Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular as the route into a successful career. With an apprenticeship you earn while you learn, you gain recognised qualifications, job specific skills and knowledge and this all helps you stand out in the job market.
Whether you are a young person aged 16-19 or aged 20 and over, a range of options may be open to you which will allow you to build your knowledge and skills through work.
Learning can often take place in the workplace under the supervision of qualified instructors and backed up by training at the college.
You can search our current apprenticeship vacancies here or fill in the contact form and one of our Advisors will be in touch to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit?
No - BUT - there is a priority of places on Apprenticeship Programmes for young people aged 16-19 or employees who are new in post.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Anyone who is over 16, living in Wales and not in full-time education can apply.
Where will training take place?
Either day release at one of the college campuses or Open Distance Learning, where delivery is in the workplace only.
How many hours must an apprentice work?
An apprentice must be employed for a minimum of 16 hours per week.
How much does the employer pay the apprentice?
An apprentice must be paid the national minimum wage noted on the direct.gov website: www.direct.gov.uk or contact ACAS help line on 0300 123 1100.
What qualifications are included?
This would depend on the route the learner is following, but most apprenticeship frameworks consist of an NVQ, a Technical Certificate and Essential Skills. For further details, see the route-specific section of the website or contact our general email for further information.
How long will the apprenticeship take to complete?
A Foundation Apprenticeship takes between 12 and 24 months depending on what route is being followed. When an apprentice signs up for the training scheme, they will be given a target time to finish.
Does the organisation need to be of a certain size?
There are no restrictions on the size of the employer with regards to apprenticeship learners.
What support will an employer get?
- Help with recruiting apprentices
- Guidance during learners apprenticeship programme
- Apprentice Progress Reviews every other month
Is there a limit to how many apprentices I can take on?
There is no limit to how many apprentices you could employ.
How do I find an apprentice?
If you do not have an employee who you wish to put on the apprenticeship scheme, you can contact the Work Placement Officers within the College. We often have a list of learners who are looking for an employer to support them in an apprenticeship. There is also the Apprenticeship Matching Service (AMS) available through Careers Wales which can be found on their website: www.careerswales.com
Traineeship
If you are unemployed and under 19 the traineeship programme is designed to develop skills which will lead to a job, an apprenticeships or onto further education.
Degree Apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships provide an alternative route to traditional higher education. They combine full-time work with part-time university study.
Higher Apprenticeships
The Higher Apprenticeship programme allows you to work towards a level 4 or 5 work-based learning qualification alongside a higher knowledge qualification such as a Foundation degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).