Apprenticeships

What are apprenticeships?

Our Apprenticeships allow 16 to 24 year-olds the chance to have a job and study for NVQ Level 2 or 3 whilst they are earning a salary. Weston College offers a wide range of Apprenticeships including:

• Accounting
• Animal Care / Equine
• Beauty Therapy
• Business Administration
• Care and Early Years
• Carry and Deliver Goods
• Construction (Trowel or Wood Occupations)
• Customer Service / Team Leading
• Hairdressing
• Health and Social Care
• Hospitality and Catering
• IT Practitioners / IT Users
• Leisure Attractions
• Retail
• Sale of Residential Property
• Sport and Recreation
• Teaching Assistants
• Wholesale Distribution, Storage and Warehousing

Who can do an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are open to people aged between 16 and 24 living in England and who are not already in full-time education.

Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships aren’t just based on academic achievement. Practical skills, your potential, commitment and your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen are very important. Employers value enthusiasm to work and enthusiasm to learn.

Over 250,000 young people are currently training in over 150 different types of Apprenticeships in England. There is a high demand for many of the Apprenticeships on offer as there is not a better way to learn the skills you need to progress your career.

To be successful on an Apprenticeship programme you will need to be enthusiastic and motivated in your chosen area of work. Most of your learning and personal development will take place with an employer. In some cases, you will also have the opportunity to attend College one or two days a week.

Levels of Apprenticeship explained

There are 2 levels of Apprenticeship to consider:

• Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are Level 2 qualifications and are equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A-C. They include an NVQ at Level 2, Key Skills and in some cases a Technical Certificate.

Apprentices may progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) on successful completion of the Apprenticeship (Level 2).

• Advanced Apprenticeships

Advanced Apprenticeships are Level 3 qualifications and are equivalent to two A Levels. They include an NVQ at Level 3, Key Skills and in most cases a Technical Certificate. Advanced Apprentices may be able to progress to a related Foundation Degree or a degree course on successful completion of their programme.

On average, Apprenticeships take between 12-36 months to complete. The length of time it takes depends on the level (Level 2 or 3); the occupational/job area and the commitment and motivation of the individual Apprentice.

Earn while you learn

Getting paid while you learn new skills, gain experience and knowledge, sounds too good to be true – but as an Apprentice you get the best of both worlds.

If you have the dedication and determination to succeed in the world of work and the commitment to training, then an Apprenticeship may be right for you.

"Is an Apprenticeship right for me?"

First of all, you will need to have a good idea of which industry you would like to start your career in. Then you will need to decide whether you have the motivation and commitment to combine working for an employer whilst working towards your qualifications. Apprenticeships are very rewarding for young people who like to work hard and who want to get on.

"Why should I do an Apprenticeship?"

If you want to develop a career and gain recognised qualifications then an Apprenticeship could be the right choice for you. As part of your Apprenticeship you will:

• Have the chance of earning money at the same time as learning

• Develop new skills and knowledge

• Gain valuable experience directly with an employer

• Gain nationally recognised qualifications.