Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are high quality work-based training programmes, ideal for young people who want to develop their career prospects.

Apprenticeships allow you to focus on a career area of your choice, train on the job and be paid as an employee whilst also studying for a nationally recognised vocational qualification - so you earn while you learn.

Course content will vary depending on the type of Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship undertaken. However, you will always gain the following: Practical experience related to your career; a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 2 for Apprenticeships, or level 3 for an Advanced Apprenticeship; Key Skills qualifications e.g. problem solving, team work, communication and technology; a technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or City & Guilds award (included in most Apprenticeships). Your weekly balance of work will again depend on the type of Apprenticeship that you do and you may be required to study at home during evenings and weekends.

Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. We also take into account practical skills and your interest in the area of work you've chosen.

Where next?

You will have the opportunity to progress on to further education, with your employer's support, to study a range of courses including a diploma or degree either part-time or full-time. You will be able to show an employer that you have the skills, qualifications and dedication to give you an edge in the job market. In the long term having an Apprenticeship should increase your chances of getting a good rate of pay and achieving promotion at work.

You will need to be in employment to do an Apprenticeship. Visit www.apprenticeshipsonline.org to see the College's latest placements.