Parents & Carers – Your FAQs answered

Apprenticeships are gaining in popularity because of the unique benefits they offer compared to other learning pathways. If your child enjoys hands-on learning and is looking for a springboard into the engineering and manufacturing sector, then our Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeship programmes are the perfect way to kick start their career when they leave school.

We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions we receive from parents and carers about our apprenticeship programmes. If there’s anything you’d like to know that isn’t covered here, please get in touch with our helpful team via OASPhase2@the-mtc.org.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a full time job that enables the apprentice to train, gain experience and get paid at the same time. It’s free for the apprentice, and at the end of their programme, they will have the right skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their chosen career.

An apprentice is an employee, and so is entering the world of work. Apprenticeships combine off-the job training (in training centre classrooms and workshops) and on-the-job training (learning with their mentors, managers, and teammates by carrying out their role).

Click here to find out more general information about apprenticeships.

How long is an apprenticeship?

Our Level 3 apprenticeship programme takes four years to complete. It begins full-time in the training centre for the first year where the apprentices gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they’ll need to maximise the benefits of their on-the-job training when they head off to their employers’ sites at the end of their first year.

Over the next three years, they’ll gain real work experience as well as new skills and knowledge from their employer, returning to the training centre regularly for ‘block release’ group sessions. At the end of their programme, we’ll support them to pass a final assessment to successfully complete their qualification.

Our Level 4 apprenticeship programmes take four years to complete. The apprentice is predominantly based with their employer from the outset, with day release to OAS for the first two years.

How much practical and theory work is there on the Level 3 apprenticeship?

In the first year, apprentices work through six theory-based units and seven practical modules. They spend around four weeks on each unit, covering a good balance of hands-on and written work.

In the second and third years, apprentices learn on-the-job, working full time onsite with their employers, returning to the training centre for six weeks throughout each year.

In their final year, apprentices learn entirely on-the-job, as well as preparing for and undertaking their End Point Assessment.

What are the course entry requirements?

To apply for our Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship, your child will need to meet the following criteria: 

• Be over 16 at the start of the apprenticeship
• Have 5 GCSEs grades 9-4 / A*- C (or equivalent) including Maths and either English Language or English Literature
• Must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

In order to qualify for our Level 4 apprenticeships, your child must meet the following criteria:

• Be over 16 at the start of the apprenticeship
• Have a minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths, either English Language or English Literature, and a Science-based subject at grades A*-C or 5-9
• Have a Level 3 Engineering Qualification or relevant engineering experience alongside being educated to A-Level standard in Maths and Physics or Computer Science
• Must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

(We always screen applications on a case-by-case basis)

What is the application process?

There are several ways to apply to become an OAS Apprentice:

• You can click here to complete an application form
• You can apply for a specific apprentice vacancy directly with the employers who work with us. Our latest vacancies are regularly updated and can be found here: Latest Vacancies | OAS (ukaea.uk)
• Or, you can find an employer you would like to work with, and contact us to become the training provider.

Once we’ve received your child’s application and confirmed that they meet our entry criteria, we will invite them to an Assessment Centre at OAS. You’ll both have the chance to meet our team and tour our state-of-the-art workshops before your child undertakes a mock interview with one of our team, and a team building activity to showcase their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Successful participants will then be invited to apply for specific roles with our fantastic employer partners, with the selected candidates joining the programme to begin their new career.

It is important to note, that unless an employer offers your child a full-time apprenticeship position, they cannot commence their training at OAS.

My child has additional learning needs – how will you make sure they’re supported?

We are committed to ensuring that every OAS apprentice is supported to fulfil their potential. Our Inclusive Learning Coordinator provides additional learning needs support. They work on a one-to-one basis with apprentices, developing a personalised support plan to ensure their additional learning needs are identified and supported, such as extra support with English skills, or dyslexia support.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain a qualification alongside valuable work experience, free of charge and whilst earning a living:

• The skills employers want: Apprenticeships are designed in partnership with industry so that learners get the expertise that employers need in their businesses.
• Formal qualification and evidenced work experience: As well as achieving an industry-recognised qualification, apprentices also gain years of hands-on experience working alongside existing experts within a real work environment, which employers tell us makes them even more valuable.
• Paid work and no debt: Because they are employed as an apprentice, your child will earn while they learn, and since apprenticeships are fully funded, they will also avoid the hefty debts that are often associated with university.
• Job stability: Nearly all of our apprentices choose to continue working for their employers as a qualified technician once they have completed their apprenticeship.

What will they be paid?

An OAS apprentice’s basic salary in the first year exceeds the government’s recommendation, ranging from £10,000 to £18,000 per year. This increases each year as the apprentice gains in capability and experience. As well as earning while they’re learning, apprentices don’t have to pay anything towards their training, which is funded in full by the government or by their employer.

What types of career progression are available after the course?

It’s no secret that there is currently a huge skills gap in the UK manufacturing sector – the positive implications of this challenge for young people is that there is a huge range of opportunities with a chance to deliver positive impact through a meaningful career in an exciting and innovative sector.

After your child has completed their apprenticeship, their career progression is limitless! It’s really up to them and their employer – they might progress from a Level 3 to a Level 4 apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship or further training, or continue to gain more experience in their role and move into a specialist or managerial position. Many of our team (including our Managing Director and our CEO) began their careers as apprentices – it’s a fantastic first step on anybody’s career ladder!

What do you do differently at OAS?

We are committed to creating the next generation of engineering talent to accelerate the success of the UK’s manufacturing sector. We teach our learners the skills they’ll need for the future, as well as the expertise they need today.

OAS apprentices learn from proven industry experts in a purpose built environment at the forefront of technological advancements. Our programme includes exposure to disruptive emerging technologies and new ways of working, empowering learners to add value to their employers through innovation. An ambitious enrichment programme also supports development of the ‘soft skills’ apprentices need for professional and personal success. We treat each and every learner as an individual and tailor their programme to make sure everyone fulfils their potential.

To find out more about the opportunities on offer for your child, please contact OASPhase2@the-mtc.org.