FAQ

Apprenticeships are work-based training (earning whilst they learn) programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles.

An apprenticeship gets the best of both worlds.

The apprentices gets a paying job with valuable training, with employee’s rights, wages, and holiday entitlements. Whilst at work, they towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard and on completion they have solid industry experience, a qualification and valuable references on their CV.

Each hospitality apprenticeship programme has been designed so an apprentice can meet the employer business needs and make sure they are highly skilled and productive in their role.

There are a huge range of apprenticeships available for every job role in the hospitality industry, with funding options available to employers of all sizes.

Looking for more info on how apprenticeships work for employers?

Anyone in England aged 16 years old and above, whether employed, unemployed or leaving school and in the UK.

There is no upper age limit.

There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship, however some employers may ask for GCSEs (A-C) in English, Maths and Science.

If you do not have Math and English GCSEs at C and above you will have to take Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry, we have a specialised ‘Functional Skills Academy’ designed to help you pass!

Anytime!

An apprenticeship is a job and is not related to the academic calendar. You can apply for an apprenticeship at any time of the year!

Starting your training depends upon the availability of a suitable position being offered by an employer and your success in being accepted by that employer to undertake that role.

Your start date will need to coincide with your apprenticeship enrolment date. Your learning Consultant will visit you and your employer at your new place of work on your first day.

During your apprenticeship programme you will be working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.

This is accredited by relevant industry regulatory bodies and will help further you in your chosen career.

Depending on the type of programme you enrol onto you may also have the chance to work towards Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) accredited diplomas and Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English.

Off The Job Hours are a must in any apprenticeship. The training is equivalent to 6 hours per week (or 20% of 40 hours).

This gives learners the time to undertake studies, activities, master-classes etc. during working hours.

These include, training activity relevant to the apprenticeship standard, learning a new skill or enhancing knowledge or behaviours, and that these taking place within your normal (contracted) hours.

No. Your employer pays your wage and we apply for government funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to support the cost of your qualification.

Currently 100% funding is available for apprentices ages 16 – 18 and 95% for those aged 19 + (subject to the employers levy status).

You or your employer can call us to discuss any questions you have regarding funding on 0333 577 2557

As of 1st April 2022, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices has increased from £4.30 per hour to £4.81 per hour.

The National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage have increased depending on age. The new rates, depending on age, are as follows:

Under 18: £4.81 per hour

Aged 18-20-years old: £6.83 per hour

Aged 21-22-years old: £9.18 per hour

Aged 23-years old and over: £9.50 per hour

All apprentices are employed and have a contract of employment. You are counted as a regular employee so get all the benefits such as holiday and sick leave as well.

An apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete depending on the level of the apprenticeship, your ability and where you’re working.

As a guide, an intermediate Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 12 to 18 months and an advanced Level 3 apprenticeship around 24 months.

Applying for an apprenticeship is like applying for a job so you will have to go through an application process.

You will need to be in a job role that supports your apprenticeship. For example: You are a Kitchen Porter and wish to train to be a Commis Chef with support from your employer.

If you are applying for a new job and your application is successful, you will be put forward for interview. If you’re already employed, it’s unlikely you’ll need to have an interview, It is important to be prepared for your interview and we can help you prepare for this, like helping you create a CV.

For more details, please contact our Careers and Talent Director at zakaria.bentaleb@umbrellatraining.co.uk or call on 07852 937 598 for more information.

Yes! Apprentices are entitled to a NUS Card through the National Union of Students. For just £12 this card entitles you to discounts at many of your favourite high street and online retailers.