Skip to content
Learner using drill.

Become an Apprentice

An apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to earn while you learn, whilst also working towards a nationally-recognised qualification. You will be employed by an employer and attend college usually for one day per week, where you will work towards a recognised qualification linked to your job role. This allows you to gain both practical on-the-job skills and become qualified for your career.

View courses

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to earn while you learn, whilst also working towards a nationally-recognised qualification.

You will be employed by an employer, providing you with the opportunity to put into practice what you are being taught at college. This will help you succeed in your job and develop your career. You will have a mentor to support you at work and an assessor from the college who will guide you towards completing your qualification.

An apprenticeship can take between one to five years to complete depending on the level. There is no upper age limit – as long as you are over 16 and have the right credentials, you will be eligible for your chosen apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Levels

Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 to Degree Level 6 and 7. See what each level means and what’s the right level for you.

Intermediate – Level 2

This is equivalent to achieving 5 GCSE passes.

Advanced – Level 3

This is equivalent to two A Level passes

Higher – Level 4 and 5

This is equivalent to an HNC (Level 4) or Foundation Degree/HND (Level 5)

Degree – Level 6 and 7

This is equivalent to a Bachelor Degree (Level 6) or a postgraduate qualification (Level 7)

Apprenticeship Vacancies

We have a high volume of Apprenticeship vacancies coming on board all the time – look out for your dream role.

View Vacancies

Apprenticeship courses

View all courses
Level 3 Media Industries – Production Assistant – Screen and Audio Apprenticeship
Media
  • Windsor College
  • Level 3
Level 3 Media Industries – Content Creator Apprenticeship
Media
  • Windsor College
  • Level 3
Level 3 Digital Industries – Cyber Security Apprenticeship
General computing
  • Langley College
  • Level 3
Level 2 Barbering Professional Apprenticeship
Hairdressing
  • Langley College
  • Level 2
Level 5 Golf Course Manager Apprenticeship
Greenkeeping & Sports Turf Management
  • Berkshire College of Agriculture
  • Level 5
Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician Apprenticeship
Greenkeeping & Sports Turf Management
  • Berkshire College of Agriculture
  • Level 3
Level 2 Beauty Therapist – (Apprenticeship)
Beauty Therapy
  • Langley College
  • Level 2
Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship
Plumbing & Gas
  • Langley College
  • Level 3

Apprenticeships – Frequently Asked Questions

An apprenticeship is a real job with training. You earn a wage while working towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification linked to your chosen career. Apprenticeships are equivalent to a full-time academic qualification and there are a wide range of areas you can complete an apprenticeship in.

Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the industry sector and the apprentice’s ability.

All Apprentices receive at least the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage of £5.28 per hour in their first year, however some employers do choose to pay more.

Apprentices will be employed for a minimum of 30 hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week, however this may vary from employer to employer.

Yes. A growing number of apprentices also go on to Higher Apprenticeships to gain degree level qualifications, but without the expense of going to university. You also have the option of going to university or completing a professional qualification that leads to a specific job role.

  • Learn from industry-trained staff with years of experience
  • State-of-the-art facilities at our colleges
  • Our colleges are conveniently located
  • Extra support from careers advice to study support
  • Extra benefits