Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship can refer to a period of studying under a master of a craft or to an employment scheme.

Historically an apprentice studied under a master of the craft, would then become a journey man before eventually becoming a master themselves.

Within modern employment schemes an apprentice is typically a low skilled worker who may be a recent school leaver. In certain conditions employers are able to pay apprentices at a lower minimum wage rate than might otherwise apply to a person of that age. The employer may also be entitled to additional compensation for placing an apprentice. An apprentice will typically be required to work within a particular role and undertake some level of academic assessment.