What is an
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are quite simply a way to earn while you learn.
Get qualified through working and training while earning a salary. As an Apprentice you will need to be employed in the area you want to work in and at the same time will develop your job-specific skills through a combination of on the job learning and college-based training. As part of your time at work you will develop your professional skills each week, learning from experienced colleagues and hands-on experience in the workplace.
Whilst at College, your tutors, who are experts in their field, will provide you with all the necessary training for your sector and you will work towards a nationally recognised qualification. Your employer lets you attend college on day release to gain your required qualifications for that job.
It’s the perfect combination!
Who is an Apprenticeship for?
Apprenticeships are available to new or existing employees across a range of Levels.
For example, some companies hire entry level staff onto Level 2 Apprenticeships whereas you may already be employed within an organisation and want to upskill yourself to a higher or degree level study through an Apprenticeship.
What are the benefits of undertaking an Apprenticeship?
- Earning a wage as you learn new skills
- Getting paid holidays, plus bank holidays
- Receiving practical, on-the-job work experience
- Gaining a nationally recognised qualification which is highly attractive to your current and future employers
- Your training will be fully funded by the Welsh Government, which means you can avoid the large debts associated with going to university
- Progression route to higher education through higher and degree apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeship
Apprentices work towards knowledge and competence-based qualifications at Level 2 (such as an NVQ Level 2) together with Essential Skills.
- Equivalent Qualification
Equivalent to five good GCSE passes
Apprenticeship
Apprentices work towards knowledge and competence-based qualifications at Level 3 (such as an NVQ Level 3) together with Essential Skills.
- Equivalent Qualification
- Equivalent to two A-level passes
Higher Apprenticeship
Apprentices work towards knowledge and competence-based qualifications at Level 4/5 (such as an NVQ Level 4 or above) together with Essential Skills.
- Equivalent Qualification
- Equivalent to HNC/HND or Foundation Degree level and above
How to secure an Apprenticeship
If you’re over 16, living in Wales and not in full time education you can apply for an Apprenticeship. First, you’ll need to find an employer. Get some tips with our step by step guide below.
Find an employer - Careers Wales publishes Apprenticeship vacancies online via the Apprenticeship Matching Service where you can search vacancies across Wales. Coleg Sirgar works with many employers each year to offer Apprenticeships.
Visit www.careerswales.com for the latest vacancies. Apprenticeship vacancies are sometimes advertised in the job sections of newspapers or you could also approach an employer directly. If you’re already employed, then we can offer advice and guidance to both you and your employer about the process of arranging an apprenticeship programme for you.
Get in touch with us - Contact our Apprenticeships team to discuss if you are eligible for an Apprenticeship programme. Call 01554 748000 or email apprenticeships@colegsirgar.ac.uk to apply for an Apprenticeship run at our College sites.
You will be required to undertake a literacy, numeracy and digital literacy initial assessment and an interview ahead of step 3.
The agreement - You, your employer and the College will agree an apprenticeship programme of learning.
Sign up and enrol at Coleg Sir Gâr - Complete the process by enrolling onto your apprenticeship training programme and you’re all set.
Entry Requirements
Anyone who is over 16, living in Wales and not in full-time education can apply for an Apprenticeship. You will need to gain employment in the sector you wish to work in before applying to College for your training.
You will also need to undertake an initial assessment in numeracy, literacy and digital literacy. If you’re already employed, then we can work with you and your employer to arrange an apprenticeship programme suitable for you.
The Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Growth Wales Programmes, led by the Welsh Government, are supported by the European Social Fund
