Frequently Asked
Questions
Who is RateMyApprenticeship?
RateMyApprenticeship is the UK’s leading job resource for young people seeking apprenticeships. Through the hundreds of roles advertised on our website, your child will get a head start in their career, working for some of the biggest names in the business (employers and training providers alike).
How does RateMyApprenticeship work?
RateMyApprenticeship provides jobs, reviews, and careers advice for school and college leavers to help them get started on their career journey. After signing up to our mailing list, you will receive hundreds of exciting opportunities at some of the UK’s best employers - delivered straight to your inbox.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are school leaver programmes that allow young people to work for a company while studying towards professional qualifications equivalent to GCSEs, A Levels or a university degree.
An apprenticeship is a real job that’ll equip your child with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Can my child do an apprenticeship?
Absolutely. Your child can do an apprenticeship if they are:
16+
Living in the UK
Not in full-time education
What types of apprenticeships are there?
There are four types of apprenticeships: intermediate, advanced, higher and degree. The level of apprenticeship your child does depends on their age, experience and qualifications.
If your child is 16 and starting their career, they will be on an intermediate apprenticeship. Intermediate apprenticeships are the first step on the career ladder and take around 12 - 18 months to complete.
Once they’ve finished their programme, they can either:
Progress to an advanced apprenticeship
Work for a new or existing employer
Go back into full-time education
What industries can you do an apprenticeship in?
Apprenticeships aren’t what they used to be. You can do an apprenticeship in literally anything - from business and construction, to engineering, science, IT and law. You can even do an apprenticeship with the NHS!
Did you know that David Beckam and Jamie Oliver started their careers as apprentices? Look at them now! Does your child want to become the next sporting legend like Harry Kane? Or work as a news anchor for BBC or Sky? An apprenticeship could take them there!
Do apprentices get paid?
Apprentices receive a salary for the work they do. The exact amount depends on their age, experience and employer. But all apprentices receive the National Minimum Wage.
Do apprenticeships have exams?
Yes. Once your child finishes their apprenticeship, they will need to take an End Point Assessment (EPA). An EPA is carried out by an independent organisation and ensures that the apprentice has developed all the skills, knowledge and behaviours that were originally set out during their programme.
How can I find an apprenticeship that's right for my child?
Once your child has decided on the apprenticeship route, they can browse our jobs and reviews to find a scheme that’s right for them. The reviews are written by former apprentices and give insight into what an apprenticeship at a particular company is really like.
Discover more about:
A company’s culture
An apprentice’s day-to-day responsibilities
Diversity and inclusion initiatives
The level of support that is offered by managers or mentors
Progression opportunities in the company.
How does my child apply to an apprenticeship?
Your child can apply for an apprenticeship via our jobs page. All they need to do is pick a role of interest and click the ‘Apply For This Job’ button.
Who are the best apprenticeship employers?
Each year, RateMyApprenticeship releases the Best Apprenticeship Employers table. The Best 100 is based on reviews and honest feedback from over 6,000 students who completed an apprenticeship last year. If your child is looking to work for some of the highest regarded apprentice employers out there, this is the place to go!
Can my child change apprenticeship if they don’t enjoy it?
Sure they can. There are two available options: If your child wants to change employers, but continue with the apprenticeship, they’ll need to speak to the training provider to agree upon a suitable employer.
However, if your child wants to change their apprenticeship altogether, they’ll need to end their current one and reapply for a new one. Bear in mind, this could potentially be disruptive to their studies. So make sure they think long and hard before making a decision!
Are apprenticeship qualifications as good as others?
Absolutely! After completing their apprenticeship, your child will receive nationally recognised qualifications equivalent to GCSEs, A Levels or a university degree. Plus, a cracking salary!
The level of apprenticeship your child does determines their qualification. So if they’re 16 and on an intermediate apprenticeship, they’ll be working towards five GCSEs graded at 9 - 4 (A* - C). If they decide to level up and do an advanced apprenticeship, they’ll walk away with the equivalent of two A Levels.
If your child is torn between university or an apprenticeship, they can do a degree apprenticeship instead. Degree apprentices don’t pay any tuition fees as the government and their employer covers them. So essentially, your child will graduate from their degree entirely debt-free.
Want to see a side by side comparison of apprenticeships vs university? We’ve got you covered.
Where can I find career and application advice for my child?
Our ParentsHub is full of key resources to help you and your child make an informed decision about their career.
For in-depth information on apprenticeships, including what level is right for your child and whether they should choose this path or university, head to our Apprenticeships page.
For all things: applications, CVs, cover letters, psychometric tests and interviews, head over to our Careers and Application Advice page. We’ve got insider tips from recruiters, success stories from previous apprentices and more.
Am I able to talk to someone at RateMyApprenticeship about my child's options?
If you have any questions regarding your child’s career options, feel free to get in touch with a member of the team using our contact us form.
Our team will answer your queries, inform you of upcoming events (in-person and virtual) and point you in the right direction for career advice.