If you would like to get work experience and qualifications at the same time, an Apprenticeship could be for you.

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time.

There are two levels of Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. Both of them lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), key skills qualifications and Technical Certificates.

Apprenticeship

You will have a job and a wage, or be on a work placement with a weekly training allowance. It takes at least 18 months to complete and leads to NVQ Level 2 and a Technical Certificate. You may also be able to go on to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Advanced Apprenticeship

You will have a full time job, with a wage packet. The training, which usually lasts at least 2 years, leads to NVQ Level 3 and a Technical Certificate. For many, it can lead onto a place at University.

For more details, go to the Apprenticeships website or to the pages from the Learning and Skills Council for Staffordshire.

For a list of local training providers click here

Your Connexions Personal Adviser at school/college or at your local Connexions Centre will also be able to help you find what you're looking for and point out the opportunities available.