Apprenticeships

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WHAT ARE APPRENTICESHIPS?

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprentices are employed from the word go and receive a wage and support from a company that is committed to their development. Our training programmes can be delivered both in the workplace and at college.

Keighley College apprentices can expect:

Excellent training at one of the best vocational colleges
A wage and supportive employer
Real experience and understanding of the industry they are working in
The opportunity to go on to university recognised industry-standard qualifications
Progression opportunities
Benefit from better wages long-term

Keighley College has a wide and varied range of apprenticeship options, covering all industry sectors including:

Beauty
Business
Childcare
Clinical Healthcare Support (NHS)
Customer Service
Fabrication & Welding
Facilities Services
Fashion and Textiles
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Engineering
Hairdressing
Health & Social Care
Laboratory and Science Technicians
Plumbing
Retail Skills
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Warehousing & Storage

To search our full list of apprenticeship options please click here

We can also help you find an employer and we hold information sessions where you can register your interest in an apprenticeship. We will contact you when appropriate vacancies occur, giving you a head start on the competition.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Give our friendly team a call on:
01535 685 035 or apprenticeships@keighleycollege.ac.uk.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Apprenticeship applications run very differently to all other college course applications, as you must have an employer placement in place before we can enrol you. There are two main ways to secure an apprenticeship placement.

The first option is to find an employer yourself. Many of our apprentices come to us after finding a local employer who wants to employ them as an apprentice. If you do this, simply let us know the details and we will contact the employer and take over from there to get you enrolled onto your apprenticeship as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, we may be able to find a role for you through our recruitment matching service. We have a number of apprenticeship vacancies available on our website that you can apply to at any time. Simply follow the links, read the descriptions and complete the online application forms.

NEED SUPPORT WITH YOUR APPLICATION?

If you are unsure about how to write a job application we have a recruitment team on hand who can guide you through the process. They can help with application and CV writing, interview techniques, ways to build your confidence and much more.

INTERESTED IN APPRENTICESHIPS BUT NOT QUITE READY TO APPLY YET?

If you think an apprenticeship might be for you but you’re unsure of which pathway is right for you and just want some more information, then please call our friendly team for an informal discussion. We’d love to hear from you!

If you have any questions please do contact us – 01535 685 035 or apprenticeships@keighleycollege.ac.uk.

FAQs

Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 whether they are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking a new career. Applicants need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education.

Will I need to attend college?

Many of our apprenticeship qualifications are carried out completely in the workplace. Your assessor will visit your workplace and carry out assessments and learning on-site. Some courses do require you to attend college. This is normally on a day release or block basis. If you want to find out more about a specific apprenticeship, simply drop us an enquiry.

Do I get paid?

Yes, you will be given a contract of employment. All apprentices under the age of 19 and any apprentice (regardless of age) in their first year of their apprenticeship is paid a minimum of £4.15 an hour. The minimum wage for an apprentice rises based on age and many employers pay more than the minimum wage. For more information on apprenticeship wages, visit gov.uk.

What are the minimum hours I can work on an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are usually a minimum of 30 hours per week to qualify for funding. There are some cases where this can be lower (e.g. for childcare). However, these would need to be discussed and agreed with the college prior to enrolment. You can speak to the team about this on 01535 685 035.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

This will depend on the apprenticeship you want to complete. All of our apprenticeship course pages make it clear what the duration of the programme is, so please check these carefully.

Will employers just use me for the jobs they do not want to do?

No. You may start your apprenticeship completing basic tasks, but the whole point of your apprenticeship is to develop a well-rounded member of staff. So we will meet with your employer every 8 weeks to make sure that they are supporting your development.

Will I earn less money doing an apprenticeship rather than working full time?

The apprenticeship national minimum wage is currently £4.15 per hour. However, a number of employers offer more than this for their positions, as they want to attract quality candidates to their company. Every vacancy lists how much the wage is, so be sure to check these carefully to make sure that you are happy with how much the employer is offering.

Do I get annual leave?

Yes. You will have the exact same rights as any other full time employee of the company. You will need to read your contract when the company issues it to you to find out your terms of employment. This will include; sick pay, holiday, working hours, etc.

What do people enjoy most about being an apprentice?

The most enjoyable aspect for most of our apprentices is the work based experience that they gain whilst on the programme. For those used to theory led lessons they find it refreshing that the majority of the apprenticeship is practical training. They also like the fact that they are being paid for learning new skills!

Find out more about Apprenticeships for your business

Apprenticeships for business

Levels of Apprenticeship

Intermediate apprenticeships

Intermediate apprenticeships are allocated to junior roles within a company. These apprenticeships teach candidates who are new to the industry the basic skills and knowledge required to progress within their chosen career path. Examples of job roles include admin assistant, junior hair stylist or commis chef.

Advanced apprenticeships

Advanced apprenticeships build on the skills and knowledge acquired from an intermediate apprenticeship. These apprenticeships begin to specialise the candidate’s knowledge of the industry and are suitable for those who have previously completed an apprenticeship or have been within their job role for some time. Examples of job roles include software developer, chef de partie or electrical engineer.

Higher apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships are for those within senior roles within a company who want to develop their skills further to progress. These apprenticeships are the equivalent to completing a foundation degree or HND. Examples of job roles include apprentice teacher, lab technician or project manager.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree or master’s degree apprenticeships are for those who want to be a specialist within their field and hold a senior position within a company (such as senior management or technical specialist). These apprenticeships usually involve the undertaking of an under/postgraduate qualification. Examples of job roles include managing director, laboratory scientist or HE lecturer.

What do I have access to?

State of the art facilities
Enrichment activities and societies
Access to discounts available through the student’s union
Additional learning support and 1-1 tutorials

Already working?

Alternatively, if you are already working and your current employer is willing to support your learning through an Apprenticeship.

Your employer will need to call the number or contact us via email below, to discuss the development of an Apprenticeship for you and complete the necessary paperwork.

If you have any questions please do contact us:
01535 685 035
apprenticeships@keighleycollege.ac.uk.

Traineeships

If you’d like to study an apprenticeship but are worried that you don’t have the required skills or experience, there’s no need to worry. We could instead help you with a traineeship to help you develop the skills needed to become work-ready.

Traineeships are designed to help young people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience. Traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, English, maths and work experience needed to secure an apprenticeship or employment. They can last up to a maximum of six months.

For more information on traineeships, call 01535 685 035 or email apprenticeships@keighleycollege.ac.uk.