Apprenticeships at West Thames College

Apprenticeships are designed by employers to help apprentices gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in the workplace.

They are available to new staff and current staff who want to retrain or upskill.

Apprenticeships are available at different levels, starting from a GCSE equivalent to a university degree equivalent.

Training can last from 12 months to 5 years, depending on the level.

There are over 800 apprenticeship standards across 15 sectors, ranging from Finance and Accounting to Construction.

Benefits to your organisation

• 90% of apprentices stay on in their place of work after completing an apprenticeship

• There’s a wide selection of apprenticeships available, covering lots of different job roles

• You can adapt the training your apprentice receives according to the needs of your organisation

• An apprenticeship allows you to diversify and freshen up your workforce

• You can employ apprentices from age 16 up to any age, and from any background.

Some of our Apprenticeships offer

Priority growth sectors:

Digital – Cyber Security Technician (Level 3), Data Technician (L3)

Multi-Channel Marketer (L3), Digital Support Technician (L3)

IT Helpdesk (L3), IT Solutions Technician (L3), Radio Network Technician (L3)

What our Apprentices say…

Logistics – Express Delivery (L2), International Freight Forwarding (L3)

Construction – Property Maintenance Operative (L2), Installation and Maintenance Electrician (L3), Painter & Decorator (L2)

Green Skills Plus:

Business – Business Administration (L3), Customer Service (L2/L3), Team Leader (L3), Quality Practitioner (L4)

Costs and funding eligibility

Funding available depends on whether the employer pays the apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is payable by employers with an annual pay bill greater than £3m.

From 1st April 2024, the government will fund all training and assessment costs for:

• Non-levy paying employers – for new apprentices aged between 16 and 21

“I always loved to study and was always open to new learning possibilities. An amazing opportunity arose to work for the London Borough of Hounslow on an apprenticeship.

I really enjoyed how the apprenticeship was structured, how it pushed my limits to get me out of my comfort zone and have a different approach to my work. The best part is that I got to study during my work time so my life-work balance was not affected.

I definitely recommend this form of study to others, it’s a great way to show your employer that you are keen to improve and are dedicated to them.”

Lori Mocanu, Library Manager at London Borough of Hounslow

“I am enjoying that my apprenticeship allows me to acquire valuable skills and experience, which improves my CV and widens my career prospects for the future.

I recommend apprenticeships to everyone. At work I often encourage people to use their strengths and improve their qualifications. I believe that it is worth trying and investing in yourself and your development.”

Krystyna, Operation Department Manager at World Duty Free

• Non-levy paying employers with fewer than 50 employees – for new apprentices aged between 22 and 24 with an EHCP and/or Care Leavers

• 5% employer co-investment rate for all others

Your responsibilities

As an apprenticeship employer, you must provide:

• An employment contract for the duration of the apprenticeship (minimum 30 hours a week)

• A signed apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement from the apprentice and the training provider, such as a local college

• An induction that covers business policies, procedures, and a safe working environment

• On-the-job training (20% off-the-job delivered by training provider)

• Mentoring and supervision

What our employers say…

TOLL Logistics – L3 International Freight Forwarding & L3 Business Administrator

“I would not hesitate to recommend West Thames College as an Apprenticeship Delivery Partner – they have fully supported our apprentices throughout their apprenticeships, delivering consistently high-quality support, guidance and training. The staff at West Thames College are always approachable, professional and above all are passionate about what they do.”

Taufiq Es-haq

London Borough of Hounslow – L3 Business Administrator

“I have always found the assessor very informative, and he seems to have a great working relationship with our apprentice. In all the meetings I attended the assessor would explain the process thoroughly and answer all my questions, as well as letting our apprentice know the next steps required for coursework. All in all, the assessor came across as very professional and a great assessor for any apprentice to work with.” Jacqueline Nembhard

For more information please contact Jasmine Matthias Jasmine.Matthias@west-thames.ac.uk