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Information, Advice and sources of support for young people in Suffolk

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

  1. Home
  2. Your Future
  3. Apprenticeships and Traineeships

On this page you will find information about

  1. What are they? Apprenticeships, traineeships, eligibility, myth busting, care leavers
  2. Inclusive apprenticeships
  3. How do I get one?
  4. Apprenticeships Suffolk
  5. Higher Apprenticeships

“What are they?“

In a nutshell, an apprenticeship is paid learning. They are an excellent way to combine on the job learning with a working environment. They allow you to grow and thrive in the workplace by giving you all the skills that an employer would want.

A traineeship is a course coupled with a placement to help you gain the skills and experience you might need for an apprenticeship or work.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships are both work with training and give you opportunities to make some great connections to the industry that you want to have a career in, however, there are some differences.

Each apprenticeship is different depending on the employer and the framework, but they have to last a minimum of 12 months.

To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:

  • 16 or over
  • living in England
  • not in full-time education

What is a traineeship?

The placement can last up to 6 months (but they are usually around 2 – 3 months).

Often, on a traineeship, you will be offered help with your English, maths and IT skills if you need it, and these courses will be held online.

Unlike an apprenticeship, you will not be paid for a traineeship. However, you may receive help with meals, travel and clothing you may need.

Am I eligible for a traineeship?

You are eligible to apply for a traineeship if you

  • able to work in the UK
  • unemployed
  • aged 16 – 18, or aged 16 – 24 if you have additional needs
  • qualified below a Level 3 (A-Levels or BTEC Level 3)
Myth busting apprenticeships:

1) Apprenticeships are only for young people.

No! You can be any age but you must be over 16.

2) Apprenticeships are only for people who can't go to uni.

No! Level 5 and 6 apprenticeships are equivalent to undergraduate. Level 7 is equivalent to Masters.

3) You'll just be making tea.

No! As an apprentice you will be a proper member of the team who is supported in all aspects of their role.

Are you a care leaver? Suffolk County Council, create their own employment opportunities for care leavers. The Family Business model provides apprenticeships for care leavers in various teams around the Council. Find out more on our ‘Leaving Care’ page.

Inclusive Apprenticeships

Inclusive apprenticeships provide a supportive environment for learners to develop and succeed in their chosen careers.

Apprentices will be required to achieve from entry level 3 up to level 2 functional skills in Math and English (unless exempt) as part of the apprenticeship. In addition, employers may specify candidate requirements within the details of an apprenticeship vacancy.

The hours and duration of the apprenticeship can be adjusted to support your needs, if agreed by both the employer and the apprentice.

To find out more, contact Apprenticeships Suffolk.

Inclusive Apprenticeships logo
If you have additional needs visit the Suffolk Local Offer website - it provides local information on education, training, apprenticeship, employment opportunities and more!

Find out more about Inclusive Apprenticeships from Apprenticeships Suffolk.

You can find more information on our page 'I have additional needs'.

“How do I get one?“

Below we outline the information you need to search and apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship. 

Top Tips on applying for an apprenticeship
  1. Download the Yojo app, for careers advice and to find apprenticeship vacancies in Suffolk on the go! Visit the Yojo App website.
  2. Check out the Apprenticeships Suffolk website at apprenticeshipssuffolk.org – They provide information and support.
  3. Create an account and apply for positions on the National Apprenticeships Service website.
  4. Take a look at the new careers website for young people in Suffolk and Norfolk – icanbea…
  5. Do the careers quiz from UCAS.
  6. Create a CV on the yojo app or using our CV builder tool.
  7. Contact your Early Help Team at: CYPPTTFollowUpSupport@suffolk.gov.uk.
Apprenticeships Suffolk
Apprenticeships Suffolk is a free service which helps people find the apprenticeship they want.

They provide a list of current vacancies, useful links and can help with the application process.
If you are looking for something specific:

Gain work experience in your area of interest, even if it's small it can make all the difference in finding your perfect placement, when it is on your CV.

For more videos check out their YouTube channel

What are Higher Apprenticeships?

If you have A level grades or have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, a higher apprenticeship (level 4) could be for you.

Higher apprenticeships offer ambitious existing apprentices and A level school leavers an alternative to university.

To find out more, watch the Youtube video, titled ‘Higher Apprenticeships’.

Read the UCAS guide to higher apprenticeships.

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Page updated on December 6th, 2022 at 12:43pm