Apprenticeships are about learning while earning. To become an apprentice, you must:

• be 16 or over
• not already be in full-time education
• live in England

You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship. As an apprentice you’ll:

• learn and train for a specific job
• get paid and receive holiday leave
• get hands-on experience in a real job
• study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider
• complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
• be on a career path with lots of future potential

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

It can take between one and 6 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.

Training providers can offer a number of different training options including: functional skills, traineeships, internships, apprenticeships. They offer a range of vocational tasters, support with Maths and English, life skills to help develop confidence and independence and work experience placements. Each training provider offers a bespoke set of training options and can support young people with EHCPs. Talk to your Careers Adviser about what local training providers offer.

If you are not ready to do a course at level 2 (GCSE grades A* - C.) and need extra support with your learning you may be able to take a personalised course with school, college or with a training provider called a study programme. These entry level or level 1 courses will help you to learn and practise an individual mix of skills including:

• English, Maths and information and communication technology (ICT)
• Work-related learning – for example hairdressing or retail
• Personal skills/personal development
• Employability skills
• Living more independently, being organised and working with other people. 

If you want any further information about study programmes in your local area, visit Study Programmes Organisations - Workbox, or speak to your Connexions Adviser to discuss these options further.

Most Apprenticeships can be converted to an Inclusive Apprenticeship, specifically for young people with SEND.

All Apprenticeships are advertised on the National Apprenticeship website. On this website, you will find the national Vacancy Matching Service which allows young people to apply directly to employers for Apprenticeship vacancies.

More information can be found on Workbox website when you search for Apprenticeships in your local area.

If you want any further information about inclusive apprenticeships in your local area, speak to your Connexions Adviser to discuss these options further.

A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.

You can apply if you are:

• eligible to work in England
• unemployed and have little or no work experience
• aged 16 to 24 and qualified up to and including Level 3 (equivalent to A Level)

You will get:

• help with getting work, such as writing a CV and finding a job
• a work placement of 70 hours or more
• help with the skills you’ll need for an apprenticeship or job in the area you want to work in
• a job interview or feedback from an employer
• help with English, maths and basic digital skills (if you need it)

You won’t be paid, but you may be given expenses for things like travel and meals.

Traineeships are offered through local training providers. Talk to your careers adviser about where these are offered locally.

For the most up to date information see Find a traineeship - GOV.UK.

Further information can be found on Traineeships - Workbox.

Young people with an education, health and care (EHC) plan can retain their plan while undertaking a Traineeship.

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The core aim of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach.

At the end of a supported internship, it is hoped that the young person will be able to go into paid employment with the same employer. In Wolverhampton we have a number of providers for Supported Internships.

Talk to your Connexions careers adviser about where these are offered locally.

Wolverhampton’s Supported Employment Service can offer support to young people with Learning Disabilities/Autism and have support from social care to look for work and provide the young person with an employment support worker once they start employment.

Supported Employment is a proven model to support people with learning disabilities/Autism into sustainable employment using a person-centred approach. In Wolverhampton, we believe in the principle of right person, right job, right support.

Young person from the age of 18 can be referred to the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at their local Jobcentre Plus office if their particular needs make it more difficult for them to find employment or work-based learning. Those on Universal credit can get help and support to look for employment. 

If you need specialist support or particular equipment to work, then the DEA can help you to apply for Access to Work support Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition. The Council for Disabled Children have created an informative guide for you to understand Access to Work scheme.

If you are not quite ready for work, they can also support you to develop your employability skills through local training programs.

The objective of the Community Pathways Team is to offer a person centred, outcome focussed, time limited assessment and enablement programme. The objective is to maximise independence and enable people to live as independently as possible in the community and could include skills to access employment.

The team have experience of supporting young people in relation to special educational needs but also have a wealth of training, skills and knowledge supporting people with disabilities.

Primarily the service will be provided to people aged 16-64 with a disability who live in Wolverhampton. In order to benefit from the services support, a social care assessment is needed.

There are a range of community activities and day centre provision that can be accessed with social care support or through Direct Payments. Your social worker will be able to share what activities are available locally.

Many people choose to volunteer with local organisations and charities. You can find out more about volunteering here:

• Wolves WorkBox Volunteering
• Your local Jobcentre or by using Universal Jobmatch at: www.gov.uk/jobsearch
• Your local Careers adviser or those with an Education Health and Care plan can contact their Connexions service

WorkBox - is a unique resource providing everything you need whether you're looking for work, a learner (old or young), already in work, a trainer or business owner. Search for advice and guidance on a wide range of career options, find local sources of advice and training and if you're an employer, submit your vacancies for inclusion on the WorkBox.

Wolves at Work – 18 – 24 year olds - This service provides a one-to-one coaching to help people in Wolverhampton achieve their employment goals. This service can be accessed by anyone who lives in Wolverhampton who is 18 years old and above.

Wolves at Work provide dedicated work coaches to support people to achieve their career aims and can help people with activities such as developing a CV, completing application forms, and practising for interviews Wolves at Work 18-24.