Apprenticeships Student Guide
Why study an apprenticeship? You may be asking yourself, why should I study an apprenticeship? How will it benefit me? We are an innovative College working with more than 1,000 employers to deliver a wide range of apprenticeships in a variety of sectors, to suit individual needs. We also help to deliver bespoke programmes with some of the largest employers across Wiltshire and the wider South West, meaning there is something for everyone.
What is an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are a great alternative to traditional learning. An apprenticeship is a job where you learn and gain experience as well as getting paid. You are an employee who will benefit from having the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
What are the benefits of apprenticeships? • Earn a wage while you are training • Learn job specific skills and gain practical experience • Developing professionally alongside experienced colleagues • Achieve nationally recognised qualifications • Support from a dedicated College assessor • Paid holiday • Progression onto higher level qualifications or university • Fast track into full-time employment
Am I eligible for an apprenticeship? Anyone can be an apprentice, no matter if you’re a school leaver starting your career, wanting a career change, or looking to upskill your existing experience of qualifications. To be eligible you need to meet the following enrolment criteria: • Aged 16 or over (there is no upper age limit) • Have been living in the UK for 3 years prior to enrolling • Not in full-time education
How much do you get paid? The minimum wage for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour. However, many employers pay more than this, dependent on the sector and level of apprenticeship in which you are employed. The average weekly wage for an apprentice aged between 16-25 is £150-£200.
How does an apprenticeship work? Apprenticeships are made up of competence, knowledge and behaviour elements. The competence element is undertaken in the workplace where you will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to complete your chosen apprenticeship. The knowledge element is delivered via day or block release at college, or as part of a blended learning programme in the workplace. The behaviour element is developed in the workplace supported by a college assessor and your workplace mentor, who provide off the job training and assessments to ensure you are on track for your end point assessment (if applicable). If you have not already achieved a GCSE grade C/4 and above (or equivalent) in Maths and English, you will be required to undertake Functional Skills alongside your apprenticeship.
What are the different levels of apprenticeships?
Name
Intermediate
Advanced
Higher and Degree
Level
Qualifications
Equivalent Educational Level
2
Diploma/NVQ Level 2 Maths and English (if applicable) Other accredited qualifications
5 GCSE passes at grades 9-4/A-C
3
4, 5, 6 and 7
Progression Opportunities Advanced apprenticeship Further employment Higher apprenticeship
Diploma/NVQ Level 3 Maths and English (if applicable) Other accredited qualifications
2 A level passes
Foundation Degree and above
Foundation Degree and above
Diploma Degree level study Further employment Further Degree study Further employment apprenticeship
Nicole Fever Principal’s Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award winner 2020
It has been a great start to 2020 for former higher level engineering apprentice Nicole Fever. Not only was she awarded Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the College’s annual Apprenticeship Awards in February, the 25-year-old also won the Principal’s award for Outstanding Apprentice of the Year. Nicole then shared her apprenticeship journey with more than 200 Year 9 and 10 pupils at the College’s Women in Engineering event in March as guest speaker and a huge advocate for apprenticeships. It was whilst accompanying her engineer father during the long summer holiday breaks in America that Nicole decided she wanted her career to follow in similar footsteps. By the age of nine she was able to use a drill and her passion spiralled from there!
She initially completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in Hydraulic Engineering which gave her a thorough understanding of the sector ahead of progressing onto the HNC in Engineering. It was whilst studying the HNC that Nicole joined Steve Vick International, based in Bradford on Avon, which supplies all the UK Gas Distribution Networks and works collaboratively to develop new techniques for the trenchless repair and replacement of underground pipes. Throughout her apprenticeship Nicole enjoyed designing, working with 3D printers and having the opportunity to interact with so many different engineers on site within the gas, nuclear and water industry. Nicole described her apprenticeship journey, as “incredible”. She said: “I got to do so many things in so many different departments interacting with many people across the country. I feel blessed that I got to interact with 3Dprinters, designing and going on site to meet different people in the water, nuclear and gas industry.” “On site it was definitely noticeable that there aren’t that many women, but everyone I have come across has always been really respectful to me. “I belong to different Women in Engineering groups and I would highly recommend, not only a career in engineering, but an apprenticeship really is the perfect route to train and I honestly had an incredible journey.”
How to apply for an apprenticeship vacancy
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Go to wiltshire.ac.uk ‘Click’ study/apprenticeships/apply to see the full list of Wiltshire College & University Centre apprenticeship vacancies.
Applying for the vacancy To apply for a vacancy ‘click’ Apply and you will be directed to the correct advert on the Gov.uk website. You will then need to create an account. If you already have an account, simply ‘click’ Sign in to apply.
Creating an account To create your account you will first need to register. To do this ‘click’ Register now in the new users box and fill in your details. Once you have completed your details, you will be sent an activation code via email to activate your account which must be done within 30 days. It is free to register and once you have set up your account you can receive alerts regarding new vacancies that may interest you.
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Search for vacancies
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Save your searches and set up alerts
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Manage your future
Once you’ve created your account you can search for your ideal apprenticeship by using keywords, occupation type, job role or postcode to suit your criteria. Each vacancy listing gives detailed information about the job, including the employer, training provider, pay and the qualification you will be working towards.
You can save your search results so they are easy to access at any time. To save your search ‘click’ Receive alerts for this search at the top left hand side of the screen.
Once you have found the apprenticeship you want, applying is easy. The application form is secured and reusable so you can respond to vacancies and save each of your application forms. You are also able to view the status of your applications and manage them online.
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Josh Harris Former Level 4 Agriculture Apprentice
“I always wanted to do something that didn’t feel like work and this role definitely doesn’t.” It was whilst travelling in Australia and working at various farms that Josh discovered a passion for farming – in particular dairy farming. Whilst still on the other side of the world, Josh applied for the Level 3 apprenticeship through the College in order to extend his knowledge in agriculture and progress into farm management. Completing the Level 3 in just 12 months, Josh quickly progressed onto the Level 4 apprenticeship in Farm Business Management. Throughout both programmes, Josh was focused and driven to succeed in every task.
He has pursued many additional qualifications with the support of his employers and managers, and attended numerous training days and dairy discussion groups to enhance his career further. Josh proved to be an invaluable member of the team alongside excelling in his academic studies at his work placement at W Maidment in Pewsey. Since completing his apprenticeship he has become a Herd Manager at a farm in Gloucestershire. Talking about his role, Josh said: “I always wanted to do something that didn’t feel like work and this role definitely doesn’t.” His genuine passion for farming is just one of the reasons he was awarded Agriculture Apprentice of the Year at the College’s annual Apprenticeship Awards in 2020.
We have apprenticeships available in… Wiltshire College & University Centre currently offers over 90 different apprenticeships. These are increasingly becoming more specialised with pathways designed to suit specific job roles within a business and meet employers needs.
Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care Land-based Service Engineer Land-based Service Engineering Technician Horticulture and Landscape Operative Landscape/Horticulture Supervisor Stockperson (beef, pigs, sheep, dairy) General Farm Worker Livestock Unit Technician Sport Turf Operative
Business and Administration Customer Service Practitioner Customer Service Specialist Business Administrator HR Support HR Consultant / Partner Team Leader / Supervisor Associate Project Manager Operations / Departmental Manager Chartered Manager Chartered Manager Level 5 to Level 6 ‘Top Up’
Care Services Adult Care Worker Lead Adult Care Worker Lead Practitioner Leader in Adult Care Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Children, Young People and Families Manager Youth Support Worker
Catering and Hospitality Hospitality Team Member Hospitality Supervisor Commis Chef Chef De Partie Production Chef
Construction Installation Electrician / Maintenance Electrician Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Gas Engineering Operative Carpentry and Joinery Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Bricklayer Property Maintenance Operative Groundworker Painter and Decorator
Creative and Design Cultural Learning and Participation Officer Junior Content Producer
Digital Information Communication Technician Network Engineer Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (integrated degree)
Education and Childcare Teaching Assistant Early Years Educator Early Years Practitioner
Engineering and Manufacturing Civil Engineering Technician Autocare Technician General Welder (Arc Processes) Engineering Fitter Engineering Technician Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Automation and Controls Engineering Technician Engineering Manufacturing Technician
Hair and Beauty Hair Professional Advanced and Creative Hair Professional
Health and Science Healthcare Support Worker Senior Healthcare Support Worker Science Manufacturing Technician Laboratory Technician Technician Scientist
Legal, Finance and Accounting Accounts / Finance Assistant Assistant Accountant Professional Accounting / Taxation Technician
Lauren Williams Former Social Media & Digital Marketing Apprentice
“I really enjoyed my apprenticeship; it has helped me realise that a career in marketing is for me!” Lauren has always been motivated to do more, and after starting as a Receptionist at Charlton Baker, the 24-year-old soon realised that her interest was more towards the world of marketing and social media. She decided to approach her manager about undertaking an apprenticeship and was delighted that her company could support her. She said: “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship; it has helped me realise that a career in marketing is for me! I felt like I was learning all the time and love to learn new skills.” Lauren’s go get it attitude is inspiring to say the least, and when asked about what she enjoys the most about her new role she said:
“I loved learning about SEO and I now understand the power of social media and how it can benefit a business.” One of her favourite aspects of the apprenticeship was running marketing campaigns. She ran one at Easter and Halloween and said it was fantastic to see the companies followers increase on the different social media channels. Lauren has since completed her apprenticeship landing herself a permanent role within the company. Her assessors nominated her for the Digital Marketing & Social Media Apprentice of the Year Award which she went on to win at our Apprenticeship Awards held during National Apprenticeship Week. Throughout her apprenticeship Lauren carried out lots of different roles including manning reception, software support and running the company’s social media accounts.
For more information and expert guidance contact apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235