You are here: The College > Apprenticeships > Information for Apprentices

Information for Apprentices

What is an Apprenticeship?

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.

Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 years-old and not in full-time education can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.

Whether you are looking for a job that enables you to carry on learning skills, or you are already in employment and want to gain a further qualification, an Apprenticeship could be the option for you.

Find out details of all our Apprenticeships in the course search - click here

Who can do an Apprenticeship?

Anyone over the age of 16
Not taking part in full-time education
Not holding a Higher Education qualification
Resident of the EU for the last 3 years
Keen and willing to learn

What are the Benefits?

Earning a salary
Getting paid holidays
Receiving training
Gaining qualifications
Learning job-specific skills

For further guidance, visit the Apprenticeships website at www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.

What will I be Paid?

Research shows that Apprentices earn, on average, £100,000 more throughout their life than other employees!

The minimum salary is £2.65 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more. However the average wage per week for an apprentice is now around £170 and in some job roles around £210 per week.

What do they Include?

A competencies qualification - which must be achieved by the apprentice to qualify for an Apprenticeship certificate. This qualification demonstrates competence in performing the skill, trade or occupation.

A technical knowledge qualification - which demonstrates achievement of the technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Sometimes an Apprenticeship framework may have an integrated qualification which combines competence and technical knowledge elements in which each element is separately assessed.

Either Key Skills (e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology) or Functional Skills (e.g. Maths and English) qualifications or a GCSE with enhanced content (e.g. Maths and English).

Support

We will make sure that you have a mentor at the College. Their job is to ensure that your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and satisfies national standards. They will also be there to help you through any difficult times.

The future

Your career doesn’t have to stop at the Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to go on to University you will find many institutes of Higher Education value your skills and knowledge and will happily offer you a place on a Foundation Degree or other higher level qualifications.

Click here to use our course search

To download our apprenticeship application form please click below

Apprenticeship Application Form (95.68 kB)