Higher Apprenticeships What you need to know

Higher Apprenticeships What you need to know by Michael Cheary Looking for an apprenticeship that suits your skills? It might be time to aim higher… OK, so most of us have probably heard about the benefits of apprenticeships. But rather than being something only available to you straight after you’ve finished school, there are a number of different types of apprenticeship you could be taking â€" many of which you might actually be unfamiliar with.To help point you in the right direction, here’s everything you need to know about Higher Apprenticeships â€" and why they could be one of the best-kept secrets in education:What are Higher Apprenticeships?Higher Apprenticeships are similar to other apprenticeship schemes but are available at higher education level.Essentially, a Higher Apprenticeship is equivalent to one or more years of university. A Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship is comparable to a Bachelor’s Degree, and those who complete Level 7 have the same industry knowledge as a Masters graduate.They’re the t op level of all the apprenticeships you can take, coming after both Intermediate Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. As with all other apprenticeships they combine workplace training with classroom study.Advanced Apprenticeships: What you need to knowHow long do they last?Higher Apprenticeships run for a minimum of 12 months, and can last up to four years.However there is no fixed maximum time limit to complete the study and assessments, and the exact length of time yours takes will be determined by your employer.What can I study?Higher Apprenticeships are currently available in over 40 different industry areas.That means that the range of options on offer is vast, with opportunities in everything from Aerospace Engineering to Agriculture up-for-grabs. Some of the most popular Higher Apprenticeships include Business Administration, Construction, IT, Fashion Textiles, and Social Media Digital Marketing.Additionally, due to the increasing popularity of Higher Apprenticeshi ps, the government is actively looking to expand the industry areas further in the near future.Five apprenticeships you may not have consideredHow old do I have to be for Higher Apprenticeship?You must be at least 16 years old in order to start an apprenticeship.However, as Higher Apprenticeships require UCAS points for admission, you usually won’t be able to enrol until you’re over the age of 18.Apprenticeships for school leavers  Can I continue my education while I’m doing an apprenticeship?Absolutely. The purpose of the Higher Apprenticeship is to provide classroom experience alongside practical on-the-job training.As a result, the majority of those completing a Higher Apprenticeship negotiate with their employer to either have a set day out of the office for study each week, or blocks of a few weeks throughout the year to complete their course in a classroom setting.Many employers will also encourage you to develop your computer and IT skills at your study centre should yo u wish to improve in these areas.Am I eligible for a Higher Apprenticeship?You’ll generally need at least a Level 3 qualification to qualify for a Higher Apprenticeship. Popular examples include A Levels, BTECs and Cambridge Nationals.And, as Higher Apprenticeship is the next step up from an Advanced Apprenticeship, this is also a suitable entry requirement.Applying for apprenticeshipsApprenticeships: How to get startedWhat are the advantages of a Higher Apprenticeship?The main advantage of a Higher Apprenticeship is that you can earn money while you study â€" with the added bonus being that you won’t have any tuition fees or student debts when you finish.Exactly how much you can earn will vary, but starting salaries for Higher Apprentices will usually be around £10,000 per annum, and in some industries can progress up to £24,000 per annum.Other than a regular salary, a wide range of companies offer Higher Apprenticeships. So whether you want to work for a boutique PR agency, an established accountancy firm or a thriving tech team, there’s a work environment out there to suit everyone.Finally, promotion for Higher Apprentices in companies is fairly common. Many businesses continue to employ Higher Apprentices after they finish their studies due to their excellent knowledge of the business and their clients.And even if you found that the field you worked in wasn’t for you, with this qualification you’ll find it easier to move into other areas of the business â€" and beyond.Why choose an apprenticeship?What next?After completing a Higher Apprenticeship, you can either continue on with your current employer, choose to change companies, or even move on to an Honours Degree or chartered status in some industries.Ready to get started? View all available apprenticeships now.