Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships
What are Apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship is a structured training programme, specific to your needs, enabling you to gain knowledge and experience leading to a successful career. It is a mixture of on and off-the-job training enabling you to gain qualifications relevant to your chosen occupation. Apprenticeships are available for those aged 16 – 65 and are free to the learner but an employer contribution may be required for learners who start an apprenticeship aged 19+.
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships are designed to meet the requirements of the industry through which the learner is looking to progress their career and the level of an apprenticeship is relevant to the level of the learner’s occupation and previous experience.
Job Vacancies – Bicton College has a wide range of employers looking for apprentices - please click on the link below to find out which vacancies we have at the moment.
You will be taken to the National Apprenticeship Service website, where you may be required to register to view the full details, alternatively, If you are interested in finding out more about any of these vacancies please contact Hilary Bush on 01395 562394.
Click here for current vacancies
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships at Level 2 enable you to start working, earn a decent wage, all whilst learning the skills and gaining the qualifications which employers want. Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships aren't just based on academic achievement - practical skills count as well as your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen.
You will work towards gaining a nationally recognised framework qualification that includes a competence-based qualification, transferable skills and legislative qualifications relevant to the industry.
Video - Paul talks about learning to fix machinery and using hydraulics to lift heavy equipment. (Clicking this link will take you to an external video link at Futuremorph)
Advanced Apprenticeships
Advanced Apprentices at Level 3 are designed to reflect a Managerial (craft) occupation level and the key business skills that employers look for and include in a nationally recognised framework qualification a competence-based qualification, transferable skills and legislative qualifications relevant to the industry. Entry at this level may be progression from an Apprenticeship or direct if a learner is at this level.
Bicton Training offers Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships in:
(Click links below to view more information, to download Adobe Reader click here)
Eligibility
The government guarantee provides Apprenticeships places for all 16-18 year olds and in certain circumstances extends this to young people aged 19-25 who have been disadvantaged from starting an apprenticeship earlier. Limited places are also available to for those aged over 19 who are in employment and sponsored by their employer.
Potential learners’ eligibility is subject to interview, initial assessment, previous qualifications and suitable employment.
Training Programme
There will be no cost to you for your training on these schemes. It will be delivered between both the College and your place of work. Training at College may be through residential block courses or on a day-release basis. The College has excellent facilities for both study and recreation.
Wage
Apprentices are normally expected to work for a minimum of 30 hours per week and employers are responsible for wage and other employment costs. The salary is negotiated to reflect the abilities, age, skills and experience of the apprentice, taking into account the going rate for the job concerned. All apprentices must have a contract of employment and be paid under the PAYE scheme.
- Apprentices under the age of 19 and in their first 12 months of their programme are exempt under the national minimum wage but if you are employed and under 19 years old a minimum wage of £2.50 per hour applies under this programme.
- You will not have to pay for lodging whilst on block release at College.
Please see the individual courses for more information on each apprenticeship.