APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn, either entering a new industry of your choosing, or upskilling in your chosen area to progress.
Begin your journey into your dream career, whether that be with a traineeship or an apprenticeship, we can help you get your foot in the door with an exciting organisation.
Believe that you can make it to the very top, through your very own personalised approach to learning.
Become a leader in your field! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of rising the ranks, they offer clear progression routes, and you can even gain degrees through apprenticeships.
At Weston College we are here to support you throughout the whole apprenticeship process, from how to write a CV, to interview tips, we’re here to support you.
Speak to our team about apprenticeships! Our dedicated team are here to support you through the apprenticeship journey.
Click here to book a 1:1 session with themAvailable Apprenticeships courses
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY INTO AN EXCITING INDUSTRY
Hear from our apprentices and their employers
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUDYING AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Contact our Apprenticeship Team to find out if an apprenticeship is right for you!
LATEST NEWS
<p>My name is Alex and I am undergoing an apprenticeship in Operational Firefighting.</p>
<p>Becoming a firefighter is something that I always wanted to do, so I decided to apply, and I did this through the Avon Fire and Rescue Service website.</p>
<p>It wasn’t an easy process, but it was rewarding as you went though and completed each step.</p>
<p>The college were really supportive through the process; I received frequent emails, they provided me with vital information and were very quick at replying to any questions I had. Now on station, I have a line of contact to the college through my assessor.</p>
<p>There is a lot to learn when becoming a firefighter, so having a large educational institute like Weston College involved gave me confidence in the education and training I would receive, and ultimately allow me to be successful in this career.</p>
<p>This apprenticeship has allowed me to gain real world experience and give me insight into what life is like as a firefighter. Something that I have really appreciated is the experience I gain from firefighters on station.</p>
<p>There are challenges too, with the most challenging part being the wide range of techniques and equipment we have to learn in order to be effective in the many types of incidents we attend.</p>
<p>If you’re considering an apprenticeship then I think you should go for it! They are a mix between real world practice, as well as engaging in some theory from lectures and lesson style learning. There is a demand for being physically practical as well as being able to computer-based college work.</p>
<p><a href="https://yesyoucan.careers/wholetime">Apply to become a Firefighter through an apprenticeship, by clicking here.</a> </p>
<p>Our collaboration with <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">AAT </a>provides the perfect blend of learning, between Online and On-Campus, to allow you to gain your qualification in Accounting. Another great delivery of this course is through the Apprenticeship, where you'll spend time both in the classroom and in the workplace. This flexible approach means apprentices can choose how, when and where they want to study.</p><p>We heard from Michelle, who completed the AAT Apprenticeship, and told us about her experience!</p><h3>Why did you decide to study an AAT?</h3><p>After my daughter was born (I was 28 at that time) I had an opportunity to work as an accounts assistant carrying out basic bookkeeping. I knew if I wanted further my career in the accounting industry I would require a qualification. Weston College was offering Level AAT courses which I attended during one day each week. I completed Level 2,3 and 4 at Weston college with the encouragement from my tutor, Sarah. Even during the pandemic, Weston college helped support us with online sessions.</p><h3>Did your employers offer you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or was this something you decided to complete?</h3><p>It was my own decision to pursue the AAT qualification as I had self-doubted and low self-esteem when it came to my education. But, I knew there was more for me out in the world and AAT would open so many doors for my future.</p><h3>How did you find the apprenticeship?</h3><p>From the support & encouragement from both my tutor Sarah and class friends it felt like a great achievement. I’m really proud to have completed my AAT however it was down to my hard work and dedication. I also have made friends for life through the classes.</p><h3>How long did it take to complete?</h3><p>I completed level 2,3 & 4 over 3 years.</p><h3>How often did you have to complete apprenticeship work?</h3><p>I juggled all my study time around family life, especially considering I had a new born, and it was tough. I spent the majority of my evenings and weekends revising, but I made sure to make time. Each AAT exam will test your knowledge and it’s not just multiple selection boxes, AAT want you to know the understanding behind the question and how you have come to the decision you’ve made. Working in an accounting environment, it’s really important you have the understanding and knowledge to be able to advise and back up your decisions with the correct information.</p><h3>How have you utilised the skills you developed during the apprenticeship?</h3><p>All the skills that I developed on the course have been utilised, from double entry bookkeeping, payroll, Excel and accounting software.</p><h3>Since completing the apprenticeship, has it helped you to progress your career?</h3><p>Since completing my AAT, and becoming MAAT, all thanks from the support of Weston College, I have set up my own bookkeeping practice called Michelle Clarks Advanced Bookkeeping Services, as well as working for a really cool accounting firm in Weston Super Mare called “Neil’s Data Consultancy”. Having the support from not only an employer and as well as being my own boss, I have the best of both worlds that works for me. I enjoy meeting new clients and being able to encourage them to grow their own business.</p><h3>Were there any specific highlights of the apprenticeship?</h3><p>Attending my Graduation at Weston College was the biggest highlight and made me reflect on the hard work I put in to the AAT course. Wearing the gown and having a day of celebration felt amazing. Weston College went above and beyond for our graduation, celebrating everyone’s achievements.</p><h3>What would you say to someone considering following in your footsteps?</h3><p>Do it, don’t hold back. I recommend the apprenticeship to anyone to gain their AAT qualification at Weston College, it can open so many career paths for your future.</p><p>Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If the dreams for your future don't scare you, they aren’t big enough!</p><p><em>Michelle</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">If you're interested in learning more about AAT qualifications, click here!</a></p><p> </p>
<p>Last week, Weston College, in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.lukeslegacytrust.org/">Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust,</a> delivered the Apprenticeship Career Open Evening, which took place at the <a href="http://www.northbristolrfc.co.uk/">North Bristol Rugby Club</a>, with over 140 people in attendance, looking to explore their future career pathways.</p>
<p>The event specialised in the Engineering, Health, Digital and Construction industries, with attendees able to access support from Weston College’s award-winning Apprenticeships and Careers team, watch talks from the College’s Engineering and Green Skills faculty, and meet employers, such as the <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">NHS</a>, the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence">Minist… of Defence</a>, <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN Aerospace</a>, <a href="https://www.nccuk.com/">National Composites Centre</a>, and <a href="https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/">Wessex Water</a> who all have apprentice vacancies.</p>
<p>Luke Wheaton tragically lost his life in the Avonmouth accident in 2020. Luke was an apprentice for Wessex Water and the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust was set up by his parents and brother to celebrate his memory and aims to support and encourage young people on their journey through life, by furthering their education outside the classroom, and developing skills. The Trust is made up of trustees from members of Luke’s family, Bradley Stoke Community School, North Bristol Rugby Club, Stoke Lane Football Club and Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club.</p>
<p>Tracie Leahy, the Head of Apprenticeships and Traineeships Recruitment at Weston College, commented: “We are so thrilled at the turnout for this event and being able to work so closely with the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust was brilliant; we are planning to work with them again in the future to enable more people to access support and advice on apprenticeships as a career pathway.</p>
<p>“Having the opportunity to talk to so many potential apprentices about their future pathways was the highlight of the event for the Weston College team. I really look forward to seeing how the people we spoke to progress, and I hope to see lots opting for the apprenticeship route!”</p>
<p>If you missed this event, we are hosting another Apprenticeship Open Evening in Weston-super-Mare, on 9th February, you can <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/apprenticeship-open-evening-1">book your tickets by clicking here</a> or find out more about <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… today by clicking here</a>.</p>
