Careers
Achieving Excellence Beyond Belief
Careers - Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships & Local Apprenticeship Providers
What are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you’ll:
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work alongside experienced staff
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gain job-specific skills
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earn a wage and get holiday pay
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get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
There are many different types of apprenticeships eg. accounting, equine, broadcast production, composite engineering, information security, design.
A good first step is to confirm that the apprenticeship opportunity you would like actually exists and has an apprenticeship standard. A full listing of apprenticeship standards, what they cover and a direct link to the government website which advertises apprenticeship vacancies can be accessed at The Institute for Apprenticeships.
The government website provides advice and information on apprenticeships including 'A guide to Apprenticeships' and 'A-Z of Apprenticeships' (industries, subjects and levels available.) Both of these useful resources can be downloaded free of charge and help to explain what it's like to be an apprentice - including the exciting opportunities and benefits.
The UCAS website also has a section with comprehensive information on apprenticeships in the UK. This is their Getting Started information. They also have a downloadable comprehensive guide to Apprenticeships
The useful All About School Leavers site has information as well, as does Studential.com
Apprenticeship Vacancies
There are a variety of ways that students can search for apprenticeship vacancies. A number of these are listed below:
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The Government provide a National Apprenticeship Service vacancy site. Employers offering apprenticeships should advertise vacancies here. Students can set up alerts so new vacancies are emailed to them when added and can search for current vacancies.
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Bedford College run an apprenticeship vacancy and matching service
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Other local colleges working with local employers who advertise local apprenticeship vacancies are: