Apprenticeships Student Guide
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Apprenticeships What are the benefits of apprenticeships? ● Earn a wage while you are training ● Gain job specific skills ● Learn as you work alongside experienced staff ● Achieve recognised qualifications ● Get paid holiday ● Progression to university or higher level qualifications ● Fast-track your way into full-time employment
What is an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are a great alternative to traditional learning. They give you the opportunity to earn while you learn as you work alongside experienced staff at your place of work, and gain nationally recognised qualifications as you go.
Am I eligible for an apprenticeship? You are eligible for an apprenticeship if you meet the following criteria at enrolment: ● Age 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
What are the different levels of apprenticeships?
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Name
Level
Qualifications
Equivalent Educational Level
Intermediate
2
Diploma/NVQ Level 2 Maths and English (if applicable) Other accredited qualifications
5 GCSE passes at grades 9-4/A-C
Advanced
3
Diploma/NVQ Level 3 Maths and English (if applicable) Other accredited qualifications
2 A level passes
Higher and Degree
4, 5, 6 and 7
Foundation Degree and above
Foundation Degree and above
How much do you get paid? The minimum wage for an apprentice is ÂŁ3.90 per hour from 1st April 2019. However, we have found that many employers are willing to pay more than this depending on the sector and level of apprenticeship in which you are employed. The average weekly wage for an apprentice aged 16-25 is ÂŁ150-ÂŁ200.
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 behaviours 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 end point assessment (if applicable).
Progression Opportunities Advanced apprenticeship Further employment
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.
Higher apprenticeship Diploma Degree level study Further employment Further Degree study Further employment Apprenticeship 5
How to apply for an apprenticeship vacancy
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Go to www.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 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.
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Save your searches and set up alerts 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.
Manage your future 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.
Have you found an apprenticeship employer? No
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We have apprenticeships available in‌ Wiltshire College & University Centre currently offers over 90 different apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly more specialised with pathways designed to suit specific job roles within a business and meet employers needs. 8
Business & IT Accounting Business & Administration Customer Service IT & Telecoms Leadership & Management Social Media & Digital Marketing Human Resources Project Management
Construction & Trades Bricklaying Electrical Installation Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Heating Bench Joinery & Site Carpentry Property Maintenance Groundworking
Creative Arts & Design Cultural & Heritage Design Live Events & Promotion Technical Theatre
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Engineering Engineering Technician Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Science Manufacturing Technician Welding Performing Manufacturing Operations Civil Engineering
Hair and Beauty Beauty Therapy Hair Professional (Barbering & Hairdressing)
Health, Care & Early Years Adult Care Worker Lead Adult Care Worker Care Leadership & Management Healthcare Support Worker Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Children & Young People’s Workforce Teaching Assistant 10
Hospitality & Catering Commis Chef Chef de Partie Hospitality Team Member Hospitality Supervisor
Land-based Agriculture Construction Plant Maintenance Land-based Service Engineering Game & Wildlife Management Horticulture Horse Care & Management Veterinary Nursing
Automotive Maintenance Autocare Technician Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Motor Vehicle Services & Maintenance Technician (Heavy Vehicle)
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EBNER HEATLEY Business Administration Apprentice
It was important for me to figure out what I’d be interested in but also to get into a career that provides a sustainable job in the future.” It was there that he found a vacancy for a Business Administration apprentice based at the College’s Trowbridge campus and he applied.
“An amazing experience, one which I wouldn’t change for the world!”
Ebner began his apprenticeship with the Management Information Services (MIS) team in 2017 and instantly knew that he had made a good decision. He learned how to use different programmes and College processes, such as reference requests, timetable change requests, enrolments as well as getting involved with all sorts of events.
That is how Ebner Heatley described his apprenticeship, which he undertook at Wiltshire College & University Centre.
He also enjoyed meeting new people and learning many different aspects of business administration.
The 20-year-old from Radstock had achieved A-levels in Applied Science, PE and a BTEC in ICT at sixth form and was all set to go to university – until he realised he didn’t actually want to go.
In July 2018 Ebner completed his apprenticeship and was offered a full-time position in the same team. Since then he has become a College ambassador for apprenticeships, helping out and speaking at open events as well as other public events, offering advice to others considering an apprenticeship.
“I had planned to study sport science at university and follow that career path but sport was something I loved and studying it made me not enjoy it so much,” he said. “I also wanted to stay living locally rather than moving away. I liked the idea of gaining experience in the workplace and so I visited the national apprenticeship service website to get some inspiration and see what sort of apprenticeships were available.
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Ebner said: “Before I started an apprenticeship, I didn’t know anyone who had done one, but I loved every single minute of mine and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Two more apprentices have joined the team since I progressed into my new role and I enjoy being a bit of a mentor to them and helping them. We also chat and work together to continuously improve the way we carry out processes, which is great.”
“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship and am so pleased that I looked into it when I did!�
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FENELLA COLEY Hairdressing Apprentice
Motivated by wanting to learn on the job, gain experience and interact with customers, an apprenticeship was the perfect route of study for Fenella Coley. The 19-year-old started a intermediate Level 2 hairdressing apprenticeship at Stone Rose salon in Salisbury after finishing her GCSEs at St Edmunds Girls School and since completing it has now progressed onto the advanced apprenticeship. She said: “What I love most about my job is making people look pretty and feel happy and confident. I love the work environment and working in a real-life salon.” Fenella has been well supported and encouraged by her employer Sam Humphrey who decided to not only enter her for Wiltshire Life Awards in the apprenticeship category for which she has been shortlisted, but also for the prestigious L’Oreal Colour Trophy award, the longest running live hairdressing competition, which inspires people around the world and gives salons the chance to share their passion and talent. Sam said: “I’m very passionate about pushing forward and looking ahead in fashion and our craft. The L’Oréal Colour Trophy competition brief is hair inspired by fashion. 14
“Watching professional hairdressers is so inspiring.” It’s just so rewarding watching a young passionate apprentice like Fenella grow and develop her skills and become a true professional. The preparation and planning of a national hair competition can be quite pressured so managing all the aspects and watching them come together is good transferable skills which hopefully builds confidence, knowledge and have fun. Fenella said that she enjoys learning and is pleased that she chose the apprenticeship route to help her get her career off to a great start. “You’re not going to learn unless you do it and that’s what Sam does for me, she pushes me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “Preparing for the competition is very exciting and fun.” This must be complemented by a beautiful style, finish and total look taking inspiration from upcoming trends. The winner gets the chance to meet their favourite hairdresser, take part in fashion week and enjoy a professional photo shoot in London or Paris.
AMIE NEEDHAM Health Care Apprentice
When Amie Needham began working at Snowberry Lane Clinic in 2015, she was excited about starting a new role as a clinical therapist, having previously been a selfemployed personal trainer and sport massage therapist. The 38-year-old enjoyed combining her expertise, to work alongside doctors to support patients receiving treatment as part of a medically supervised weight loss programme. Keen to progress within the company, Amie undertook a few short courses to help develop her personal and professional skills. She then decided she would like to qualify as a health care assistant so she could work in theatre alongside the surgeons and supported by management staff, she began a Level 3 Health Care apprenticeship through the College. Mum of two, Amie, said: “I find my workplace very professional and the treatments on offer very interesting. The clinic offers a variety of minor cosmetic operations such as fat removal, mole removal, carpel tunnel and skin tightening procedures.
“After observing a few treatments I really wanted to become a healthcare assistant and the apprenticeship was ideal as it meant I could carry on working full-time whilst bringing up my family. “I enjoyed progressing through the apprenticeship programme and studying whilst actively learning in my work environment kept me interested and I was able to put my skills into practice straight away. “At first, I felt out of my comfort zone and I also had to take Maths and English functional skills. I found this challenging and difficult to focus at home but I learnt how to adapt to ensure I could concentrate. “I hadn’t studied since leaving school and certain computer programmes I initially found a challenge too, but I had fantastic support from my family, employer and my College assessor who made me feel confident and helped me to believe I could do it. I feel the apprenticeship gave me a lot of confidence in many aspects and the ability to learn new skills whilst still earning a wage worked really well. “I would recommend anyone to undertake an apprenticeship at any stage in their life as it gives you an opportunity to develop both personally and professionally.” 15
0845 345 2235 apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk Apply online at www.wiltshire.ac.uk