The government also pays a sum to the employer. But some of the work hours are actually for work towards a qualification at the end. So the apprentice gets pay, at a slightly reduced rate, a qualification, and the all important experience. You can start a normal apprenticeship when you're 24. But if you're older you have to get a job, then ask your employer if you can do it as an apprenticeship. The only organisation in UK that I know advertises apprenticeships for those over 24 is the NHS. They introduced these apprenticeships when I was already to old to take one. That Eustace is one of the most self-centred, cantankerous characters ever.
