Thrive at COLLEGE CHESHIRE
WELCOME
At Cheshire College apprenticeships are a huge part of what we do and I’m delighted that you are thinking about starting your apprenticeship with us! This could be your route into a range of careers, allowing you to achieve a nationally recognised qualification and even promotion to a more senior role.
Our College brings together the talents and experience of staff who deliver high-quality education, training and skills development to over 10,000 students, 1,000 apprentices and 500 employers across all three Campuses.
We are the largest provider of post-16 education in Cheshire and all our courses are designed to ensure our students leave us with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to advance in their careers.
This guide will give you a flavour of what an apprenticeship programme at Cheshire College entails and all the support available for you to achieve all your career goals. To get an even better feel for life as an apprentice at Cheshire College, you can visit one of our Open Evenings or arrange to speak to a member of our expert team.
Karen Roberts
Assistant Principal | Employer Engagement & Apprenticeships
What is an APPRENTICESHIP?
An apprenticeship is a training programme where you combine working at an organisation and studying for a nationally recognised qualification. Typically, an apprentice will spend 80% of their time working at their place of employment and the remaining 20% learning the theory behind their job role with a mix of taught sessions, independent learning and support from an assessor.
Apprenticeships are fully funded by the government or the employer, so there are no course fees. Plus, you will get paid the entire duration of your apprenticeship. There is a national minimum wage for apprentices. Your salary will be dependent on your age, what year of the apprenticeship you are in and your employer.
To be considered for an apprenticeship in England, you need to be:
Aged 16 or over
Not in full-time education
Living in England
Early in your career or looking to upskill
Scan this QR code to learn more about the different rates of pay for apprentices.
I chose to do an apprenticeship because I prefer the work environment to the classroom. You get more handson experience and apply what you learn. I love motorsport and I am hoping to be a mechanic for Formula One and racing cars.
Vinny Evans Autocare Technician Level 2
APPRENTICESHIPS at Cheshire College
At Cheshire College, we have over 1,000 apprentices enrolled in courses across a wide range of sectors and all our courses are designed to ensure our students are well equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to have a successful and sustainable future. Whoever you are, there is an apprenticeship for you at one of our three campuses:
Crewe | Ellesmere Port | Chester
Our apprenticeship programmes are designed alongside local authorities and employers to ensure you have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career. We offer apprenticeships in the following areas:
Scan this QR code to view our current apprenticeship vacancies and apply for one!
Accountancy
Business and Administration
Childcare and Education
Customer Service
Construction and Sustainability
Dentistry
WHY CHOOSE US?
We are the largest provider of post-16 education in the region
£164m invested in facilities
Member of the
We work with 500 employers more than
I’ve always wanted to be in the hair industry and thought an apprenticeship would be great. Since I started my programme here at Cheshire College, I’ve had loads of new experiences including, doing hair for celebrities. I recently did hair for Pretty Little Thing models and that was such a massive achievement for me.
Leah
Jones
Advanced and Creative Hair Professional Level 3
Benefits of APPRENTICESHIPS
Gain industry-approved qualifications
Excellent progression opportunities
Get hands-on experience
Study from GCSE to Degree level
Earn while you learn
Fast-track your career
Work alongside professionals
A varied learning experience
LEVELS OF STUDY
Levels
Level 2: Intermediate
This level is seen as the equivalent of 5 GCSEs.
Level 3: Advanced
Level 3 would be considered to be the same as 2 passes at A Level
Level 4 and 5: Higher Education
Level 4 is equivalent to a foundation degree, a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or the first year of an undergraduate degree.
Equivalent Education Level
GCSE
A Level
Level 5 apprenticeships are also treated as a higher apprenticeship but are the equivalent of a full degree.
Level 6 and 7: Higher Education
Degree apprenticeships are new types of courses offered by universities. The Level 6 apprenticeship gives candidates the opportunity to obtain a full bachelor’s degree.
Foundation degree
Apprenticeships range from Level 2 up to Level 7. These levels are also generally split into 4 categories; | Intermediate | Advanced | Higher | Degree
Level 7 is an opportunity to gain a master’s degree in your chosen subject.
Degree
Depending on the apprenticeship level, some may require:
Previous qualifications such as English or Maths GCSEs
Additional training in English or Maths
Higher apprenticeships offer you the added advantage of getting a degree in any chosen field and the opportunity to earn while you learn. You do not have to worry about paying university fees and you build work experience through the apprenticeship.
POST-APPRENTICESHIP Recognition Scheme (PARS)
PARS is a new initiative by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) to serve as a professional recognition of an apprentice’s achievement.
With this scheme, individuals who have completed apprenticeships can now use post-nominal designations such as:
Level 2
Certificate of Standard Apprenticeship (CSA)
Level 3
Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship (CAA)
Level 4 and 5
Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship (CHA)
Level 6 and 7
Certificate of Graduate Apprenticeship (CGA)
At Cheshire College we are committed to ensuring all our apprentices benefit from PARS, giving them the recognition that they are highly valued in the competitive job market.
I wanted to change career and needed to keep earning. The apprenticeship programme allowed me to get the experience that I needed in a new sector whilst also receiving a wage. My assessor has been really supportive since the start of my apprenticeship and I’ve really enjoyed the start of my career in further education.
James Sambrook Teaching Assistant Level 3
YOUR STEPS TO THRIVE
At Cheshire College, we are committed to supporting all our apprentices through all the elements of the apprenticeship programme.
Explore Cheshire College
Your first step is to experience what life in College feels like and if being an apprentice is the right step for your career goals. We organise Open Evenings throughout the year and if you attend one, you can explore our Campuses and speak to our knowledgeable staff about your career options and the support available.
Application
All our apprenticeship vacancies can be found on the government website, gov.uk and you can apply directly online. If you work for an employer and would like to start apprenticeship training with them or know a company that is willing to take you on an apprenticeship programme, contact our expert team: employers@ccsw.ac.uk
An apprenticeship is a paid job so this means that the application process for an apprenticeship will often be the same as it would be for any form of employment. Typically, an employer would ask you to:
Complete an application form (this could be online or paper-based)
Send a CV or cover letter
If your application is successful and you are shortlisted, you’d then attend an interview
Many employers will have different recruitment practices, so it’s important that you research the employer’s website and read the job advert carefully before applying.
Enrolment
After a successful interview process with the employer, the next step is to complete enrolment on Campus, this gives us the opportunity to check all your qualifications and skills, then you can officially start your apprenticeship programme.
Start of Your Apprenticeship
You will be assigned a College Assessor who will support you throughout your apprenticeship programme. They will monitor your progress, set targets and milestones, and ensure the skills you are gaining in the workplace are appropriate and are supporting the completion of your apprenticeship.
Gateway and End Point Assessment
(EPA)
After a set date (minimum of 12 months) and once you, the College and your employer all agree that you have completed the practical elements of the apprenticeship (known as the ‘Gateway’ stage), the organisation identified to complete your End Point Assessment (EPA) will check that you’ve completed all the elements required for your apprenticeship.
Certificate
After you have successfully completed your EPA, you will have officially completed all elements of your apprenticeship. This typically happens within two months of going through Gateway.
On successful completion, you will also receive your apprenticeship certificate. If you don’t pass your EPA first-time, you may be able to re-sit certain elements of it.
TALENT POOL
We are always here to help.
To get personalised support, you can join our talent pool. Our expert team are here to help you get an apprenticeship and start your new career.
Our goal is to match you with an apprenticeship programme and employer that suits you. Whether you are ready to apply straight away or need help knowing where to start, we are here to support you every step of the way.
When you register for the talent pool at Cheshire College, you will have a dedicated apprenticeship coordinator based at your chosen Campus who will get to know you, your needs, and professional goals so that we can find the right opportunity for you.
If you're not quite ready to apply straight away, you can still join the talent pool and get support with careers advice, CV writing and interview skills, and you will be the first to hear about new apprenticeship vacancies. Looking to register for the talent pool?
Scan this QR code and complete a quick interest form and we’ll be in touch!
The apprenticeship programme has given me the opportunity to take part in regional competitions. I’ve actively developed my skills in the industry such as soldering, pipe bending and all bits about plumbing, it’s been a great experience.
Cole Hull
Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Level 3
SKILLS FOR LIFE
Throughout an apprenticeship, you will benefit from gaining multiple skills. These skills will not only help you succeed in your professional life but will also enhance your personal relationships; these skills will be with you for life.
Communication skills
An apprenticeship programme will help you improve your writing, speaking and negotiation skills thus preparing you for the world of work.
Enthusiasm
Passion for your work helps you stay motivated even during the most challenging times and allows you to maintain focus and learn.
Independence
Using your initiative to complete tasks on your own and identifying when team member’s support would be most useful.
Interpersonal skills
Learning to work alongside colleagues at different levels and from different backgrounds.
Self-motivation
Motivating yourself to keep your apprenticeship on track and allow you to achieve your goals more quickly, no matter what they are.
Teamwork
Being able to quickly adapt with new teams and collaborate on projects that lead to success.
Technical knowledge
Developing technical knowledge during your apprenticeship when colleagues and specialists instruct you in different skills and demonstrate how to carry out various tasks.
Work ethic
A strong work ethic also means being honest at work and owning up to your mistakes when things go wrong.
Get in Touch for CAREERS ADVICE
Whether you are considering an apprenticeship or are unsure what career path is right for you, our Careers Team offer confidential and accessible career advice delivered by professional and highly qualified staff, across all three Campuses.
An apprenticeship could be your route into a range of careers or further career progression, some of which may surprise you. Our services are open to anyone, you don’t have to be a current student to get in touch with the team and explore your options.
Send an email to:
careers@ccsw.ac.uk
I will be taking years of work experience from my time as an apprentice. I now understand how the theory works in practice. If you are thinking about doing an apprenticeship, have a go at it!
Aaron Shepherd Engineering HNC
Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
What
are
the entry requirements for apprenticeships?
Each level of apprenticeship has different entry requirements. Depending on the level of apprenticeship you are interested in, entry requirements may include previous qualifications, e.g. GCSE English and Maths.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on the length of the course but must last for a minimum of 12 months.
You will be employed as an apprentice and typically work four days a week and study for one day a week. You will be expected to work the normal hours for your industry and be paid by your employer.
How do apprenticeships work? www.ccsw.ac.uk/apprenticeships
How much will I be paid?
There are different rates depending on your age and the year of the apprenticeship you are in. If you are aged 16 to 18, or 19 years or over and in your first year, you will be paid the National Minimum Wage rate (or above at the discretion of your employer).
If you are aged 19 years or over and have completed your first year, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age (or above at the discretion of your employer).
Is it true that apprenticeships are not as ‘good’ as degrees?
Apprenticeships are valued just as highly as undergraduate degrees and are already quite popular with businesses across the UK and overseas. It is also possible to complete a degree apprenticeship, and you will gain the same qualification as you would if you attended university full-time.
Are apprenticeships only for school-leavers?
There is no upper age limit for apprenticeships, as long as you are over the age of 16, you can apply for an apprenticeship. Occasionally, due to health and safety reasons, you need to be over 18 for some apprenticeships, so always make sure you check the requirements on the job description to make sure you fit the criteria.
