Apprenticeships

What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are a work based training opportunity for young people and adults to gain nationally recognised qualifications that test knowledge and competence whilst still working with an employer.

If you are an Employer that is new to Apprenticeships; you may find this guide useful – CiPD Guide to Apprenticeships for the Employer.

They equip people with the skills and knowledge to do the job better. Apprentices are motivated people who are keen to learn and because of this they work harder and more effectively.

Apprenticeships provide an integrated programme of learning leading to the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competence.

There are three levels of apprenticeship in Wales:

Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) Level 2
Apprenticeship (A) Level 3
Higher Apprenticeship (HA) Level 4/5
Apprenticeships can last between 1 and 2 years depending on the occupational sector you will be working in.

Who are they for?

Apprenticeships are for anyone of any age who is in employment. The programmes are fully funded through the Welsh Government, Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Benefits of the Apprenticeship for the Apprentice

During an Apprenticeship an apprentice will receive training from both the host employer and Yale Training. Training will be through a mix of on-the-job training provided by your employer and off-the-job training at College.

Benefits of the Apprenticeship for the employer

Apprenticeships help employers to stay competitive by developing the kind of people their business needs for the future. Whether you decide to develop existing staff or recruit new employees as apprentices, your business will benefit. Research undertaken by the Apprenticeship Task Force indicates the following key benefits to employers employing apprentices:

Increased competitiveness
Increased productivity
Higher quality of work
Reduced costs
Improved recruitment
Increased staff retention
Higher employee satisfaction
More efficient use of new technology