Are you currently working part-time and eager to enhance your skills and career trajectory through an apprenticeship? The good news is that part-time apprenticeships exist and are specifically designed to accommodate your work-life balance. Let's delve into what this means for you.
Am I Eligible for a Part-Time Apprenticeship?
Our part-time apprenticeship cohorts are designed for individuals whose regular contracted working hours fall within the 20 to 27-hour range per week. This framework allows for a balanced integration of work responsibilities and dedicated learning time.
It's crucial to understand the distinction between our part-time and full-time apprenticeship structures:
Part-Time Apprenticeship: If you are contracted to work between 20 and 27 hours per week, you are eligible to apply for a part-time apprenticeship programme.
Full-Time Apprenticeship: If you work 28 hours or more per week, you are required to enrol in the standard, full-time version of the apprenticeship programme.
Keep in mind that the availability of specific part-time cohorts can sometimes be influenced by agreements we have established with your employer. We encourage you to inquire about any specific agreements relevant to your workplace.
How Does a Part-Time Apprenticeship Differ from a Full-Time One?
Both part-time and full-time apprenticeships are committed to delivering high-quality training and culminate in the same nationally recognised qualifications. However, key differences exist in their structure and delivery:
Working Hours: Part-time apprentices dedicate 20 to 27 hours per week to their employment, while full-time apprentices typically work standard full-time hours (e.g., 37.5 hours per week).
Programme Duration: Due to the reduced weekly learning hours, part-time apprenticeships naturally extend over a longer period compared to their full-time counterparts.
Off-the-Job (OTJ) Training: The mandated Off-the-Job (OTJ) training hours are proportionally adjusted to align with your part-time work schedule. While a full-time apprenticeship typically involves approximately 6 to 6.5 hours of OTJ training per week, this will be reduced to around 4 hours per week for part-time apprenticeships.
What If a Dedicated Part-Time Apprenticeship Isn't Currently Available?
If you don't readily find a specific "part-time" option listed on our main apprenticeship page or within your company's apprenticeship information, it might indicate that we haven't yet established a dedicated part-time programme for your organisation. This could be due to current demand levels or other factors.
If pursuing a part-time apprenticeship is your priority, we strongly advise the following steps:
Engage with Your Employer: Reach out to your HR department, your line manager, or the relevant contact person within your company who handles apprenticeship opportunities. Expressing your interest in a part-time option can highlight the demand and potentially pave the way for the development of such a programme in the future.