Apprenticeships

When you’re an apprentice you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training, often at college. You train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation and you’re on a career path with lots of future potential for you.

For the first 12 months of your Apprenticeship you will be paid National Minimum wage for Apprenticeship. After this 12-month period you will be paid the minimum wage for your age group. Click here for more information on Apprenticeship wages. Please note it is possible that you will be paid more.

You will also need to have a minimum Grade 4 in GCSE English and maths or a willingness to improve your English and maths skills along with a good work ethic, excellent timekeeping and a professional approach. You will undertake an initial assessment in maths and English to determine the level you are at.
You will also need to find a job in your chosen sector, with an employer willing to offer you an Apprenticeship and be interested in progressing that job role.

Apprentices are employed by an employer to do a specific job role. Many Apprentices receive their training on a day-release basis, where they attend college one day a week. However, for some Apprenticeships, all training is delivered in the workplace.
Your Apprenticeship study programme will be tailored specifically for your job role and career development and the units will be chosen to match the job and your career goals.

There are several ways in which you can apply:

• Register with the National Apprenticeships Services, view their vacancies and apply through their website.
• Find your own Apprenticeship by approaching businesses with your CV and a Covering Letter. Remember to choose businesses that you are interested in working for.
• View the Apprenticeship vacancies below. These are vacancies where Southport College will deliver the training for those employers.
• If you are already in employment, approach your employer about starting an Apprenticeship.
• Join the talent pool at Southport College once you’ve finished your GCSEs. We may be able to match you with an Apprenticeship and an employer that suits you. To join our talent pool send your CV to employer@southport.ac.uk

Depending on your apprenticeship programme, the level you’re on and your previous experience, your apprenticeship could take between one and six years to complete. Throughout your apprenticeship you’ll get hands-on experience working whilst you learn, which helps you progress in your career.
Apprenticeships are a great option for getting on the ladder or supercharging your career, especially as you are paid a regular salary and your training is funded by the government and your employer.

You must be over the age of 16 and have completed your GCSE exams. There is no upper age to limit to starting an Apprenticeship.

An Apprenticeship is an alternative route to full-time study and can be challenging as you will be working for an employer and training for your job role at the same time. If you want to start work and are interested in a particular job role an Apprenticeship is an ideal choice.