Our Organisational Development team is dedicated to supporting our apprentices from start to finish, guiding them every step of the way. This week it’s National Apprenticeship Week, so to mark the occasion we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about apprenticeships at Abri to help you understand the process and the sorts of opportunities we offer.
What’s the process around applying for an apprenticeship at Abri?
There are two main routes to becoming an apprentice with us:
External vacancies
We regularly advertise apprenticeship vacancies on our website. These are open to everyone, and the application process is the same as applying for any other job at Abri, it just gives you the opportunity to learn at the same time.
Upskilling from within
If you’re already on your career journey at Abri and want to further develop your skills, you can start looking into apprenticeships to upskill in your current role. Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you explore the apprenticeship opportunities that best match your career aspirations. Once enrolled, you’ll take time from your day job to complete your learning. That may be online or at college, depending on your apprenticeship.
If you’re unsure which apprenticeship is right for you, we recommend checking out the Institute of Apprenticeships website. It’s a great resource for exploring the variety of apprenticeships available, and we’ll work with colleagues to help them find the best fit for their career ambitions.
As a housing provider, we naturally have a range of trade apprenticeships, including apprentice electricians, gas engineers, carpenters, and plumbers – to name just a few. Opportunities in other areas of the business might include business analysist, business admin, graphic design, management, employment support or software developer and so much more.
What’s the journey as an apprentice like?
Apprenticeships typically last between one and five years, depending on the qualification level. The journey can vary depending on what apprenticeship you choose - with some learning happening at a college or university, and other sessions delivered in blocks or fully online. Our team can help you find the right training provider and format to suit your learning style.
Over the course of the apprenticeship, you’ll be learning alongside working on the job. Usually, you’ll spend 20% or about 6 hours of your time of working time a week in training or putting your learning into practice. This allows you to gain valuable experience on the job, while also deepening your knowledge through more formal learning.
You’ll get a wide range of opportunities to develop and network throughout Abri and our work doesn’t stop once you join us as an apprentice. We’re passionate about providing the support that allows our apprentices to thrive before, during and after.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship with Abri offers a wealth of benefits
- Hands-on learning: You’ll gain practical, real-world experience while working and learning. This helps you develop a wide range of skills that are valuable in any career.
- No tuition fees: Thanks to our investment in the apprenticeship levy, there are no learning agreements required to take on an apprenticeship with us, which means you can pursue the qualification without worrying about tuition fees.
- Supportive environment: At Abri, we ensure you have the time and resources you need to balance work and study. Your line manager and our Organisational Development team will be there to support you if you need help managing your workload.
- Employee benefits: Apprentices at Abri receive the same benefits as all employees, including pay, holiday leave, pension contributions, as well as a whole host of extra benefits that you can find here. Plus, if you're an existing colleague, your salary won’t be affected if your apprenticeship is helping you to develop in your role.
Apprenticeships at Abri
Starting an apprenticeship at Abri is easier than you might think. Whether you're applying for an external vacancy or taking on an apprenticeship to upskill in your current role, we make the process simple and straightforward. Once you apply, we’ll help you find the right programme, enrol you, and provide ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship journey.
We’re always proud to host annual events and activities during National Apprenticeship Week, where our apprentices can network, share experiences, and address any questions or concerns. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others on the same path and hear from those who have already walked it.
The great thing about an apprenticeship is that it’s an opportunity to gain skills and experience as you learn. That’s why at Abri we’re less concerned about your experience, or what you’ve studied at school and college, but instead we’re looking for passionate people that share our values - which you can find here.
