Apprenticeships Scheme for over 25s. Have you been on one?

[Snowme]

I am planning to return to work after 5 years raising children this Sept/Oct.
Has anyone done this via the Apprenticeships scheme? (It is for any age, not just youth). I realise the pay is way below min wage at around £2.65 hour but I wonder f this would then be topped up to full time wage with Child Tax Credit, etc? The idea of working whilst gaining a recognised vocational qualification appeals to me.

Thankyou

[HeartShapedSaw]

Right, I'm in a similar situation, working toward a qualification that generally requires an apprenticeship to gain experience in the industry.
I asked the job centre and they basically said that they will not support me if I work for below minimum wage. So no tax credits, no childcare contributions etc. My only choice is to work for free so it doesn't affect my benefits or persuede someone to employ me at minimum wage.
Probably not what you wanted to hear but that has been my experience.

[RamblingRosa]

Well they could only get away with paying you £2.65 for the first year, then they'd have to pay you the proper minimum wage rate for your age.

Also, the apprentice minimum wage is still the minimum wage so not sure the job centre could refuse to help you on the basis that you were working below minimum wage as they told HeartShapedSaw.

[HeartShapedSaw]

If the apprentice minimum wage is the same as minimum wage how can they be paying 2.65 pound an hour?