An apprenticeship at NKC Dartford College is a real job with training. You will work for an employer, earn a wage, and develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your chosen career. Part of your time will be spent in training, either at college or in the workplace, with the rest spent building experience on the job.
-
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over who has the right to work in England and is not in full-time education. They are suitable for school leavers, people already in work, and adults looking to retrain or progress in their career. There is no upper age limit.
-
Do apprentices get paid?
Yes. Apprentices are employed by their employer and must be paid through PAYE. They cannot be self-employed or paid cash in hand. Apprentices are entitled to the same employee rights as other staff, including paid holiday, and some employers pay more than the National Apprenticeship Wage.
-
Do apprentices get paid for college days?
Yes. Training days form part of your contracted working hours, so you are paid for the time you spend in college or completing off-the-job training.
-
How Much time is spent in training?
At least 20% of an apprentice’s contracted hours must be spent in off-the-job training. For many apprentices, this means attending college for around one day a week, although training can also be delivered in the workplace depending on the programme.
-
What will I study during an apprenticeship?
Your apprenticeship may include the main qualification, industry knowledge, practical skills, professional behaviours, and functional skills such as English and maths if required. You will also learn about employee rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
-
What qualifications will I get?
As part of your apprenticeship, you will work towards a nationally recognised qualification in your chosen subject area. Depending on the programme, this could be at Level 2, Level 3, or a higher level. Some apprenticeships can also lead to higher or degree-level study.
-
Do I need GCSE English and maths?
English and maths are an important part of apprenticeships. Entry requirements vary depending on the course and level, and some apprenticeships require specific grades before you can start. If you do not already have the required qualifications, you may need to work towards them as part of your apprenticeship.
-
What if my GCSE grades are lower than expected?
If your GCSE grades are lower than required for your chosen apprenticeship, NKC Dartford College can help you explore other options. In some cases, a full-time course at the right level may be the best next step before moving on to an apprenticeship.
-
What support is available during an apprenticeship?
At NKC Dartford College, apprentices are supported by both their employer and the college. Additional Learning Support may be available for English, maths and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADD, and ADHD.
For more information about support available please visit the Learning Support page.
-
Can I do an apprenticeship if I have an EHCP or need additional support?
Yes. Apprenticeships are open to learners with an EHCP or additional support needs. Before starting, your needs can be assessed so the right support is in place from the beginning of your programme.
-
When should I start looking for an apprenticeship?
If you want to start an apprenticeship in September, it is a good idea to begin researching and applying from late April or early May. If you are interested in higher or degree apprenticeships, many of these vacancies start to appear from October.
-
How do I find an apprenticeship?
You can search for apprenticeship vacancies on the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service, where you can create an account, set up alerts, and apply directly. You can also check the NKC Dartford College apprenticeship vacancies page, search on job websites, visit employer websites, or contact employers directly to ask about opportunities.
-
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
You will usually need to create an account on the government apprenticeship website, complete an application form, and tailor each application to the role. It also helps to prepare a CV, research employers, and build experience through work experience or volunteering where possible.
-
Can NKC Dartford College help me find an apprenticeship?
Yes. The Apprenticeship Team at NKC Dartford College can provide advice and guidance on finding vacancies, understanding the different apprenticeship routes, and applying for roles.
-
What is the End-Point Assessment?
At the end of your apprenticeship, you will complete an End-Point Assessment. This is the final stage of the programme and is designed to assess whether you can apply the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for your job. The assessment may include exams, practical observations, professional discussions, projects, or a review of your portfolio.