Information for parents
Moving into the world of work is a big step, so this page is designed to give parents more information about our apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships offer a great alternative to university for those who want to ‘earn as they learn’. Learners study for nationally recognised apprenticeships and some programmes also include professional qualifications. So, a Serco apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work for a great company while learning new skills.
Of course, the most important thing is to make informed decisions. So, have a look at our programmes for more details about what you can learn and how long the programmes last.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is the chance to jump into a real role, taking on responsibility and learning new skills from day one. Working alongside experienced colleagues, our apprentices gain a wealth of experience as well as job-specific skills. All our apprenticeships are nationally recognised, and some include professional qualifications. In a nutshell, the main benefit of an apprenticeship is that you can earn as well as learn.
Our apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, although you’ll need to make sure you meet the academic entry requirements. These vary by scheme; you can find out more on the Explore our Apprenticeships page.
Who funds the apprenticeship?
Our apprentices don’t pay anything towards their apprenticeship. All training costs are covered, and we pay their salary. There’s no catch, it really is earning while you are learning.
How long does it take?
It depends on the apprenticeship you’ve applied for. We offer everything from a 12-month Level 2 apprenticeship in Customer Service to a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship. Typically, our apprenticeships last between one and four years. You’ll be able to see specific details on the Explore our Apprenticeships page.
How is learning achieved through the apprenticeship?
Our apprenticeships are designed so they offer a structured programme that takes the apprentice through the skills they need to eventually be working at the standard required for the role. Our apprentices’ study while they work. We do this through a combination of online study with our training providers, and off-the-job learning. This might be on one day a week, or a block of days at a time. If you are studying away for more than one day, there may be a need to stay overnight (don’t worry, we pay for a hotel if needed).
Once we and our training provider are confident you have learnt all you need and are working at the required standard, you will take an End Point Assessment. This is a series of tests designed for you to demonstrate what you can do. We will work with you to make sure you only take these tests when you are confident you are ready.