If you are looking to start a career or change direction, you might be wondering how best to get started. A lot will depend on your current level of experience, your existing qualifications and the sort of job you want.
Traineeships and apprenticeships are two common routes into work. Both are designed around employers, both come with training and work placements, but while traineeships are part of the same vocational training pathway as apprenticeships, apprenticeships and traineeships are very different programmes.
Traineeships are in place to help you move into an apprenticeship or employment, providing you with not only a taste of the working world, but also employability advice and guidance. Apprenticeships meanwhile are available in a wide range of industry areas and at three levels: Intermediate, Advanced and Higher. On an apprenticeship you can earn, train and progress in a particular industry.
To help you decide which route might suit you best, we have outlined the main differences between them.
The main differences between a Traineeship and an apprenticeship are the levels of qualification, the pay and the length of time they take to complete.
- Traineeships last between six weeks and six months, they are a training programme that includes a work placement
- Apprenticeships take a minimum of one year and can take up to six years to complete. You will be employed in a real job alongside other colleagues and will be paid like any other employee
What is a Traineeship?
It’s best to think of a traineeship as course that helps prepare a young person for work. They are shorter courses that help you build vital work-relevant, employability skills and include a quality work experience placement and qualification that can help you get a job or apprenticeship afterwards. A traineeship also includes support for maths, English and digital skills.
You can develop a huge range of new skills as a trainee, as you’ll be getting hands-on industry experience, as well as a rare insight into how certain jobs and businesses operate. If you have little or no work experience, a traineeship will help improve your CV with relevant skills and is also a great way to see if a job is right for you before you commit to full-time employment.
At the end of your traineeship you will receive either an interview for a real job or an exit interview and feedback from the employer.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a full time job with some additional learning which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. To complete one you need to demonstrate you have attained the right level of knowledge and competencies in a specific job role. You are employed full-time while you study, and can provide the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications you need for a career in your chosen industry.
Apprenticeships come in a range of levels
Differences between a traineeship and an apprenticeship
| Traineeships | Apprenticeships | |
| Time | Traineeships are short term training and work experience courses lasting six weeks to six month. Remit offers an 8-week model . | Depending on the level and nature of the programme, apprenticeships can last anywhere from 12 months to four years. |
| Age Group | Traineeships are for young people aged 16-24. Remit specialises in the 19-24 age group. | Apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 and over. |
| Level | Traineeships are designed to prepare trainees for work. They contain elements of training and qualifications usually equivalent to Level 1. | Apprenticeships start at intermediate Level 2, which is equivalent to GCSEs. Advanced, Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to A levels. Higher apprenticeships, at level 4 and 5 are equivalent to foundation degrees and apprenticeships at Levels 6 and 7 are equivalent to bachelor degrees and Master’s degrees. |
| Pay | There is no obligation for an employer to pay a trainee for the period of time they are on work experience. This experience can be invaluable in getting a full time role. You will be provided with the costs of training, including travel, uniform and food. | An apprenticeship is a full time role with additional training. All apprentices must earn at least the national minimum wage for their age group but many employers chose to pay more. |
| Eligibility | Age 16-24
Previous qualifications at Level (A-Level) or below Not in another form of employment or education |
Aged 16 and over
Don’t have an existing qualification at a similar level in a similar subject to the apprenticeship being offered Not be in another form of employment or education |
| Outcome | At the end of the programme the trainee may receive a real job interview where a job or an apprenticeship is available, or an exit interview and feedback from the employer. | At the end of the apprenticeship, if the apprentice has demonstrated the necessary competences and knowledge they will achieve a nationally recognised qualification at the required level. This can lead to further apprenticeship training or continued employment. |
How we can help
Both traineeships and apprenticeships can be great way to start a new job. You can become an apprentice in just about any field, from social media to business management, and from hospitality to automotive. If you aren’t quite ready for an apprenticeship though, we also work with some really great employers offering exciting traineeship opportunities. You can take a look at the vacancies we offer for both traineeships and apprenticeships , which are all updated regularly.
