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Apprenticeships At City College

The perfect way to gain qualifications and experience

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What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain qualifications and experience in the workplace. As an apprentice, you'll be employed by a company, which will give you on the job training, regular pay and allow you to attend college to get further training and a nationally recognised qualification. There may be different entry requirements for apprenticeships depending on the job you want to do.

You need to be employed to complete an apprenticeship and demand for places with employers can be competitive so you will need to show that you are committed to both your employer and the qualifications. You also need to be happy to work as part of a team as well as on your own, and be able to use your own initiative.

There are three levels of apprenticeships available, which are dependent on your experience and qualifications.

Intermediate (Level 2)

Intermediate Apprenticeships are equivalent to five GCSEs A* - C.

Advanced (Level 3)

Advanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes.

Higher (Levels 4+)

Higher Apprenticeships are equivalent to a Foundation Degree.

Vacancies & Enquiries

  • All apprentices are given an initial assessment to check their suitability
  • Apprenticeships last between one and four years
  • You must be working for at least 30 hours a week and will usually spend one day a week at college
  • Age is no barrier - Apprenticeships are also available to those aged 19 and over
  • There is no cost to you if you are aged 16-18. If you are 19+ your employer may contribute towards your training not funded by the government
  • Your existing skills and knowledge are recognised which can help you gain a qualification faster
  • Apprenticeships include: technical knowledge (theory), practical knowledge, transferable and functional skills (Maths & English) and learning about employment rights and responsibilities
  • As an apprentice you have the same rights as an employee, and will receive the same company benefits as others
  • Gain a nationally recognised qualification
  • Practical skills and workplace experience
  • A real wage – the current average is £170 per week
  • 90% of apprentices stay in employment on completion of their apprenticeship
  • On average apprentices earn around £100,000 more in a lifetime than other employees
  • You can progress onto a higher level of apprenticeship, study for technical certificates, work towards promotion or go on to higher education at college or university

Apprenticeship infographic

 

Please contact us today to register your interest in an Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

Email apprenticeships@southampton-city.ac.uk

Tel: 023 8057 7224

We offer a wide range of apprenticeships including:

Business

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • I.T

Construction

  • Bench Joinery
  • Bricklaying
  • Building Services
  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Contracting
  • Electrical Installation
  • Heating & Ventilation
  • Painting & Decorating
  • Site Carpentry

Care

  • Early Years (Childcare)

 

Engineering

  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Fabrication & Welding
  • Mechanical Engineering

Motor Vehicle

  • Motor Vehicle (light)
  • Motor Vehicle (heavy)

Marine

  • Boat Building
  • Marine Electrical
  • Marine Engineering

Service Industries

  • Barbering
  • Hairdressing
  • Catering

If you haven’t got the right grades for an apprenticeship but still want the opportunity to do so, then a Traineeship could be for you. A traineeship is an excellent opportunity for you to help prepare yourself for your future career, apprenticeship or other job. 

Traineeships last anything from six weeks to six months with a programme tailored to your specific needs. This could include:

  • Training to give you confidence to take the first step in your career, which could  be an apprenticeship
  • You will study English and maths to help give you any additional literacy and numeracy skills you may need for the workplace
  • Work experience to provide you with first hand insight and experience of work, which also makes you more attractive to potential employers   

Is a traineeship right for me?

Traineeships are for young people who are motivated and want to get a job but don't yet have the skills and experience employers are looking for.

If you have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship but told you lack skills and experience, a traineeship will help you to gain these.

You cannot be employed and you won’t be employed to undertake a Traineeship.

For more information on Traineeships contact 023 8048 4848.

 

Already employed?

If you are already employed and interested in completing an apprenticeship programme with your employer call 023 8057 7426, or email solutions@southampton-city.ac.uk

One of our team will contact you and your employer to arrange a suitable time to meet with you to discuss your options.

You will then be invited to come into the college to complete an initial assessment and interview. This will allow us to determine whether the apprenticeship is the right route for you and which level is most suitable.

Once everything is in place we will then take you through the sign-up and induction process onto your apprenticeship.

Not employed?

You need to have an employer to start and complete an apprenticeship. Competition for places with employers can be strong so we've listed a few questions worth considering first.

  • Have you researched the industry and job role you're interested in working in?
  • Are you confident you have the right characteristics?
  • Do you meet the entry criteria for your chosen apprenticeship?
  • Is your CV up to date?

Don't worry if you can't answer yes to all of the above as we can help.

If you feel you're ready to consider doing an apprenticeship, search and apply for the programme that interests you and we will invite you to the college for an initial assessment and interview.

A lot of our full-time courses have suitable qualification routes that can be transferred to an apprenticeship once you've found a suitable employer.