An apprenticeship is a job where you work for an employer full-time and get paid.
You spend one day a week learning and training, and the other four days working. It usually lasts at least 12 months, but it can be longer. If you have extra support needs (EHCP), you can get additional help at work – just mention it when you sign up for an apprenticeship.
While you're gaining work experience, you also earn qualifications. At the end of the apprenticeship, they check what you've learned against the training you received. If you can improve your math or English skills, you can do that as part of the apprenticeship. If you've already passed Maths and English at school (Grade 4 or above), you won't need to sit them again.
Apprenticeships cover many jobs, like being a mechanic, horticulture which is working with plants, or business-related roles. About 20 young people in Barnsley with an EHCP become apprentices every year.
To become an apprentice, apply for a position with an employer.
You can find apprenticeship listings on the government's 'Find an Apprenticeship' page. Colleges like Barnsley College can help you find an apprenticeship too.
If your parent or carer gets child benefit, it stops when you become an apprentice. But if you have an EHCP, you'll get a £1,000 bursary (paid by the third month of your apprenticeship). Mention your EHCP when signing up, and your training provider will guide you on getting the bursary.