If you’re considering an apprenticeship, you’re already on the right track. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your skills, gain valuable experience, and work towards a recognised qualification while earning at the same time.
At Activfirst, we deliver a wide range of apprenticeship programmes that open doors to exciting career opportunities. It’s important to understand how apprenticeships work, what’s expected, and how to get started.
Who Employs the Apprentice?
Who Employs the Apprentice?
Activfirst is a training provider, not the employer. This means we deliver the learning, guidance, and assessment, but you’ll need to secure a job with an employer who is prepared to support you throughout your apprenticeship.
Your employer must be able to:
- Give you a proper employment contract.
- Offer ideally 30 hours per week of paid work.
- Commit to employing you for the full duration of the apprenticeship, including your End Point Assessment (EPA).
- Provide someone in the business to act as a mentor.
Important: Please don’t contact us asking for a job – you’ll need to find an employer first. Once you have, we’ll support both you and them every step of the way.
What Makes Apprenticeships Different?
Unlike college courses where you might spend one day a week in a classroom, apprenticeships are designed around the workplace. You learn in your role, supported by your employer and assessor, with training that’s directly linked to your job.
Examples of your learning could include:
- Online training and research.
- Shadowing colleagues.
- Taking part in projects or assignments that benefit your organisation.
- Regular meetings with your assessor, usually every 4 weeks.
This structured learning happens during working hours – so you don’t need to travel to college each week.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
For you as a learner:
- Earn while you learn – no student debt.
- Gain hands-on workplace experience.
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
- Build a clear career pathway in your chosen sector.
- Improve your future prospects – apprentices are more likely to stay in work and get promoted compared to non-apprentices.
How to Get Started
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – go and create them. Think about where you’d like to work and approach those organisations directly. Employers don’t always realise how straightforward it is to support an apprentice, and that’s where we come in.
Once you’ve found an employer willing to support you, we’ll:
- Confirm the apprenticeship standard that’s right for you.
- Enrol you onto the programme and set up your e-portfolio.
- Provide ongoing support and reviews throughout your apprenticeship.
- Prepare you for your End Point Assessment so you’re ready to succeed.
Final Word
Final Word
An apprenticeship is a partnership between you, your employer, and us as the training provider. If you’re ready to take the first step, start reaching out to employers today – and when you do, Activfirst will be here to help you unlock your potential.
