What is work-based learning?

Do you want to learn on the job? Work-based learning is a way to gain skills, work towards recognised qualifications and earn money. You receive training in your place of work, and usually spend some time at college every month too.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are the most widely available type of work-based learning.

With a Apprenticeship you don't need to meet any set entry requirements except be aged between 16 and 24 years old and not be studying in full-time education. Particular qualifications or experience are not necessary.(Apprenticeships are not available to undergraduates or graduates).

You can choose from a wide variety of different occupational areas in London. Your employer pays your wages and gives you hands on experience of the job, while the college teaches you key skills like IT, problem-solving and team work to compliment the knowledge you're learning on the job.

There are two types: Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships.

An Apprenticeship normally takes between one and two years to complete and leads to an NVQ Level 2 qualification (same level as GCSEs) and a technical certificate. You'll have a job and wage, or be on a work placement with a training allowance.

From here you can progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship, which takes between two and four years to complete and leads to an NVQ Level 3 qualification (same level as A levels) and a technical certificate. You'll be in full time employment with an appropriate wage.

NVQs

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are vocational courses that allow you to develop the skills and knowledge to do a particular job, for example Business Administration or Food Preparation.

They are available at levels 1 - 5.

• Level 1 covers basic work activities and is roughly equivalent to four GCSEs (D-F).
• Level 2 is roughly equivalent to a BTEC First Diploma, or five GCSEs at grade A - C+.
• Level 3 is equivalent to a BTEC National Certificate, two A levels or a 12 unit AVCE.
• Level 4 is the equivalent of a BTEC Higher National Diploma or degree.
• Level 5 is equal to a post-graduate degree.

Each NVQ is made up of units which build into a qualification.

They are designed to allow you to show what you know, not to try and find out what you don't.

For any employer an Apprentice is an employee that obviously wants to learn, and who is constantly improving and gaining in value all the time. As an Apprentice you can get a head start in your career and still combine study, learning and work towards a qualification, while you're earning.

Click here for useful links on work based learning.