If you want to work in the automotive industry but are not interested in a technical job, becoming an apprentice is a great way of starting your career in a non-technical role.
Some of the non-technical areas you might choose to move into after you have completed an apprenticeship include sales, finance, customer service, parts and management.
The benefits of becoming an apprentice
Apprenticeships enable you to kick-start your career in a new and exciting area, learning knowledge and skills while you work and earn money. By becoming an apprentice you will be able to:
- Earn while you learn
- Gain real work experience
- Develop new skills
- Improve your employability
- Open up industry opportunities
- Access subject-specific learning platforms
Apprenticeship standards vs apprenticeship frameworks
If you are considering an apprenticeship, you may have seen references to both apprenticeship frameworks and apprenticeship standards.
Frameworks are knowledge and competence-based qualifications that are undertaken via quality assured training. Standards focus on a number of gateways and an end-point assessment with an approved assessment organisation.
The government has mandated that all frameworks will be withdrawn by the 2020-2021 academic year, with all new starts from 1 August 2020 involving standards rather than frameworks.
The table below details some of the key similarities and differences between the two programmes.
| Frameworks | Standards |
|---|---|
| The Apprentice | The Apprentice |
| Attend off-the-job training by the provider Visited by the provider in the workplace. |
Attend off-the-job training by the provider Visited by the provider in the workplace Compile evidence of tasks completed in the workplace Undertake annual behavioural assessments and gateway tests Complete an end-point assessment |
| The Training Provider | The Training Provider |
| Deliver a structured off the job training programme Visit the apprentice in the workplace Provide coaching and support in the workplace |
Deliver a structured off the job training programme Provide gateway assessments Typically host the end-point assessments Provide support in the workplace, for the employer and the apprentice Contribute to the annual behavioural assessments of the apprentice |
| The Employer | The Employer |
| Allocate a mentor to support the apprentice | Allocate a mentor to support the apprentice Review progress and readiness for end-point assessment Contribute to the annual behavioural assessments of the apprentice |
For apprenticeship frameworks, you will achieve a recognised qualification while, for apprenticeship standards, you may achieve a recognised qualification. You should check the details of a particular standard to see whether this is the case.
It is also worth noting that if you begin an apprenticeship standard, you receive free student membership of the IMI on registration, followed by a year’s worth of free membership upon successful completion.
Apply to become an apprentice
Apprenticeships have different entry requirements, timeframes and levels depending on whether they are undertaken in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Therefore it is important to check the details of the specific apprenticeship you are interested in before you apply.
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