doubt, ask your apprenticeship training provider before applying, so you know if you’re eligible before the application process begins.
You’re not in full time education
You can’t start an apprenticeship while you’re in full time education. You can still apply, but the start date needs to be after your course ends. Funding also differs depending on your qualifications like if you’ve already done an apprenticeship before. On the other hand, if you’ve not got English or Maths GCSEs, you may need to take a Functional Skills assessment alongside your apprenticeship training. Check before applying whether you’re eligible.
Start An Apprenticeship With Avant Skills Academy
If you’re looking at starting an apprenticeship, get in touch with us today. At Avant Skills Academy, we’re an apprenticeship training provider that offers a wide range of courses, from data administration, to content creator, to hairdressing, to team leader and more! We offer apprenticeships across Hull and Grimsby, so if you’re in the area and want to start an apprenticeship, contact us today and we’ll help you find a course that’s perfect for you.
When Do Apprenticeships Start FAQs
What month do apprenticeships start?
There isn’t one set month. Some employers start apprentices in late summer because school and college leavers are ready to work. Plenty start in other months because vacancies open when the business needs someone.
Do apprenticeships start all year round?
Many do. Because, typically; a business recruits when it needs staff. Therefore, apprenticeships start throughout the year.
What time of year do most apprenticeships start?
Late summer and early autumn tend to be the most popular time to start an apprenticeship as this lines up with students leaving school who are ready to dive into the workforce.