What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a training programme for people in work aged over 16. It is an excellent way to train for a career and for organisations to develop employees with the skills and experience they need. Apprenticeships are nationally respected qualifications that enable people to build firm career foundations whilst working in a real job. There are 2 levels attainable: The Intermediate Apprenticeship (level 2) and the Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3). Training and assessment is normally carried out both in the workplace and at the College.

Apprenticeships are a great option for people who want to get straight onto the career ladder. A Level 2 Apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSE's.

Is it a real job?

Yes. Your employer will agree to employ you for the duration of your whole Apprenticeship. Most employers also offer permanent positions to Apprentices when they complete their training, so proving to your employer that you are a hard worker is very important.

Will I get paid?

Yes! All Apprentices are entitled to a minimum wage of £2.60 per hour (during your first year if you are under 19 for a 40 hour week), however as you develop your skills and progress with your Apprenticeship your employer may increase your wages.

Apprentices who are 19 or over and have completed more than one year of their apprentice are entitled to the national minimum wage:

• the 19-20 rate will increase to £4.98
• the main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08

Employers are free to pay above the minimum wage and many do so, but employers must ensure that they are paying their apprentices at least the minimum wage.

If an apprentice is on a higher wage, the employer must continue to pay that for the remainder of the training or until the apprentice becomes eligible for the full national minimum wage.

Research shows that Apprentices earn on average £100k more in their lifetime than other employees. As is the case of all employees aged over 16, all Apprentices must still pay tax and national insurance on their income.

Do I get holidays?

Like most other employees, you will be given at least 20 days paid holiday per year as well as bank holidays.

How much is my Apprenticeship?

There is no cost to Apprenticeships for those aged 16-18 years except for specialist course equipment such as safety boots, salon whites, hair or beauty kits. For people aged 19 and over there is an expected employer contribution which your employer will pay.

Apprenticeships on offer?

Apprenticeships available at Level 2 and Level 3 include:

• Accountancy
• Business & Administration
• Beauty
• Catering (limited numbers)
• Children's Care, Learning & Development
• Hair
• Health & Social Care
• Information, Advice & Guidance
• Information Technology
• Warehousing

Construction Apprenticeships include:

• Brickwork
• Carpentry
• Electrical Installation
• Plumbing (Heating & Ventilating)

Engineering Apprenticeships include:

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Electronic
• Manufacturing

Motor Vehicle Apprenticeships include:

• Body & Paint
• Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
• Heavy Goods
• Electrical

Coming soon...

Apprenticeships in Barbering, IT Professional, Software Engineering, Sign Making and Photography.

Benefits of being an Apprentice

You have the opportunity to work and gain qualifications at the same time, in an area which you enjoy – whilst getting paid!

Apprentices are entitled to a minimum wage of £2.60 per hour (during your first year if you are under 19), however as you develop your skills and progress with your Apprenticeship your employer may increase your wages. For Apprentices over 19 the normal statutory pay scale applies.

You will have a dedicated Liaison Officer who will support you throughout your Apprenticeship programme.

You can progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship and then onto a Foundation Degree or Higher level Apprenticeship in some subjects, without the worry of a student loan.

Research shows that Apprentices earn on average £100k more in their lifetime than other employees.

What qualifications do I get?

Competence Element

This is a nationally recognised vocational qualification which gives you the skills that you need to do a job. It is based on a series of competencies which are mapped to your job role. As you carry out activities at work you will gather work-based evidence and get assessed against the competencies.

Technical (Knowledge) Element – Technical Certificate

A technical certificate is a knowledge based qualification which helps you develop your understanding of an industry or role. It supports you to do your job safely and is a specialised course of study. Completion of the technical certificate confirms you have developed information that is vital to the performance of tasks associated with your profession or job.

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills – PLTS

This is a new requirement for Apprentice Frameworks and covers 6 areas of independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning team working, self-management and effective participation. Each framework sets out their individual requirements for how PLTS is required to be evidenced. Examples of this may be through completion of a specific qualification or through completion of a workbook.

Skills Element

All frameworks require you to complete a range of Key or Functional Skills. These will be English, Maths and/or ICT depending on the sector. These skills will give you the ability to function across your organisation and in life generally. They will help you develop important skills like communication, team work, problem solving and presentations. They will support you to succeed and open doors to learning, life and work. They are a sound base on which to develop employability skills. They are skills that we all need in our everyday life without which you will find it hard to succeed.

Employer Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)

Every apprentice is required to demonstrate that they know and understand areas such as the range of employer and employee statutory rights and responsibilities under employment law, health and safety and equality and diversity procedures and documentation for their organisation. Each framework sets out their individual requirements for how ERR is required to be evidenced. Examples of this may be through completion of a specific qualification or through completion of a workbook.

How can I apply?

Apprentices must be over 16 years at the date of enrolment. There is no upper age limit.

Applicants should have completed school year 11 and should not be continuing in full time education.

Candidates must be working for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

If you wish to apply for a specific apprenticeship, please download and complete our application form below.

PDF Application form

You may wish to download this for useful tips in preparation for your apprenticeship interview PDF interviews Techniques