APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn, either entering a new industry of your choosing, or upskilling in your chosen area to progress.
Begin your journey into your dream career, whether that be with a traineeship or an apprenticeship, we can help you get your foot in the door with an exciting organisation.
Believe that you can make it to the very top, through your very own personalised approach to learning.
Become a leader in your field! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of rising the ranks, they offer clear progression routes, and you can even gain degrees through apprenticeships.
At Weston College we are here to support you throughout the whole apprenticeship process, from how to write a CV, to interview tips, we’re here to support you.
Speak to our team about apprenticeships! Our dedicated team are here to support you through the apprenticeship journey.
Click here to book a 1:1 session with themAvailable Apprenticeships courses
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY INTO AN EXCITING INDUSTRY
How My Apprenticeship Has Benefited Me
Hi, I’m Georgia, an apprentice at Weston College.
I started my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in May 2021 working in the Employment Services Department. It has been such a fantastic experience for me, and I have actually already received a promotion as an Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team – whilst still completing my apprenticeship.
I didn’t start an apprenticeship fresh out of school or college, I was actually working in a full-time, permanent position, however I felt I wanted to gain a qualification whilst continuing to earn a wage. It was at this point I looked down the apprenticeship route.
After researching further into the different apprenticeship routes available, I decided that the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship was perfect for me. I feel that an apprenticeship gives you the perfect balance between work and study and this is just what I was after.
My apprenticeship has provided me with so many opportunities, and it has really helped me to develop a number of key skills, which will benefit me in my career.
One of the biggest skills I was able to learn and improve during my apprenticeship was my Digital Skills. I had the opportunity to complete my Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel Certifications and I was able to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate Level Certification.
My apprenticeship has also helped me gain confidence in communicating with external stakeholders, as I have built the skills which enable me to communicate professionally and confidently. This has really benefited me in my new role, as I am required to communicate regularly with the external partners from the West of England Works Project.
If you’re reading this and considering an apprenticeship, you should definitely go for it! It will open new doors to you, and give you many transferable skills which will help you to achieve your career goals.
Not only that, the support available is second to none. I have received support from my assessor, manager and colleagues, which has meant that the whole process of my apprenticeship has been smooth and manageable.
Thanks to my apprenticeship, I have been able to start my career and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.
Georgia Stanbridge, Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team
Apprentice Turned Mercedes Technician: Luke Recognised for WorldSkills Win
Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from the Institute of Motors Industry
(IMI) for his outstanding success as a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes!
WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’. Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the top learners in the country.
After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare where he continues his career in automotive technology.
Luke states: "Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes.
“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills."
Steve Harvey, Head of Business at Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job!
Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.”
Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group!
Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.”
“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3."
Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through their newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, which include WorldSkills competing opportunities.
NOT QUITE READY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?
If you’re not quite ready for an apprenticeship, we have many pre-apprenticeship opportunities on offer.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUDYING AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Contact our Apprenticeship Team to find out if an apprenticeship is right for you!
FIND OUT MORE
Click on the boxes below to find out more
Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular way of gaining nationally recognised qualifications alongside workplace experience, which is vital in the current economic climate. If you're thinking about following this route, these steps will help you get started.
What type of apprenticeship can I choose?
We have over 70 areas to choose from, from barbering to business administration and engineering to estate agency.
Our apprenticeships are available for people that want to just enter the industry, or for people that are looking to progress and upskill.
When should I apply?
If you're looking at starting the apprenticeship imminently, then you can apply today. If you’re leaving school in the summer and have chosen an apprenticeship as your preferred career path you can apply for the course and we will get in touch with you for a course interview. Our award winning Apprenticeship Recruitment Team will be able to offer you lots of support in how to find an apprenticeship that’s right for you.
How do I find an employer?
If you’re just starting out in a new industry, we can support you. Our apprenticeship team receive new vacancies from employers every day and can match you with an organisation that is a great fit for you and the employer.
We also have a wide range of employers that have vacancies right now, you can view them, here.
How do I apply for a vacancy?
When you see a vacancy you like, please hit the ‘apply now’ button and fill out your details. You will then be redirected the National Apprenticeship Service's " Find an Apprenticeship" website where you will be able to complete an online application form.
Do I need a CV?
Yes, employers want to get to know you, and make sure that you’ll both be a great fit for each other.
Writing a CV can be daunting, but our team can help. Please email the Apprenticeship Team at apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk who will be able to support you.
What happens next?
When your CV has been submitted to an employer, you may be asked to attend an interview. Our Recruitment Team will support you through this, offering interview techniques and training- just give us a call.
If you’re new to apprenticeships, then I’m sure that you will have many questions. This useful guide will hopefully provide you, with the answers that you need.
How old do you have to be for an apprenticeship?
Anyone over the age of 16 can be an apprentice. We offer apprenticeships from Level 2 right through to Degree Level – so we can help you enter the industry or develop your skills to progress in your current organisation.
Do I need to attend College?
It depends on your apprenticeship. The majority of our apprenticeships are delivered in the workplace, but some may include block release for you to attend college.
Will I be paid?
Yes, apprenticeships give you the perfect opportunity to earn while you learn. Your actual salary will be determined by your employer, but the National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £4.81 for under 19 and over 19’s in the first year of apprenticeship, followed by the National Minimum Wage for your age.
How long should the apprenticeship take to complete?
This varies depending on the level of Apprenticeship that you are studying. The minimum amount of time spent on a level 2 Apprenticeship is just over a year.
Do I get holidays?
Yes. As an employee of any business, you are entitled to the statutory minimum of 20 days paid holiday per year, pro rata.
Are all the jobs local?
Our apprenticeship vacancies are across the region, including Bristol, Taunton, Bridgwater, Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
What is the apprenticeship qualification equivalent to?
- Level 2 is equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A-C/9-4
- Level 3 is equivalent to two A Levels
- Level 4 and 5 are equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Level 6 and 7 are equivalent to a Degree
Can I get additional support if I have learning difficulties?
Yes. Support is available to all apprentices who have been identified as having additional learning needs.
Hear from our apprentices and their employers
LATEST NEWS
<p>My name is Dave Newman, and I am the owner and Chef Patron at <a href="https://www.thegingerpigkitchen.uk/">The Ginger Pig Kitchen</a>, here in Weston-super-Mare. The Ginger Pig Kitchen is a local restaurant, focusing on fresh food, served in a relaxed atmosphere with great service.</p>
<p>I hugely enjoy working with the college; watching the students develop and grow under our guidance is amazing – being able to reflect on their abilities when they first began, compared to the skills they have now, is so fulfilling as an employer. As well as skills development, their confidence grows massively too, allowing them to interact better with each other and the customers. The skills and the confidence growing in unison while working results in working towards a successful career in hospitality!</p>
<p>I work with the college in many ways, including delivering masterclasses, which take place throughout the year to showcase my skills to learners and teach them how to progress. I also detail what we do in my restaurant, the process of keeping the customers happy and why we do it in the way that we do.</p>
<p>The impact of the involvement with the learners on the organisation has been huge. They play an important part of the team, and massively contribute to the smooth running of the restaurant.</p>
<p>I truly believe giving learners a good chance at progression, showing them how to be a role model, and developing their workplace skills, will help them on the way to their next opportunity in hospitality.</p>
<p>In 2018 I decided I wanted to complete a<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons…; Digital and Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship</a>, to further my development and provide me with a valuable next step in my career.</p><p>I had already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, and was working as a Software Developer at NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (<a href="https://www.scwcsu.nhs.uk/">NHS SCWCSU</a>). My employer was really supportive, and I started my apprenticeship working with them for the first two years, before moving to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-hydrographic-office">UK Hydrographic Office</a>.</p><p>The apprenticeship really supported me in my development, and gave me a lot of highlights. It is difficult to give one overall highlight, so I’ll give two.</p><p>Firstly, the people. It was interesting meeting lots of people from varied backgrounds and ages that had decided that this was the rout for them, and I’ve made some lasting friendships from the apprenticeship.</p><p>Secondly, the opportunity to play with different technologies to what I’d use day-to-day in work. The programming assignments really gave me latitude to experiment in a way I otherwise wouldn’t find time for.</p><p>I completed my apprenticeship in the summer, and now I’m a Software Engineer working for <a href="https://www.justeattakeaway.com/">JustEatTakeaway.com</a>, the parent entity of Just Eat and Takeaway.com, solving interesting authentication and authorization problems at scale.</p><p>If you’re considering an apprenticeship, then you should do it. It will be difficult at times, and stressful at times, trying to balance work and degree work, but it’s worth it in the end. For me, the sense of accomplishment alone was worth it, but the degree without any debt hanging over you is also very nice and opens up new doors for you.</p><p><em>Hugo Woodiwiss</em></p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons… out more about our degree apprenticeships, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p>My name is Alex and I am undergoing an apprenticeship in Operational Firefighting.</p>
<p>Becoming a firefighter is something that I always wanted to do, so I decided to apply, and I did this through the Avon Fire and Rescue Service website.</p>
<p>It wasn’t an easy process, but it was rewarding as you went though and completed each step.</p>
<p>The college were really supportive through the process; I received frequent emails, they provided me with vital information and were very quick at replying to any questions I had. Now on station, I have a line of contact to the college through my assessor.</p>
<p>There is a lot to learn when becoming a firefighter, so having a large educational institute like Weston College involved gave me confidence in the education and training I would receive, and ultimately allow me to be successful in this career.</p>
<p>This apprenticeship has allowed me to gain real world experience and give me insight into what life is like as a firefighter. Something that I have really appreciated is the experience I gain from firefighters on station.</p>
<p>There are challenges too, with the most challenging part being the wide range of techniques and equipment we have to learn in order to be effective in the many types of incidents we attend.</p>
<p>If you’re considering an apprenticeship then I think you should go for it! They are a mix between real world practice, as well as engaging in some theory from lectures and lesson style learning. There is a demand for being physically practical as well as being able to computer-based college work.</p>
<p><a href="https://yesyoucan.careers/wholetime">Apply to become a Firefighter through an apprenticeship, by clicking here.</a> </p>
