Information for apprentices

What are apprenticeships? 

Apprenticeships are structured work-based learning programmes which enable you to earn a salary while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. They combine practical hands-on experience with studying to equip you with the fundamental Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours (KSBs) in your desired industry or occupation.

Your career progression is a priority of ours! Apprenticeships are an excellent way to enhance your professional development and boost your employability.

They are an accessible and flexible option for anyone who over the age of 16 seeking an alternative education pathway, fresh and exciting career opportunities, to upskill within their current role or change their career path with ease.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

• Open to anyone aged 16 or over
• Develop existing skills or learn something new
• Earn as you learn
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Career progression

How do apprenticeships work?

Duration of apprenticeship

Each Apprenticeship Standard has a minimum duration, and they can take between one and five years to complete. This will depend on the Apprenticeship Standard and level you enrol on as well as any previous learning you have undertaken. The minimum duration for an apprenticeship practical period is 8 months with Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).

Structure of apprenticeship

Practical period

• Attend lessons with your tutor every 3 to 5 weeks.
• Learn and develop the relevant Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB) to achieve the selected Apprenticeship Standard, and complete tasks.
• Complete sufficient Off-the-Job hours and to be completed within working hours.
• Receive support from your tutor and attend progress reviews every 12 weeks with tutor and line manager.

Gateway to completion

In order for a Learner to complete their end-point assessment or apprenticeship assessment, they must enter into the Gateway Period. It is the transition period between the practical and the assessment. The duration will differ depending on the Apprenticeship Standard, typically this is 12 weeks or more, all Learners must demonstrate the following:

• Ensure tasks set have demonstrated competency in all Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours detailed in the Apprenticeship Standard.
• Liaise with tutor and line manager to ensure you have completed the agreed minimum Off-the-Job hours set in the training plan.

End-point assessment (EPA) period or Apprenticeship Assessment (AA)

To complete your apprenticeship and pass to achieve your apprenticeship, the requirements for this assessment differ depending on the selected apprenticeship standard.

• Book End-Point Assessment/ Apprenticeship Assessment.
• Sit assessment components.
• Pass all elements of the EPA/ AA to achieve the Apprenticeship Standard.
• Awarded a nationally recognised qualification and certification.

Delivery of apprenticeship

You will be assigned a tutor who will deliver one to one blended and flexible teaching every month. They will provide you with Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) as well as tailored support for you and your employer. 

• Visits will be carried out during work hours between Learners and their tutor.
• They will take place every three to five weeks and will be approximately 1.5 hours duration.
• Teaching, learning and assessment visits will be conducted face to face or remotely. (This will be decided between the Learner, their line manager and their tutor each month and will depend on the individuals’ needs and preferences). 

Access to an e-portfolio via OneFile for teaching & assessment plans, uploading and submitting work, progress tracking for your line manager and more.

For current apprentices, please see the link here.

Functional skills: English and maths

In 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) made amendments to the requirement of English and maths Functional Skills when enrolling onto an apprenticeship into two age groups 16 to 18 and 19 plus. 

Initial assessments and diagnostics

As part of your enrolment we request all applicants to complete initial assessments and diagnostics, this is to assess your current level of ability and assess how best to support you with any skills gaps whilst on programme. Throughout the apprenticeship English and maths is embedded through written tasks and projects alongside professional dicussions and presentations.

At WTS we use online learning tool BKSB (Basic & Key Skills Builder) to assess your current level and to support and aid you with any learning.

Information, advice and guidance (IAG)

Waverley Training Services (WTS) is committed to providing impartial, high quality IAG, which promotes the value of Learning to Learners within the centre, and potential Learners, it is underpinned by the Matrix Standard to which WTS is accredited. It includes providing appropriate information on its services, careers advice and guidance within the context of Apprenticeships.

Advice provided is impartial and confidential, enabling recipients and potential recipients to make informed choices as to the most appropriate route for their personal and career development. 

Apprentice testimonial

Amy completed her Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship with Waverley Training Services in July 2026, this is what she had to say:

"It has been an incredibly valuable experience, my tutor was amazing throughout, she provided consistent support and encouragement from start to finish and helped me to achieve my Distinction grade.

The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to build on my existing experience and skills and learn new ones, gaining a strong bank of knowledge.

I would highy recommend this apprenticeship and training provider to anyone who is looking to develop transferable skills, progress professionally and gain a qualification"

Work, learn and earn!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting new chapter? Our team of professionals are here to support you from start to finish as you embark on your learning journey. Start earning and deepen your learning through an apprenticeship with Waverley Training Services.

Let's build your future - together.