Helping you support your child’s journey into an apprenticeship with confidence!
As a parent, helping your child navigate the path to a fulfilling career can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular choice, offering young people the opportunity to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience in the workplace.
At Starting Off, we specialise in Recruitment Services and Training for office-based apprenticeships, helping young professionals launch careers in Business Administration, Multi-Channel Marketing, Customer Service, ICT, Team Leader, and Accounting (AAT). We understand that parents may have questions about how apprenticeships work, their benefits, and how they can shape your child’s future and progression.
This blog is designed to answer commonly asked questions based on the apprenticeship process and provide insights into how we support learners every step of the way. Whether your child is just starting to explore their options or is ready to take the next step, here at Starting Off we’re here to guide you both on this exciting journey.
What is an apprenticeship, and how does it work?
An apprenticeship is a training programme where individuals learn on the job while earning a wage. It combines practical experience with external training, helping apprentices gain valuable skills and qualifications in their chosen subject.
Apprenticeships are fully funded by employers and the Government. Some of this is through an Apprenticeship Levy tax that was introduced for larger organisations in 2017.
What types of apprenticeships does Starting Off provide?
Starting Off offers a range of office-based apprenticeships designed to help young individuals launch their careers. The apprenticeships which Starting Off offer include Business Administration, Customer Service, Accounting (AAT), Multi-Channel Marketing, ICT, and Team Leader. Each apprenticeship can be tailored to meet individual learning needs, with support from our fully qualified assessors who provide expert guidance throughout the qualification process.
Do they need any specific qualifications to start an apprenticeship?
It is recommended that apprentices have at least 5 GCSEs at a grade 4 or above, including Maths and English, or a relevant Level 2 qualification. If an apprentice does not have Maths & English at Grade 4 they will need to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, which can be completed alongside their chosen apprenticeship. These require additional training, and apprentices will need to sit the relevant exams to achieve a passing grade. Not all employers will take on an apprentice with lower than grade 4 in Maths and English, so Starting Off look for this as a minimum registration criteria.
What is the application process for an apprenticeship with Starting Off?
The application process for an apprenticeship with Starting Off is seamless and is designed with your success in mind. To begin, apprentices are encouraged to email us at reception@StartingOff.co.uk to register their interest. Our vacancies are also advertised on the Government Apprenticeship website, Indeed, and our own website, offering detailed job descriptions to help them identify roles that align with their career aspirations.
Once they identify a suitable opportunity, they can apply by submitting their CV. A member of our Recruitment Team will then contact them to arrange a virtual registration via teams. During the registration, we provide an overview of our apprenticeships, explain the support we offer as a training provider, and discuss your preferences regarding location, salary expectations, and qualification pathways.
Following the registration process, our recruiters will maintain regular communication with candidates, proactively seeking apprenticeship opportunities that match their needs.
Should we identify roles that match both your skills and the employer requirements, we will share your CV and organise an interview. To support with preparation, we offer preparation calls about the company and role, alongside the option of a mock interview to boost their confidence.
After the interview, our team will liaise with the employer to gather feedback. If successful, we will assist in organising your start date and provide any additional guidance or resources they may need to ensure a smooth transition into their new role.
At Starting Off, we pride ourselves on offering personalised support throughout the application and recruitment process, recognising that apprenticeships are often the first step into a professional career.
Check out some of the fantastic reviews our Recruitment Team have received over the past year highlighting their support.
What skills can they develop during an apprenticeship?
During an apprenticeship, they’ll develop a range of valuable skills tailored to their qualification. These skills will enhance their professional capabilities and contribute to their personal growth, helping them to build a successful career. Some of the key skills they can develop during an apprenticeship with Starting Off include:
Business Administration:
- Organisational skills
- Effective communication
Customer Service:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving
Accounting (AAT) :
- Financial record keeping
- Analytical skills
Multi-Channel Marketing:
- Social media marketing
- Data analysis and reporting
ICT (Information and Communication Technology):
- IT troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Network management
Team Leader:
- Leadership and team management
- Project planning and execution
How is the training structured and delivered in an apprenticeship?
The training in an apprenticeship combines on-the-job experience with external training, allowing apprentices to spend their time gaining practical skills with their employer. The training at Starting Off is delivered through a mix of one-to-one support from assessors, workshops, and for accounting, weekly on-line classes. Apprentices are regularly assessed to track their progress and ensure they meet the required standards, with a clear pathway to achieving their qualification. Assessors will meet with each learner twice a month to review progress, assign new assessments, and arrange feedback sessions with both the apprentice and their manager to discuss next steps. At the end of the apprenticeship training period, the learner goes through an end point assessment process whereby an external awarding body will carry out a range of assessment methods to determine to what level the learner has met the standard. This varies with each standard, but can include Pass, Merit or Distinction as the end grading.
What kind of support will they get during my apprenticeship journey?
During the apprenticeship journey, apprentices will receive continuous support from an assessor to help them succeed. They’ll have regular one-to-one support remotely from their assessor, who will guide them through their training and provide tailored feedback. Their progress will be tracked using our online e-portfolio system, OneFile, this allows apprentices to submit work and receive detailed feedback on each of their assessments. Apprentices on our Accounting apprenticeships will also have the support of their AAT tutor who will help prepare them for the AAT exams.
Additionally, they’ll have a monitoring review visit every 10-12 weeks with their line manager present, where the apprentice, manager and allocated Starting Off Assessor will discuss their apprenticeship progress, workplace training, and next steps. This ensures they are kept on track and fully supported throughout their apprenticeship.
How can I effectively balance my work responsibilities with apprenticeship assignments?
To effectively balance work responsibilities with apprenticeship assignments, they will be allocated 6 hours per week to focus on their apprenticeship work. This time allows them to work through the assessments which their assessor will assign for that month, ensuring they can manage both their job responsibilities and apprenticeship tasks effectively. By setting aside this time each week, apprentices can stay on track with their learning while fulfilling work commitments.
What career opportunities could an apprenticeship open up for an apprentice after completion?
An apprenticeship provides valuable skills, qualifications, and experience, opening up diverse career opportunities. Apprentices often secure permanent roles with their employer, advance into senior positions, or pursue further education, such as higher-level apprenticeships, certifications, or degrees. Some of our former apprentices have even set up their own businesses! From May 2025 Level 3 Apprenticeships are going to be awarded UCAS tariff points so will be able to add to degree applications should a candidate decide to pursue a degree later on in their career.
If your young adult is interested in registering for one of our office-based apprenticeships or would like more information, please contact our Recruitment Team at Recruitment@StartingOff.co.uk.
