A Modern Apprenticeship (MA) is a four-year training scheme, which provides the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in your chosen trade, whilst gaining the knowledge and theory needed to obtain a NVQ Level 3 at a designated college. Modern Apprenticeships are based upon real jobs from day one, with the emphasis on quality training provided by your employer. You must have an employer from day one. Click here to download the "Becoming an Apprentice in Plumbing & Mechanical Services step-by-step Information pack" as an Adobe Reader pdf 

Click here to download a short leaflet, "Becoming an Apprentice"

Training includes a mix of attendance at a local college (off-the-job training) which leads to an NVQ Level 3 and hands-on experience at an employer’s premises/site (on-the-job training).  Depending on the apprenticeship and qualification undertaken, you will have a mix of College and work based training over the first three years. You will be monitored by a PMST Training Officer on a quarterly basis until you have achieved your full NVQ qualification and Modern Apprenticeship.

The benefits

1. ^{_{The NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Mechanical Services is a Nationally recognised qualification}}
2. ^{_{An Apprentice is employed from day one}}
3. ^{_{An Apprentice is earning a wage from day one}}
4. ^{_{All training to NVQ Level 3 is free to the Apprentice and the Employer for the 4 years of the apprenticeship}}
5. ^{_{There is therefore no debt for college fees at the end of the journey}}
6. ^{_{A fully qualified Advanced Plumber can earn from £22,000 to £25,000 per year (SNIJIB Rates of pay 2010 - minimum based on 37.5 hours per week)}
   Once you have completed your apprenticeship you can then look forward to a life-long career in an increasingly technological and fast-changing industry. The MA programme is designed to train you in all aspects of your chosen career. All apprentices are governed by the terms and conditions set by the various bodies which oversee the plumbing & mechanical services industry i.e. SNIJIB for the Plumbing Industry, HVCA and SNIPEF.}