Being trained in a job ensures that you can do the job properly. A good structured training scheme will explain exactly what your role is, how you fit into the organisation and teach you what you need to know to fulfil your duties to a high standard. Good training should also lead to the opportunity to gain further qualifications which prove what you can do. You will be able to highlight these qualifications on every CV and application form you write should the time come for you to move on and you will feel more confident in your own abilities as you can see yourself improve your knowledge and skills.

Broadly, there is not much difference as both routes lead to recognised qualifications and are paid jobs. Some organisations run their own training schemes and you therefore apply directly to them (many larger companies and public sector bodies have their own careers sections on their websites). Others advertise their vacancies as Apprenticeships and you can apply for them via Apprenticeships Vacancies Online, the national website. These employers often organise their training through a separate learning provider which monitors and assesses the employer's trainees.

Usually an employer will state in a job advert whether a position comes with training. If not it may be contained in the job description when you request the details. Training is something you should always ask about should you be called for interview - what type of training will you receive? What qualifications will you be able to work towards? A good employer will be concerned about the training needs of their staff and want to do the best for them. This not only shows an employer who cares about the future of their employees but also that they understand how good training makes good business sense. A skilled and qualified workforce is normally one that produces better results and so leads to a more successful business.

There is no straightforward answer to this. It may be that the job you want, or have been offered, does not come with recognised training but at this moment in time it is the right job for you - it will give you a weekly wage, it may be all that is available at the moment or it could be a temporary job while you look for something else. If, however, you are keen to keep your job and want to be trained too why not talk to your employer about it? There's no harm in discussing your training needs and your ambition to gain more qualifications. If this is not possible you could always discuss your training needs with your local Jobcentre Plus. They can tell you about various programmes which can offer financial incentives to employers for training their employees and perhaps talk to your employer. The main such programme is called Train to Gain.

Many employers will give you the opportunity to study on day-release or block-release for a qualification such as an NVQ or HND. Other qualifications such as City and Guilds awards, BTECs and Foundation Degrees could also form part of recognised training. In addition to this there are many specific occupational qualifications offered within a particular industry which are overseen by the sector itself. Check out the Job Sectors in World of Work to see what qualifications and training are offered within different job families.