Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the entry requirements?
- Are there any obstacles to entry or completion of an apprenticeship?
- Is it a job for a woman?
- What’s the pay like?
- When and where will I be paid?
- What about income tax and deductions?
- What hours will I work?
- What if I’m sick?
- What about holiday and paid leave?
- Is the work dangerous?
- Will JTL guarantee me a job?
- I’ve already got an employer, can I still start an apprenticeship?
- I haven’t got an employer yet. Can I start a JTL apprenticeship and look for one?
- What will it cost me?
Whilst most JTL apprentices join the industry at the age of 16 or 17, young people up to the age of 24 can apply as long as you are not in full-time education. Although, you should be aware that there is limited provision over the age of 19 due to Government funding restrictions (except in Wales where no funding restrictions apply).
There are no set academic requirements for an Advanced Apprenticeship, as they aren’t just based on academic achievement. Practical skills count and your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen. Employers value keenness to work and keenness to learn. Why don't you take our 'Is it 4 me?' quiz by clicking here.
To be eligible to start a JTL Apprenticeship you must pass the JTL Initial Assessment. As a good indication of your suitability it is likely that you will have or expect to achieve four GCSE’s or equivalent at grade C or better in Maths, English and a Science.
JTL is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for everyone. Entry onto a JTL apprenticeship is not restricted in terms of gender, ethnicity or religious beliefs. We encourage applications from under represented groups such as women and ethnic minorities. Click here. to view our Equal Opportunities Policy.
Certain physical disabilities could be a problem and a good head for heights is necessary. Also bear in mind that the work can be strenuous, may require long hours and might well mean travelling and staying away from home at times.
Colour blindness prevents entry onto all JTL apprenticeships. Before you can be placed on JTL’s Approved Applicant List and be considered for training you must obtain evidence from an optician that you are not colour blind. To find out more about this please click here.
Yes. We actively encourage applications from women for all our apprenticeships and support the women apprentices we do have to achieve throughout their training. Many female apprentices have been very successful. To discover more about the experiences of some of our female apprentices, take a look at Danielle’s story and read more about Breaking the Mould project.
You will be employed on a full time salary from day one. It is likely that you will be paid an hourly rate for the hours that you have worked. The exact amount will be up to your employer but as a rule it is usually no less than new entrants to work.
Most employers follow the pay scales set by the industry. For instance, companies that are JIB members pay rates set for their respective industries. These can vary depending on location, travel allowances and overtime. Pay increases are linked to successful advancement within training.
It’s quite a good deal, considering that your employer is also investing their time and resources in your future.
Having completed their apprenticeship a qualified electrician, or example, can quickly be earning a basic salary of £17,000 or more. Overtime and allowances can increase this considerably.
Paydays are related to the administrative working week of your employer, but are normally on either a Thursday or Friday.
Employers used to give wage packets, containing wages in cash, directly to each worker. This may still be the case, but it is much safer and more convenient for employers to pay the money directly into a bank account, which most now do. Each time you are paid you will get a wage slip explaining how your wages were calculated.
You are likely to work for two weeks before receiving any money. This is quite common and is known as working a week in hand and its purpose is to give employers a chance to work out the wages due to you and arrange to have the monies paid. If at any time in the future you leave the company, you are of course paid this outstanding week’s wages.
Like all employees you will have to pay tax! Income tax (PAYE – Pay As You Earn) is calculated when your pay rises above a minimum level, known as the tax threshold, set by Government. Once your earnings have reached this level, tax due is deducted from your wages on a weekly basis via the PAYE system. Under this system, your employer will deduct the amount due and pay it to the Inland Revenue and, in so doing, ensures that your tax is always fully paid up.
There may be occasions when adjustments need to be made, for example, if you are off work without pay for some weeks. If you think that an error has been made then discuss it with your supervisor and the wages office. You can also get further information by contacting your local tax office.
Your employer is only allowed to make deductions from your salary for income tax and National Insurance contributions without your prior consent. However, where relevant (e.g. pension plans, tool purchase, laundry schemes) you may authorise your employer to make other deductions from your wages.
In most circumstances, the normal working week will be 37.5 hours worked as five consecutive days from Monday to Friday. This 37.5 hours divided by the 5 working days equates to a working day of 7.5 hours that must be worked between the hours of 7.00 am and 7.00 pm.
There is then a total maximum time of one hour allowed in any one day for all meal breaks, including washing time, but this may be less at your employer’s discretion.
From 6th April 2003 the Young Worker’s Directive came into effect meaning that those who are between minimum school leaving age and their 18th birthday will not normally be allowed to work:
- more than 40 hours per week
- more than 8 hours in one day
- between the hours of 10.00 pm and 6.00 am (or 11pm and 7am if stated in the contract).
You will use a form known as a time sheet to record the hours worked on each project; your wages will be based upon this information
You may be occasionally requested to work overtime. When this happens, you will be paid in accordance with your employer’s policy.
If you become ill or suffer an injury and are unable to work, you must let your employer and JTL Training Officer know immediately. If you are unable to ring your employer then get your parents, a relative or a friend to do it for you as soon as possible. Any payment for sickness will be subject to your employer’s policy.
Like other employees, you’ll be given at least 20 days paid holiday and bank holidays. The exact details will be written in your contract of employment and training agreement. You may also be able to take some time off for study leave, as well as the usual paid leave.
Health and Safety is taken very seriously by JTL. All employers and employees are covered by the Health and Safety Act 1974 (HASAWA), which places certain duties on your employer to provide and maintain safe places and systems of work. JTL assesses employers to ensure they meet Health and Safety criteria before apprentices begin employment with them. Health and Safety inductions are also given to apprentices at the college or training centre. Where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided for you by your employer. Take a look here to find out more
No. Once you are added to our Approved Applicant List, we will introduce you to suitable employers who we work with, help you prepare for interviews and give you useful feedback if you are unsuccessful. We will help you in every way we can but it’s down to you to find a job. Take a look at here to find out more
Yes. As long as both you and your employer meet our criteria, we should be able to fund and arrange your training.
No. It is a requirement for gaining funding from the Government that you must have an employer before you start your JTL apprenticeship.
Your off-site training should not cost you or your employer anything.
Providing you meet our funding criteria then JTL will cover the cost of all your off-the-job training. We can also provide funding for a selection of other training requirements.
Take a look here at information for employers which explains in detail exactly what JTL can do to fund your apprenticeship
