Frequently asked questions on Lovell apprenticeships

Am I eligible for a Lovell apprenticeship?

You need to be aged 16-24 and not taking part in full-time education. If you start an apprenticeship before your 25th birthday, you can continue until you have completed it. While not formally required, we receive many more applications than we have places, so Lovell expects you to have achieved Grade A* to C in Maths, English and Science at GCSE level.  Holding the Construction and Built Environment Diploma at Foundation Level or above would be an advantage.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice. An apprenticeship will usually take from 12 to 24 months; an average in Lovell to complete the NVQ qualification is 17 months. There is also the potential to complete an advanced apprenticeship which is an additional 18 months. A large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see an apprenticeship through.

How do apprenticeships work?

Lovell pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also spend time at college, gaining key skills that will be useful in the job market - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. In addition, you will study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies; it can be anything from 100 to 1,000 hours over the course of your apprenticeship, depending on your chosen trade.

How much do I get paid?

Lovell currently pays £167.31 per week initially, which is the rate agreed by the Construction Industry Joint Council Working Rule Agreement.  Rates rise at the end of year 1 and year 2, and when NVQ 2 and NVQ 3 are achieved. That's a pretty good deal.  Don’t forget, like any other employee, you'll still have to pay tax.  Pay rates are revised annually in June.

What sort of person is accepted on an apprenticeship?

Applicants need to be:

• Serious

• Committed

• Have a passion for a career in construction

• Able to show that you have fully researched the area of work you want to do, and you're the right person for the job

• Aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and Lovell

• Prepared for further study

• Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do

• Happy to work both as part of a team and as an individual

• Able to use your own initiative.

Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It's not just a question of seeing what is out there and then selecting a career path. It helps if you are focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply.

If you're the right person for an apprenticeship, being an apprentice can help you achieve your goals. It's a great opportunity but may not be suitable for everyone.

Do I get holidays?

Lovell apprentices will receive 21 days holiday per year (on top of bank holidays). Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment and training agreement. Just like any other job, Lovell has rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and times that holidays can and cannot be taken.

What qualifications do I get when I've finished my apprenticeship?

You'll get a package of qualifications when you finish your apprenticeship - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate such as an Intermediate Construction Award (ICA) or Advanced Construction Award, and Key Skills qualifications. Apprenticeships lead to either an NVQ Level 2 or an NVQ Level 3.

How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?

There are five levels of NVQ:

• Level 1 = 5 GCSEs at grades D-G

• Level 2 = 5 GCSEs at grades A-C

• Level 3 = 2 A levels/1 vocational A level

• Level 4/5 = HNC, HND and degree level

How do I get started on an apprenticeship?

You'll need to think carefully about the field of work in which you want to train. You must complete your apprenticeship to get the qualifications, so you need to make sure that you're serious about your chosen career and can commit yourself to what is usually a long period of training and study.

We currently have no apprentice vacancies.

Why is holding the Construction & Built Environment Diploma an advantage for candidates?

The Construction and Built Environment Diploma provides students with an overview of the construction industry and an awareness of key industry imperatives such as health and safety.  Whilst it does not replace directly any of the learning within an apprenticeship, it provides a solid foundation on which Lovell can build.

What is the closing date for apprentice applications?

The closing date for the August intake is 31 May each year. For the January intake, it is 30 October each year.

Thank you to the Learning and Skills Council for providing the answers for some of these questions.

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