Apprenticeships Made Simple For Students
New to Apprenticeships or Not Sure What to Expect?
Whether you’re just getting started or already on your journey, High Ridge Training is here to guide you every step of the way. Discover how apprenticeships work, what support is available, and how to make the most of every opportunity
What Is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job with real training. You’ll work towards a recognised qualification while getting paid — and gaining the experience employers are looking for. It’s a great way to:
Get hands-on experience
Build a career
Earn a wage
Avoid student debt
Who Can Be an Apprentice?
You can become an apprentice if:
You’re aged 16 or over
You’re living in England
You’re not in full-time education
You’re working (or about to start working) in a role that supports your training
Apprenticeships are open to everyone — whether you're just leaving school or looking to retrain or change careers
Your Apprenticeship Covers
English and maths
(if you don’t already have your GCSEs or equivalent)
On-the-job training:
Learning practical skills at your workplace
Time spent learning with your training provider (in person, online, or both)
End-point assessment:
Final test of your knowledge, skills and behaviour — usually a project, interview or practical task
How Long Does It Take?
Apprenticeships usually take between 8 months and 3 years, depending on the level and your previous experience. Your exact timeline will be explained during your induction.
You’ll also have regular reviews with your trainer to check how you're doing and help you stay on track.
Will I Get Paid?
Yes! You’ll earn at least the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage (or more, depending on your employer). You’ll be paid for your working hours and for the time you spend training.
You’ll also get:
Paid holidays
Sick leave
Access to staff benefits (e.g. pension scheme)
Any additional support you need to succeed
What Support Will I Get?
We’re here to support you every step of the way. As an apprentice, you’ll have:
Tutors to guide you through your course
Access to learning materials and online platforms
Help with English and maths, if needed
Progress reviews to keep your learning on track
Wellbeing and safeguarding support, including mental health advice
Support with reasonable adjustments if you have a disability or learning difficulty
If you're a care leaver or need extra financial help, let us know — we may be able to support you with bursaries or extra help.
Financial Support for Apprentices
Depending on your situation, you could benefit from:
Free training – no tuition fees to pay
A regular wage – apprentices earn at least the minimum apprentice wage (many earn more)
£3,000 care leaver bursary – for eligible apprentices aged 16–24
Support with travel, meals or uniform costs – available through employers or local schemes
Referral rewards – get a £50 voucher for every friend you refer.
If you’ve done similar training before or have experience in the industry, your apprenticeship may be shortened or adapted to reflect what you already know. We’ll check this at the start through an initial assessment.
What If I Already Have Some Experience?
What Happens At The End Of My Apprenticeship?
Many of our apprentices stay on with their employer or move on to the next level of training.
Once you’ve finished your apprenticeship and passed your assessment, you’ll:
Receive a nationally recognised certificate
Have valuable work experience under your belt
Be ready to progress — whether into full-time work, a promotion, or another course at a higher level
