Apprenticeships

What if I don’t currently have an employer?

It is always recommended that you seek employment within an industry that you have an interest in or have had experience in and enjoyed. Think about your skills, talents and interests and how these could be transferred to the workplace.

BCoT works closely with employers and are made aware of any vacancies they have available so make sure that you speak with the team to find out if there is anything suitable for you. Please do not rely on this though, we always recommend that you actively seek employment yourself. You are also able to search for vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service website and the Apprentices for Business website.

Apprentices for Business work closely with BCoT to provide flexible recruitment and they will endeavour to match you with employers who are looking to recruit motivated young people.

What Apprenticeships are available from BCoT?

BCoT can offer Apprenticeship Programmes in the following areas:

• Accountancy
• Advanced Creative & Digital Media
• Animal Care
• Automotive
• Barbering
• Business Administration
• Children’s Care
• Construction
• Customer Services
• Engineering
• Hairdressing
• Health and Social Care
• Hospitality
• Learning & Development
• Management
• Retail
• Supporting Teaching & Learning (for teaching assistants)
• Team Leading
• Warehousing

If the Apprenticeship you are interested in does not appear please contact the team.

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How much can I expect to earn as an apprentice?

All employed apprentices must receive a minimum hourly rate of £2.60. However as skills develop, many employers choose to increase an apprentices salary, in fact research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 per week.

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Do I have to pay anything to become an apprentice?

No, your employer will pay you your salary and contribute to any additional training costs that the government does not cover, which is dependent on your age.

If you are 16-18 apprenticeships are fully funded and your employer pays nothing towards it.

If you are 19-24 then a 50% contribution is required from your employer.

If you are over 25 then it is likely that your employer is required to pay a contribution.

For further information please speak with one of the team.

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Will I get treated differently to other employees?

You have the same employment rights and responsibilities as any other employee and you should not get treated any differently. You are entitled to holidays, fair working hours and breaks. The tasks you are asked to carry out may differ slightly because you are undergoing a training programme.

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What support will I get from BCoT?

When you start your apprenticeship you will be assigned a mentor who will create a learning plan for you and review your progress the entire way through the apprenticeship. Your mentor is also there to deal with any concerns or issues you may have with either the apprenticeship programme or your employer. You will also have a tutor at the college, an assessor for the work based learning element and access to the college’s learner services department

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What qualifications will I get at the end of my apprenticeship?

Whilst undertaking an apprenticeship you are working towards an NVQ Certificate or NVQ Diploma as your work based qualification, this will either be a Level 2 for an Apprenticeship or a Level 3 for the Advanced Apprenticeship. Alongside this you will be working towards a Technical Certificate at the same level, this will be carried out at college along with the relevant Key Skills/Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT. Level 1 Key Skills/Functional Skills are required for a Level 2 Apprenticeship and Level 2 Key Skills/Functional Skills are required for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. These qualifications are nationally recognised and your programme can be transferred to an alternative employer if at any point necessary.

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How can I progress after completing my apprenticeship?

You may wish to progress onto a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship following the completion of your Level 2 Apprenticeship. It may also lead into higher education. BCoT also offer a variety of part time evening courses which may benefit you in your job role and career progression. View the list of part time courses on offer here.

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