Frequently Asked Questions

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• Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How long does an apprenticeship last?
  Somewhere between 10 and 14 months.
   
• Q: What is an apprenticeship?  
  An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work within an organisation – gain experience and training, and be paid at the same time.  
   
• Q: Do you offer any other apprenticeships?  
  Our core apprenticeships are in Business Administration, Customer Services and IT, but sometimes managers approach us to request for apprentices interested in more specialist areas, and these will be promoted on our website as and when the opportunities arise.  
   
• Q: Will I be a permanent employee of the Council?   
  All apprentices are appointed on a fixed term basis.  In the past, some of our apprentices have gone to be successful in securing permanent employment, while others have taken the opportunity to gain some excellent skills and experience which has set them up nicely for employment elsewhere, or further education.  
   
• Q: I have never worked before. Can I still apply?  
  Yes.  Previous work experience is not a pre-requisite, but we are looking for some drive, enthusiasm, the right attitude and some core skills – which could include communication skills, working in teams, ICT to name but a few.  Everything we are looking for is listed on our person specification.
   
• Q: I have no qualifications. Can I still apply?  
  Yes, but one of our assessors will assess your skills in our pre-selection workshop and select the right level NVQ or equivalent qualification for you.  
   
• Q: What kind of areas will I be working in?  
  Kingston is responsible for a wide range of services – everything from social workers to surveying, housing to finance, youth work to human resources – and the list goes on.  Each service area has been asked to identify opportunities for apprenticeships – and during the pre-selection workshop, we will identify the most suitable opportunity for you.