At our college, we’re passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to whatever learning or training route is the best fit for them.
Subsequently, we have spent years fine-tuning our offering of apprenticeships that we support, meaning that we have an impressive range to choose from.
So, here’s a handy guide regarding everything that you need to know and a more in-depth breakdown of what an apprenticeship can do for you.
Firstly, what is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are training programmes. You’ll earn a wage, work alongside experienced staff and gain job-specific skills whilst working towards a qualification.
The world of apprenticeships
- Apprentices typically spend four days per week in the workplace and one day in college, although some apprenticeships are entirely workplace-based.
- Generally speaking, they take between one to four years to complete. Of course, this depends on the level of the apprenticeship and the sector that it sits within.
- As an apprentice, you will work 30 to 40 hours per week, which can include time spent at college.
How an apprenticeship can benefit you
- It allows you to go down the ‘earn and learn’ route, earning a wage whilst learning new skills and gaining a qualification.
- You’ll receive on-the-job training and will learn job-specific skills. Building those connections straight from the word go.
- As an added bonus, it also means that you can still reap the benefits of being a student with discounts through platforms such as TOTUM / NUS etc.
What specialist apprenticeships do we offer?
We offer a wide range of apprenticeships; most of which are suitable for both school leavers and adults.
For example, at City of Bristol College, we support apprenticeships in a range of career paths, including:
- Business and Professional Services apprenticeships
- Construction apprenticeships
- Education and Early Years apprenticeships
- Engineering apprenticeships
- Hair and Beauty apprenticeships
- Health and Social Care apprenticeships
- Hospitality and Catering apprenticeships
- Marketing apprenticeships
- Transport and Motor Vehicle apprenticeships
How do you find an apprenticeship?
Finding an apprenticeship means finding an employer who has an apprenticeship vacancy. Here’s some inspiration to help you on your journey to find one that’s the right fit for you:
- Contact local employers directly to enquire whether they offer apprenticeship opportunities.
2. Ask family and friends if they know of any employers who may take on an apprentice.
3. City of Bristol College can also help to match suitable candidates to vacancies.
4. Make sure to keep an eye on apprentice vacancies on the college’s website.
5. Search for apprenticeship vacancies on the Government website, here.
What if you’re already employed?
We can assist anyone with an existing employer who might consider supporting you to be an apprentice.
If your employer is interested and would like to know more, you can direct them towards our apprenticeships for business information. We can then work with them, offering assistance throughout the entire process.
City of Bristol College offers free support for people interested in apprenticeships. We can support you with:
• Advice on sectors and job roles
• Support with creating a CV
• Preparation for interviews
How to contact us
To discover apprenticeships supported by City of Bristol College, click here. You can also email the apprenticeships team directly at apprentice@cityofbristol.ac.uk.
