Understanding Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a technical course which is predominantly taught in the workplace through on and off-the-job training, and accompanying study, normally through a day release to college. As an apprentice you will be employed by an organisation/business who will train you and support you throughout your learning, whilst also paying you a salary. Depending on the level of study and the industry you choose, your apprenticeship could take you between 12-48 months to complete.
Apprenticeships are work-based programmes that enable adults and young people to gain nationally recognised qualifications across all levels. An apprenticeship is designed to enhance your level of competency and confidence, allowing you to develop your practical skills and knowledge in the workplace.
Apprenticeships at Preston College
We are one of Lancashire’s leading apprenticeship training providers, welcoming over 500 new apprentices on programme every year across a full range of industry sectors.
We take immense pride in our track record of providing our apprentices with high-quality apprenticeships that set them on the path to success. Our commitment to excellence in technical education is reflected in the achievements of our apprentices, helping them to be ready to make meaningful contributions in their chosen industries.
Central to our college success, is the long-standing relationships that we have established with employers, from the self-employed and SMES, to the large corporate and international organisations. These partnerships are the cornerstone of our apprenticeship programmes, ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant, responsive, innovative, and aligned with the evolving needs of our local businesses. Through these close collaborations with employers, we are able to continuously refine and update our curriculum and ensure that our apprentices are equipped with the most current and in-demand skills, including the latest industry trends and technological advancements.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
Employers recognise their ability to hire the best of the best. They are on the lookout for those who have more than just a qualification, which is why apprenticeships are quickly becoming ever more popular with school leavers, college graduates and those already in employment who wish to upskill. Apprenticeships can benefit you and achieve and your career goals and aspirations by allowing you to:
- Earn a salary
- Learn significant and relevant skills in your industry
- Learn from industry experts
- Gain significant problem solving skills
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
- Build a recognised positive attitude within your workplace
- Become commercially focused and gain experience in dealing with customer needs
- Become self-assured to work confidently and professionally
- Work towards an industry approved qualification
- Progress from Level 2 through to Degree Level
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When thinking about apprenticeships there may be a lot of questions that either you, your parents or your employer have. Please visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions page here.
If you still have any further questions you can contact our Apprenticeship Team on t: 01772 225768 or e: appsinfo@preston.ac.uk
Qualification Levels of Apprenticeships
There are various levels of Apprenticeship to apply for depending on current skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
Intermediate – Level 2
Equivalent Educational Level – 5 GCSE passed at grade A*-C or 9-4
Advanced – Level 3
Equivalent Educational Level – 2 A Level Passes
Higher – Level 4, 5, 6 and 7
Equivalent Educational Level – HND Level and above
Degree – Level 6 and 7
Equivalent Educational Level – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
All apprenticeships include elements of on and off the job training leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships will require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice’s ability and competence in their job role.
Finding an Employer
To be an apprentice you must have an employer. If you are not already in a job and are looking to fin an employer, here are five really easy steps to help you succeed.
- Visit local employers – Visiting businesses demonstrates that you possess initiative, confidence and drive. These are key attributes that employers look for in a potential apprentice.
- Update your CV – Make sure you stand out from the crowd with the best CV possible – it’s the best way to sell yourself to an employer. Once you have a CV, please send this to our apprenticeship team at appsinfo@preston.ac.uk.
- Volunteer/ work experience – Make a lasting impression by giving a local business a helping hand – it could be your golden ticket to employment!
- Word of Mouth – Ask your friends and/or family if they know of any local companies who are looking to hire an apprentice.
- Contact our Apprenticeship Team – Our Apprenticeship Team work with hundreds of local employers and will be able to help put you in touch with businesses across the region that are recruiting. Our matching service provides strong relationship with hundreds of employers across the region who are waiting to hire you. So, whether you are a school leaver, college leaver, or already within employment, we would love to hear form you! Speak to one our our apprenticeship specialists by calling 01772 225768 or email appsinfo@preston.ac.uk
English and Maths Criteria
If you have not achieved GCSE maths and/or English, you will be required to study these alongside your apprenticeship for the majority of the apprenticeship programmes in which we offer. The sessions will be planned as part of your apprenticeship programme.
Please note:
- 19+ year olds are not required to complete their maths and English.
- Some apprenticeships do require you to have achieved maths and/or English prior to starting the apprenticeships
- Some apprenticeships may require you to have GCSE Science – please check our website
Search and Apply!
We have a dedicated web page that advertises our latest apprenticeship vacancies. Please visit this page to find out what apprenticeship vacancies we have available. Please note, these are updated regularly, so please do keep an eye open for the latest vacancies.
If you would like us to keep you in mind for any future apprenticeships, or if you would like to find out more, please apply now!
What’s more, The Career Zone at Preston College is a professional recruitment service dedicated to helping you find an apprenticeship. Our apprenticeship matching service has strong relationships with hundreds of employers across the region.
With dozen of active vacancies throughout the year, this means that we have employers ready and waiting to hire you.
Whether you are leaving school, currently at college, an adult in employment looking to upskill or you are unemployed, the Career Zone would love to hear from you. To speak to one of our specialist advisors call 01772 225222 or email: careers@preston.ac.uk