What is an Apprenticeship?
🎓 What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured programme where you work in a real job while developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed in that role.
📌 What you’ll learn
In this guide, you’ll understand what an apprenticeship is, how it works, who is involved, and what to expect throughout your journey.
🧠 What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training. You will learn on the job while also completing training activities designed to build your capability.
It’s often described simply as earning while you learn, giving you the opportunity to build real experience alongside your development.
⚙️ How it works
💼 You are employed
You work in a real job and contribute to your organisation from day one.
📚 You complete structured training
This includes lessons, activities, and assignments designed to build your knowledge and skills.
🧩 You develop KSBs
Every apprenticeship is built around Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs), which define what you need to learn and demonstrate.
🏁 You complete an End-Point Assessment
At the end of your apprenticeship, you complete a final assessment to prove you are fully competent in your role.
🧱 Key components
- On-the-job learning: Your day-to-day work experience
- Off-the-job training (OTJ): Structured learning during working hours
- Progress reviews: Regular check-ins to track your development
- End-Point Assessment (EPA): Final independent assessment
As part of your apprenticeship, you will typically spend around 6 hours per week on off-the-job training.
🤝 Who is involved?
👤 You (the apprentice)
Take ownership of your learning and development.
🏢 Your employer
Provides your role, support, and real work experience.
🎓 Your training provider
Delivers training, guidance, and tracks your progress.
🚀 Why apprenticeships matter
Apprenticeships are designed to build real capability, not just help you pass a course.
They focus on developing the skills and behaviours needed to succeed in the workplace, not just gaining knowledge.
💡 Top tip: Treat your apprenticeship like a career opportunity, not just a course. The more you engage, the more you’ll develop.
🙋 Want to learn more?
Check out related guides in the wiki, including Off-the-Job Training (OTJ), Progress Reviews, and End-Point Assessment (EPA), to understand your journey in more detail.
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