What is an apprenticeship
As an apprentice, you will be employed, earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job specific skills. You will learn in the workplace whilst gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time. You will be mostly based in the workplace; however you may be required to attend college or a classroom based environment in a chosen place to complete the theory based side of your apprenticeship (depending on your chosen programme). Together, this will help you to gain the skills, confidence and expertise to progress in your chosen specialism. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on any previous work skills, with a minimum salary of £2.60 an hour.
Apprenticeships are designed with employers in each sector, they offer a structured programme that will help you gain the skills and attributes needed for you to succeed in your chosen area. Throughout your time as an apprentice you will have meetings with members of staff from the college, targets, coursework and checks in place to make sure that you are happy with your apprenticeship and to check on your progress.
Who are they for?
You can apply to become an apprentice if you are currently living in England, over 16 years of age and not in full time education. Apprenticeship types can vary with over 200 different types available to you in sectors such as Rail Engineering, Catering and Hospitality and Business Administration.
Competition for apprenticeships is difficult, so you will need to show that you are committed, willing to learn, enthusiastic and able to work individually or as part of a team.
There are three levels of apprenticeships –
- Intermediate level – equivalent to GCSEs
- Advanced level – equivalent to two A-levels
- Higher level – equivalent to HNC/D
The apprenticeship training consists of a range of different parts:
- Competence based qualification NVQ/QCF
- Knowledge based technical certificate
- Functional skills in Maths, English & ICT
- Employer Rights and Responsibilities
- Personal Learning and Thinking Skills
What if I would like to become an apprentice?
If you would like more information on apprenticeship vacancies available with Bournville College, please click here[1] or contact Deborah Bull on 0121 477 1400 to find out more.
