London Apprenticeship Company

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQ’s page. Listed below are a whole host of questions the LAC receive on a regular basis from people considering an Apprenticeship.  We’ve conveniently answered them here for you. However, if by the end of this list you feel your question has not been answered, feel free to contact us here:

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http://www.facebook.com/londonapprenticeship

Or call us on 0208 963 8548

How do I apply for a London Apprenticeship?

You can apply directly for a live vacancy and upload your CV. 

Once your application is received, the London Apprenticeship Company will contact you directly to let you know the outcome, which can take up to 3 weeks, so please check your emails and ensure that we have your correct contact details.Due to the high number of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual enquiries at this stage.  Please wait for us to contact you directly to proceed with your application.

What are the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship?

There are loads of benefits, including:
• A real job with a real salary and real prospects
• A ‘foot in the door’ to sectors or employers that would usually be out of reach
• Free training which is vocational and nationally recognised.
• Earn while you learn
• Progression on to college university, or straight into secure employment

What happens after I've filled in an online application form?

When you have filled in an online application form, or applied for a live vacancy - your details are automatically logged into our system.
 
We will then assess your CV and actively look for a suitable vacancy.  If you are successful, we will call you and ask you to come in for an interview and discuss your options. 
 
Due to the high number of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual enquiries at this stage.  Please wait for us to contact you directly to proceed with your application. 

However, if you do not hear from us within a week, unfortunately this means you were unsuccessful.  

What makes a London Apprenticeship different?
As a London Apprentice, we aim to give you the best choice of high profile employers, a competitive wage, the highest quality training and more job security than any other provider.

What does LAC do?
We support you in every aspect of your apprenticeship. Click this link for a full breakdown of our services. 

How much do apprentices get paid and how?
 

Yes, you are in work so you get paid fortnightly. The wage you get will vary just like any other job. 
Though the average apprentice is paid over £170 a week, the minimum wage is £95

Who is eligible to be an apprentice?

The London Apprenticeship Company offer a range of apprenticeships to people looking for a job with training in London. 
 
In order to apply to the London Apprenticeship Company for an apprenticeship, you need to meet the following criteria:
 
• You must be 16 years or over (15 year olds are able to apply but can only commence work when they are 16)
• You must be a non-graduate, with a qualification no higher than A-Level or equivalent
• You must be willing to work in London
• You must have been a resident in the EU for the past 3 years
• You must be living in England and have permission to work in the UK

Am I too old to be an apprentice?

No, there is no age limit.  You just need to be aged 16 or over.  15 year olds can apply, but can only commence work when they turn 16.

What training does an apprentice get?

The training provider is usually a local college or specialist training organisation. They work with the London Apprenticeship Company and the employer to provide the best possible training to go with your job. An Apprenticeship would involve working towards an NVQ qualification.
An apprenticeship includes on-the-job training and off-the-job training. Both are extremely important.

On-the-job training takes place at work and has many forms including:
Naturally learning whilst carrying out your normal duties
Shadowing other members of staff
Tutorials arranged by your supervisor
Feedback on work by supervisor and other managers
Learning how to interact professionally with colleagues and clients

Off-the job-training is learning to achieve accreditation for your chosen qualification. An apprenticeship typically consists of 4 components, including an NVQ, Technical Cerificate, Key Skills, and Employers Rights and Responsibilites (ERR).

Will I have to go to college?

There are 2 different ways that an apprenticeship framework can be delivered:

Flexible – this is when an assessor visits you in your workplace every 2-4 weeks for a one to one session. Because you don’t need to attend college regularly, this approach can start at any time of the year. This delivery method is typically used for apprenticeships such as Business Administration or Customer Service.

Day release – this is where you are required to attend the college that is delivering your training one day per week. This approach means that you usually have to start at certain times of the year. This delivery method is used for more technical apprenticeships such as Catering or Plumbing.

What qualifications does an apprentice get?

You will gain a range of vocational qualifications which are nationally recognised by employers. You will also develop your key skills and receive on-the-job training during your placement.
 
The qualifications, work experience, references and training you gain during your apprenticeship will put you at a real advantage throughout your career. They prove to employers that you are committed, determined, qualified and have experience in their sector. 

How long does an apprenticeship last?

It can take anything from 6 – 12 months, depending on the job and level of competence needed. For example; a Business Administration Apprenticeship might take 6 months but a Plumbing Apprenticeship could take 12 months or more.  

How many apprenticeship programs and schemes are there?

We have new Apprenticeship vacancies arriving all the time. Why not go to our list of live vacancies and find one that meets your requirements.

Who chooses where I work?

Essentially you do, but LAC works with you to match an employer to your skills and aspirations.

What educational level are Apprenticeships equivalent to?
Most London Apprenticeships fall into one of two categories:
• Level 2 ‘Apprenticeships’
• Level 3 ‘Advanced Apprenticeships’ Academic equivalents:
• Level 2 = NVQ Level 2, 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
• Level 3 = NVQ Level 3, 2 A levels/1 vocational A level

Are there any costs involved with becoming an apprentice?

You do not have to pay anything to get an apprenticeship. You will receive a weekly wage throughout the duration apprenticeship (the minimum wage for an apprentice is £2.50 p/h).
The will be basic costs involved including travel and lunch expenses, but you are expected to cover these costs with your weekly wage.
It is important to plan in advance so you can be sure you can afford to be on an apprentice’s wage. Calculate your outgoings against your incomings, or go to the Job Centre to see what help they can provide you with. 

How do I find out what apprenticeships are available?

Go to our list of live vacancies, which are updated on a regular basis.

How do I become an apprentice? Is there an interview?

LAC will conduct an initial interview you, and if you are successful we will match you to a suitable employer. The employer may also wish to interview you and if you are successful, LAC will organise any necessary screening or checks.  

Do I get employment benefits like holidays and sick days?

All apprentices are entitled to 20 days holiday per year, which is accrued throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.
Apprentices are not paid for any sick they take off, however apprentices are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you have more than 3 days off in a row. For more information on SSP, check out the section on www.direct.gov.uk.

What does the employer do?

The employer is an integral part of the London Apprenticeship. You will have a supervisor, who oversees you in your role and delegates your responsibilities.  They will work with your Apprentice Co-ordinator to make sure your time at work is enriching and offers quality work experience and on-the-job training. 

I’ve already got a job – can I still do an Apprenticeship?

Yes.  Either your current employer can take you on as an apprentice, or you can start an apprenticeship at a new employer. 

When can I start an apprenticeship?

There are no pre-planned start dates. A London Apprenticeship is more like finding work than starting college, when you start work, you start your apprenticeship.*
* Some positions such as Hospitality and Catering apprenticeships start only when the academic year starts and others can start at any time of the year.  

What happens when I finish the apprenticeship? Where do I go next?

You can progress straight into work or onto further study, such as college or University. If you’ve made a good impression on your employer, they may ask you to stay or you can choose to continue onto an advanced apprenticeship.  

Can I go onto University once I have completed my London Apprenticeship?

Yes. You can choose to go to college or university instead of into employment*. If you have done a Level 3 Apprenticeship: Individual universities will consider level 3 apprenticeships as contributing to your overall UCAS points because it is comparable to an A Level. However universities will judge this on a case by case basis meaning that you have to apply to each one individually. (*Level 2 Apprenticeship: is the equivalent to having 5 grade A-C GCSEs, it is not enough to apply to university.) 

What if I have a Criminal Record?

We are open to applications from young people with criminal records. It is important to bear in mind that having a criminal record may prevent you from working in certain occupations but this will be judged on a case by case basis. Should you be called to an LAC interview it is important to disclose your conviction when asked and be prepared to answer questions.

What if I have learning difficulties or a disability?