Apprenticeships

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) fosters the number of apprenticeships on offer to people who are dedicated to vocational study in a field of their interest, with particular emphasis on supporting 16 - 18 year-olds.

In a competitive job market, an Apprenticeship is designed around the needs of the employer and consists of gaining skills whilst in the workforce. The qualification is nationally recognised.

What the NAS can offer to an individual is a simplified recruitment service, which matches an individual with his or her ideal Apprenticeship. Students can simply log on to to meet their Apprenticeship match!

The Apprenticeship subjects cover:

Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care
Arts, Media and Publishing
Business, Administration and Law
Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
Education and Training
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
Health, Public Services and Care
Information and Communication Technology
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Retail and Commercial Enterprise

From an employer's perspective, Apprenticeships bring value to a business via the qualities and skills gained that are not often available on the external job market. The benefits of Apprenticeships are very quickly being realised across the UK, and according to the NAS website, are contributing directly to a more "highly skilled workforce" that "boosts productivity and staff retention." The NAS website goes on to say:

The prospects of success are comparable with the rest of Europe and Apprentices go on to do great things. Many are promoted and paid quicker after completing their training. Many current leaders in their fields were once Apprentices.

For further questions relating to parents, take a look at the parents' Q&A section of the NAS website, or browse the website for more information.