Welcome to Coleg Ceredigion

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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!

If you have any questions please contact our Apprenticeships Team on 01554 748000 or apprenticeships@colegsirgar.ac.uk

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.

Ben Hitchings

Progression through work-based learning

Ben wasn’t sure if electrical work was his career pathway, so he spent a month on the college’s
Engagement Programme working for an electrician to gain experience before making a decision.
During his experience, Ben found that working with electrics was definitely something he enjoyed doing and as a result, his employer offered to support him in progressing to an accredited traineeship at level one.
After just a month working at level one, Ben was offered a Foundation Apprenticeship as his skills were improving steadily to progress to a higher level.

Ben is currently progressing well as an apprentice,
supported by his employer.

Ben Julian

Progression through work-based learning

Ben gained three months work experience in March 2019 when he joined the engagement programme at Coleg Sir Gâr where he was placed with a local
carpentry company.
During his placement, he demonstrated good skills in carpentry work and as a result, was offered to progress to the college’s accredited traineeship programme at level one.
Ben continued to work hard, improving his skills even more, showing an interest in the company’s work.
His employer recognised his abilities and dedication and offered to support him through a Foundation Apprenticeship in carpentry after only two months of working on his traineeship.

Ben Julian is making excellent progress within his apprenticeship training at both work and college working in a job he enjoys.

Daniel Howells

From Engagement Programme to Business Owner

Daniel Howells chose a work-based learning and college pathway to gain skills and confidence which has resulted in him starting and running his own barbering business, DH Hair.
He started an Engagement Programme with Coleg Sir Gâr and as a result, he started working at Salon 1, which was owned by a former work-based learning hairdressing student.
On his way up and in employment, Daniel also enrolled on a part-time level two barbering evening course at Coleg Sir Gâr.

His whole experience resulted in wanting to help other young people, so with a successful business, Daniel was keen to offer professional training and approached Coleg Sir Gâr who placed engagement learner Joseph Lloyd who is now working with Daniel as part of an apprenticeship programme as well as working towards a barbering qualification.

Joshua Barrett

From Engagement Programme to Apprenticeships

In 2018, Joshua decided that motor mechanics was a suitable career path, and he enrolled on the Traineeship Engagement Programme, so he could take part in a work experience placement in motor mechanics at Setfords MOT Centre, Llandybie.
After a successful trial period, Joshua progressed onto the level one Diploma in Vehicle Systems Maintenance,
attending college on a day release from his employer.
Joshua successfully completed the level one diploma in June 2019, and was awarded Coleg Sir Gâr's Level 1 Trainee of the Year 2019.

To add to his success, Joshua was employed as a
Foundation Apprentice, with Tom Setford at Setfords Garage in Llandybie.

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

Different levels of Apprenticeships

Whatever your level there are different apprenticeship frameworks to suit everyone. Whether you’ve just left school, you’re a graduate or are already employed we can help you find the right starting point.

We offer 3 levels of apprenticeship programmes dependent on your entry qualifications and previous skills and knowledge.

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

Our Apprenticeships Courses

We offer a wealth of different apprenticeship training programmes across a range of sectors.

There’s something for everyone, including:

Accounting
Human Resource Management
Hairdressing
Barbering
Children’s Care, Learning & Development
Health & Social Care
Play-work
Professional Cookery
Hospitality Supervision & Leadership
Equine
Veterinary Nursing
Agriculture
Land Based Engineering
Environmental Conservation
Forestry
Horticulture
Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Engineering Maintenance
Engineering Manufacturing
Fabrication & Welding
Computing
Social Media & Digital Marketing
Electrical Installation
Painting & Decorating
Plant & Machine Operating
Plastering
Plumbing & Heating
Bricklaying
Carpentry
Construction Management
Warehouse & Storage
Glass Industry, Windows & Doors
Water Distribution

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.

Traineeship Programme

If you are between the age of 16 and 18 and unsure of the vocational area you are interested in, a Traineeship Programme may be better suited to you.

A Traineeship will give you the support, skills and qualifications you need to progress into employment, an Apprenticeship or to go into learning at a higher level.

Whilst on programme, you will gain work experience in the occupational area of your choice and receive a training allowance. You will be assigned a Training Adviser/Assessor who will provide you with high levels of support throughout your Traineeship Programme.

If the Traineeship programme goes well, you could progress onto a Traineeship Level 1 Programme and work towards a Vocational qualification at Level 1.

If you are interested, please contact wyn.david@colegsirgar.ac.uk

What is an Apprenticeship