What you need to know about Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available to businesses of all sizes and sectors and can last anything from 12 months to four years.
How an Apprenticeship works
Apprentices generally do most of their learning on-the-job, working with you for a mimimum of 30 hours a week.
Off-the-job training is a requirement of Apprenticeships and we can work with you to find the most flexible approach for your business. Most commonly this might be one day a week at college, but could also be block release or even training at your premises.
The new apprentice is your employee and therefore comes under your HR policies and procedures.
Today's Apprenticeships include a good grounding in the workplace. All our apprentices are expected to develop not just the skills for your industry, but also those crucial employability skills all businesses tell us are absolutely critical in good employees.
Their personal development is encouraged through independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and participation.
You will have a dedicated work-based mentor to help manage the your apprentice's development.
The different levels of Apprenticeships
At The College we currently offer four types of Apprenticeships.
Intermediate Apprenticeships are the first level of Apprenticeships. They are designed to equip the apprentice with the skills and knowledge to thrive within the workplace.
Outline:
- Level 2 programme – equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (formerly A*-C)
- Typical duration – 12 to 24 months
Once completed, apprentices can move onto an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Advanced Apprenticeships are the next level qualification. They are often a progression route for apprentices who have completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship, although for the right candidate and role, the apprentice could start at this level. Apprentices work at a more advanced level, further enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Outline:
- Level 3 programme – equivalent to two A Levels
- Typical duration – 12 to 18 months
Once completed, apprentices can move onto a Higher Apprenticeship.
Higher Apprenticeships are the equivalent to a Degree Level qualification. The operate in a similar way to an Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship and provide apprentices with the opportunity to work at an advanced level, gaining on-the-job training and typically attending college one day per week.
Outline:
- Level 4 to 5 (university level) programme – equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Typical duration – 18 to 36 months
Degree Apprenticeships are national programmes that offer an innovative way to gain a Degree. They give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field, or retrain in a new career. Combining a Full-Time job with study, they can be completed by anyone who is age 18 or over, depending on their previous qualifications and experience. Find out more about the benefits of Degree Apprenticeships.
Contact us
- Call: 01202 205500
- Email: apprenticeships@bpc.ac.uk
- Complete a contact form