Studying full time is not for everyone. If you’ve just left school or college, or are thinking about a change of career an apprenticeship could be for you.

Apprentices learn new skills and gain work experience at the same time as studying part-time towards recognised qualifications. They also earn a wage.

Types of apprenticeships

Broadly there are four types of apprenticeship

• Intermediate level. Apprentices at this level work towards learning based qualifications such as BTEC level 2 certificate or diploma or NVQ level 2.
• Advanced level. Like apprentices at the intermediate level, advanced apprentices study at level 3, for example, BTEC level 3 Certificate (equivalent to one AS level) up to BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels)
• Higher level apprenticeship combine work and higher education, for example, a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma, honours degree or professional qualifications.
• Degree apprenticeships go further than higher level apprenticeship. They involve a degree as an integral part of the apprenticeship, which is co-designed by employers to make sure that it is relevant for their industry.

Leicester College provides apprenticeships up to higher level.

Real job opportunities

Leicester College works with hundreds of local employers, providing apprenticeship training in a huge range of roles from a business administrator, plasterer and hairdresser to teaching assistant and even less mainstream roles such as survival skills instructor and ice cream maker.

If you are considering this route be clear about the type and level of apprenticeship you want to do. Like you would if you were applying for a job, research the industry and career opportunities, your earning potential. It’s important to choose something that you are interested in and think you will enjoy doing in the future.

There are lots of places to search for apprenticeships. We have live apprenticeship vacancies on our website. You could also look at the National Apprenticeship Service and Not Going to Uni.

Looking for an apprentice?

If you are an employer thinking about taking on an apprentice or a local training provider Leicester College could be the perfect choice for you. We offer nationally-recognised training scheme that allow your employees to work towards a qualification in a specialist area, relevant to your business. The skills and knowledge that they gain will help them to flourish in their role and become a more effective member of your team.

Apprenticeships can take place entirely in your workplace, or might involve them coming into college for regularly.

Apprentices will receive ongoing support from our tutors and assessors, both in College and during workplace visits. Assessment includes observation in the workplace, witness testimony, portfolios of work, written assignments and exams.

If your apprentice is under 19, they may be eligible for fully-funded training through the Skills Funding Agency. If they are over 19, you may need to make a small contribution to the cost of the apprenticeship.

Find out more on our website or give us a call on 0116 224 2240.