Apprenticeship Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Answering your questions about becoming an apprentice
Deciding what to do after you finish school or college is a huge decision and a choice that only you and your family can make.
PETA is here to provide impartial, expert advice on training and apprenticeships for careers in engineering, business, IT and management. Our FAQs aim to answer some of the most common questions posed to us every day.
What options do I have after I finish school?
Continue with full-time higher education at school or one of the fantastic local colleges in Hampshire.
Embark on the first stages of your career in full-time or part-time employment, or by volunteering.
Get the best of both worlds with an apprenticeship - a career plus the qualifications you'll need to progress in the future. Apprentices now have an amazing opportunity to achieve degree and masters level qualifications, without any of the student debt associated with traditional higher education.
I haven't achieved my English and Maths GCSEs, can I still apply?
Yes you can.
English and Maths GCSEs (Grade 4 -9) are mandatory requirements for all apprenticeships.
If you are yet to achieve this or no longer have your certificates, you will be automatically enrolled in Functional Skills at an appropriate level and will be expected to complete this alongside your apprenticeship.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships follow a similar process to a regular job application process.
You can apply directly with your training provider, who will meet with you to discuss your interests and help find the right career path for you.
Your training provider will then help manage the application process between you and the employer.
How much will I earn as an apprentice?
All apprentices must receive at least the national minimum wage set by the Government for which the current hourly rate can be viewed here.
Apprenticeship wages are set by the employer and are aligned with the type of apprenticeship and level of work you will be expected to do.
PETA actively encourages employers to pay above the minimum wage. Rates of pay are always advertised on PETA’s apprenticeship vacancy pages.
Where does training take place?
Most apprenticeship training will take place with your employer (on-the-job) and some training will take place at one of PETA’s training centres (off-the-job).
PETA Training Centre – Portsmouth
All Business, IT and Management training will take place at our Head Office in Cosham, Portsmouth.
PETA Engineering Centre – Havant
All Engineering training and related functional skills will take place at our engineering centre in Havant.
Apprenticeship Open Evenings
Join us at our next Open Evening where you can meet our tutors, see the training centre and learn more about apprenticeship programmes with key employers.
Apprentice Stories
We interviewed our apprentices to find out why they think apprenticeships are the perfect way for young people to kick start a career.