Apprenticeships
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Our apprenticeships are administered by either Work-Based Learning or Avon Vale Training, both part of the Employer Responsive Team at Wiltshire College.
Click here to see our entire range of apprenticeships!
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge & skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time. They are a national training initiative, offering the best of the traditional route together with the advantages of NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications).
They are designed to ensure that apprentices gain the skills & recognition needed in today's job market. They are primarily aimed at young adults already in employment - though more & more employers are seeking to recruit new Apprentices to their staff.
How does an apprenticeship work?
Most of your training will be in your workplace. You'll have regular visits from your assessor/training co-ordinator who will help you with all aspects of your apprenticeship.
You will be expected to attend College regularly, to complete the Functional Skills and Technical Certificates, and to pick up & complete any practical work you are unable to cover in your workplace.
Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
There are no set entry requirements for an apprenticeship with Workbased Learning. You just need to be living in Wiltshire or surrounding counties, aged 16-24 and not taking part in full-time education.
Are there different types of Apprenticeship?
There are 2 different levels:
Apprenticeship
As a Apprentice you'll have a job & a wage. An Apprenticeship takes 18 months - 2 years to complete and leads to NVQ level 2, Functional Skills qualifications, a Technical Certificate and ERR. The work is mainly practical. You'll develop technical skills and gain valuable work experience. There is also the opportunity to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Advanced Apprenticeship
As an Advanced Apprentice you will be in full-time employment with an appropriate wage, aiming for a technical, supervisory or junior management role. The training usually lasts between 2 and 3 years & leads to NVQ level 3, a higher level of Functional Skills, a Tecnical Certificate and ERR. For some, an Advanced Apprenticeship is a stepping stone to Diploma or university level studies.
What qualifications do I get when I've finished my Apprenticeship?
You'll get a package of qualifications - an NVQ, a technical certificate like a BTEC National Diploma or City & Guilds Progression Award, and a Functional Skills qualification. The Apprenticeship leads to an NVQ level 2, and the Advanced Apprenticeship to NVQ level 3. The qualifications you gain in an Advanced Apprenticeship can help you enter higher education.
How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?
NVQs have 5 levels:
Level 1 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
Level 2 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A-levels/1 vocational A-level
Level 4/5 is equivalent to HNC, HND & degree level
How much do I get paid?
The minimum wage for an employed apprentice is £95.00 per week (from 1st August 2009), but you could get more, depending on your employer. Unemployed apprentices can apply for EMA or Hardship Funding, which will be assessed on an individual basis.
Do I get holidays?
In addition to bank holidays you'll get at least 1.5 days' paid holiday for every month of your training.
How Do I Apply?
Full details are available here
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