Apprenticeships are designed alongside employers to reflect the current market and industry needs. They offer a structured programme which provides each apprentice with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to excel in their role.
Apprentices work towards their qualification by studying the technical skills they need to know and learning how to apply them in practical assessments. The apprentice is assessed at the end of the apprenticeship and will need to prove that they can carry out all aspects of their job.
As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain real work-life experience and skills on the job. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to help them achieve nationally recognised qualifications.
Anyone over 16 and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship. Programmes can take between one and four years, depending on the level of study, the sector and the apprentices’ initial assessment.
Our apprenticeships could be your route into a range of careers, or allow you to achieve a qualification and promotion to a more senior role!
Here is a snapshot of some of the apprenticeships we offer.
Key benefits of an apprenticeship
You will be employed and typically work four days a week and attend College one day a week. You will be expected to work the normal working hours for your industry, which includes your College attendance.
You will develop job specific skills and knowledge whilst in the workplace and be assigned to a College Assessor to support you in gaining qualifications at the same time. Your wage will be paid by your employer.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is £6.40 per hour (as of April 2024). But many employers pay more.
Once you reach 19 years and you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, your employer must pay the full NMW rate.
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on your current skill levels and the industry of the apprenticeship. Generally, apprenticeships take between 15 months and four years to complete.
What financial support is available
If you’re 16-18 years old and have previously been in care, you may be eligible for a £1,000 Apprenticeship Bursary. We can share more about this and talk in more detail at apprenticeships@ccsw.ac.uk or on 01270 654654 or 01244 656555.
The College works with over 500 local, national and international employers, so new apprenticeships are advertised regularly. Our goal is to match you with an apprenticeship and employer that suits you. Whether you are ready to apply straight away or need help knowing where to start, we are here to support you every step of the way.
As one of our apprentices, we will get to know you, your needs, and professional goals so that we can find the right opportunity for you.
You can find all our current opportunities in the apprenticeship vacancies section of the website.
Typically 4 GCSEs at Grade C/GCSE Level 4 or above, including English and maths, or a NVQ in a related subject, but each apprenticeship has different entry requirements. We can share more about this and talk in more detail at apprenticeships@ccsw.ac.uk or on 01270 654654 or 01244 656555.
Don’t worry if you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are a number of routes you can follow to help you get the required skills to do an apprenticeship. Please get in touch with us to explore your options.
When exploring the courses we have available, you may see a fee attached but you’re more than likely to be eligible for a fully-funded enrolment!
Take a look and get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.
