Fancy doing your learning on the job? Then think about work-based training with a local or national company working towards an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). NVQs show you have the skills to do a certain job, for example shop work, building, care and office work. All training and apprenticeship programmes also include key skills linked to that qualification.

Careers Wales provides a vacancy service for 16-19 year olds looking for training/apprenticeships. Visit Jobs in Wales for the latest news on training and vacancies

What's on offer?

You can combine work with learning by doing one of the following work-based training programmes.

Skill Build
NVQ 1
Foundation Modern Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeship

Skill Build

• If you're not sure what sort of work you want to do you can try out different jobs
• Training lasts at least 13 weeks
• Can help you with Key Skills and job search skills
• You will receive a training allowance of at least £50 a week

NVQ 1

• You will go on a placement with at least one employer and will attend college or a training centre for part of the week
• You will have a training allowance of at least £50 per week
• You will work towards the NVQ level 1
• Training usually lasts at least 26 weeks
• If you get the NVQ level 1 it could lead to a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship, a Modern Apprenticeship or a job

Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA)

• Up to two years of training leading to an NVQ level 2
• The GCSE grades (or equivalent) you need to enter vary depending on the work
• You may have to sit an entrance test and be interviewed by the employer
• Available in many career areas such as caring, engineering, office work, construction work, sport and recreation
• Vacancies may vary depending on where you live
• You will receive a training allowance or wage of at least £50 a week
• May involve day or block release to a college or training centre
• Can lead to a Modern Apprenticeship or a job.

Modern Apprenticeship

• Up to three or four years of training leading to an NVQ Level 3
• You will usually need four or five GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
• You may have to sit an entrance test and be interviewed by the employer
• Available in many career areas such as caring, engineering, business administration, construction work, sport and recreation
• Vacancies may vary depending on where you live
• You will be paid a wage
• Can lead to a job and/or the option of going on to study a HND, HNC or degree

Further information

Jobs in Wales for the latest news on training and vacancies
Training and apprenticeship programmes in Wales