APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE
WHY CHOOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP WITH US?
As the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Manchester, we work with more than 2,000 employers and 2,500 apprentices in a range of sectors, from health and social care to hospitality and catering, bricklaying to business and many more. Apprenticeships work well for businesses and apprentices - they develop talent and drive organisations forward. Apprenticeships are recognised as a fantastic route to develop careers, without the burden of student loans or study debts. As an apprentice you will be employed, earn a salary and gain a recognised qualification. Our programmes range from levels 2 to 6, including higher or degree apprenticeships. They may last 8 to 48 months, depending on the apprentice and the sector. The government has placed apprenticeships at the heart of the skills system in the UK, making sure that apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to thrive in their chosen career.
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APPRENTICESHIPS EXPLAINED A JOB
A SALARY
A QUALIFICATION
WHERE DO I LEARN?
Every apprentice is employed. Employers of all sizes recruit and support apprentices. They need you to help their organisation be the best it can be. Employers must commit to keeping you for the duration of your apprenticeship. Many employers keep apprentices much longer and some progress to higher level apprenticeships to develop their careers. As part of your job role, employers support your study and develop your skills.
As an apprentice you will work towards a package of study that is right for your employer and your chosen career. Across the UK, employers have come together to design standards that ensure apprentices develop the skills needed to succeed. All apprentices must be competent to successfully complete their apprenticeship at their chosen level. This means they must be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required.
All apprentices receive a salary for their apprenticeship. The government sets minimum levels of payment (gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) for apprentices. We challenge all of our apprentice employers to pay the best they can. If they require the best staff, they need to pay the best. Apprentices are paid for all their study time which forms part of their employment contract.
You will learn in the workplace first and foremost, as this is the best place to develop the skills that an employer needs, supported by our specialist apprenticeship delivery team. Some apprentices attend college, while others don’t. This depends on the sector and learning requirements. You will have full access to learning resources at college for the duration of the apprenticeship.
HOW LONG IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
This varies. Apprenticeships range in duration from 8 to 48 months. It all depends on the sector and the range and type of learning required. You will have your own learning plan, which provides details on how long your apprenticeship will last, based on your needs and situation.
HOW WILL I ACHIEVE MY APPRENTICESHIP? You will achieve your apprenticeship by successfully passing the End Point Assessment, these vary depending on the apprenticeship and can include a knowledge test, professional discussion and/or practical assessment.
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APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES 5
Business & Professional
7
Service Industries
19
Construction & the Built Environment
21
Engineering & Motor Vehicle
APPRENTICESHIP LEVELS LEVEL 2 FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS 8 - 12 months A Foundation Apprenticeship provides a practical introduction to a chosen industry, helping to build skills and progress to a full apprenticeship or further training. LEVEL 2 INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIPS 12 - 18 months Equivalent to 5 GCSEs LEVEL 3 ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS 18 - 48 Months Equivalent to 2 A Levels HIGHER-LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS Levels 4 and 5 24 months or more Equivalent to Foundation Degree INTEGRATED DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS Levels 6 and 7 3 - 6 years Level 6 equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree Level 7 equivalent to a Masters Degree
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Employers are looking for apprentices who have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4. Level 2 - A minimum of 5 GCSEs, graded 9-3 or equivalent, including Maths or English. Level 3 - A minimum of 5 GCSEs, graded 9-4 or equivalent, including Maths or English. If you don’t get the grades required, contact our admissions team who can advise on your options.
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TAKE YOUR CAREER HIGHER
Get future ready with us. Whether you’re a college leaver or an adult learner, our degree apprenticeships are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. Whether you’re starting your career, retraining for a new direction or looking to progress in your current role, we’ll help you take the next step. As a local University Centre, we offer a friendly, supportive learning environment with smaller class sizes and dedicated tutors who are committed to helping you reach your full potential. At the University Centre Wigan and Leigh College, we offer more than a traditional university experience. From industry connections and leadership qualifications to educational trips and access to outstanding facilities, we provide opportunities to develop your confidence, broaden your experience and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Higher Degree Apprenticeships Earn, learn and get ready for the future. Higher degree apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain a university level qualification while working, earning a salary and building valuable industry experience. Developed around the needs of employers and the changing world of work, they help you develop future-ready skills that can support your career progression. Through our strong links with local employers, we connect learning with real workplace challenges, helping you apply your knowledge in practice, build professional networks and develop the skills businesses need. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or gain a higher degree while continuing to work, a higher degree apprenticeship offers a practical route to achieving your ambitions.
ELLIOTT’S JOURNEY IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
For Elliott, an apprenticeship at Sellafield offered the perfect opportunity to turn his passion for engineering into a career. “The chance to develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for an engineering career made it the ideal pathway for me.” “The smaller class sizes created an environment where I was able to build strong relationships with my tutors and receive personalised guidance whenever I needed it.”
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CUSTOMER SERVICE From accounting, customer service and team leadership, the range of career options working in the business sector continues to grow. As Manchester continues to expand as a major business hub for the financial and digital sectors in the northwest, more and more apprenticeships are becoming available, with employers seeking a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
APPRENTICESHIP Accounts / Finance Assistant
Level 2
Administration Assistant
Level 2
Customer Service Practitioner
Level 2
Facilities Operative
Level 2
Retailer
Level 2
Assistant Accountant
Level 3
Business Administrator
Level 3
Content Creator
Level 3
Customer Service Specialist
Level 3
Digital Support Technician
Level 3
Multi-Channel Marketer
Level 3
Retail Team Leader
Level 3
Professional Accounting Technician
Level 4
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STEPHANIE BOLTON Assistant Capital Project Officer Wigan Council “ The apprenticeship was crucial for me in securing my change in career. The best thing about doing an apprenticeship was it was a great way to change career with me being a bit older, getting paid at the same time and learning new skills too – I needed that.”
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SERVICE INDUSTRIES Service industries are all around us, shaping the experiences we enjoy every day and helping communities thrive. From welcoming guests and creating memorable dining experiences to boosting confidence through hair and beauty services, caring for animals, and bringing creativity to life’s special moments, these careers make a real difference to people’s lives.
SERVICE INDUSTRIES INCLUDE:
Our Service Industries apprenticeships provide opportunities to develop practical, in-demand skills while earning in the workplace. Combining hands-on experience with expert training, apprentices gain the confidence, creativity and professionalism needed to succeed in rewarding careers, while employers benefit from nurturing the next generation of talented industry professionals.
Floristry & Horticulture
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Catering & Hospitality Childcare & Early Years Dog Grooming
Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy Health & Social Care
NAILING HER FUTURE: MILLIE’S JOURNEY TO BEAUTY THERAPY SUCCESS After leaving high school in 2023, Millie turned her passion for beauty into a career through a Beauty Therapy apprenticeship. Alongside developing professional treatment skills and industry knowledge, she grew in confidence, stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Now a qualified Beauty Therapist with a loyal client base, Millie loves helping clients feel their best, with nail treatments being her favourite way to combine creativity and technical skill. “My apprenticeship helped me become more confident, skilled and passionate about the work I do. It gave me the foundation to build a career in an industry I love.” Millie, Beauty Therapist at Elite Boutique.
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CATERING & HOSPITALITY The range of opportunities for a career in this sector is vast especially since Brexit and post lockdown. From hotels, restaurants, pubs, food and coffee shops, to institutions with catering departments, such as the uniformed services, hospitals, schools and colleges, as well as a range of large private sector businesses.
APPRENTICESHIP
Greater Manchester is renowned for hospitality excellence and has some of the finest restaurants and public houses in the country, with new establishments opening on a regular basis.
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Baker
Level 2
Commis Chef
Level 2
Hospitality Team Member
Level 2
Production Chef
Level 2
Chef de Partie
Level 3
Hospitality Supervisor
Level 3
Pastry Chef
Level 3
Senior Production Chef
Level 3
Hospitality Manager
Level 4
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CHILDCARE & EARLY YEARS High quality childcare improves development outcomes and narrows the gaps between disadvantaged children and their peers. Government priorities to improve the qualifications profile of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce means there has never been a better time to secure an apprenticeship and gain your qualification in the early years sector.
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APPRENTICESHIP Early Years Practitioner
Level 2
Early Years Educator
Level 3
Teaching Assistant
Level 3
Children, Young People & Families Practitioner
Level 4
Children, Young People & Families Manager
Level 5
MISHA CLARK
Level 3 Early Years Apprentice Highfield Pre School “ This apprenticeship works for me because I am a practical learner. I am assessed on the things I do every day, so I know I am gaining the relevant experience.” “ It is a rewarding career and I can use what I learn straight away. I can see the benefit and impact it has on my students.”
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DOG GROOMING Dog grooming offers a rewarding career within the growing animal care sector, with opportunities in specialist grooming salons, pet stores, kennels, rescue centres and dog day care settings. Working with a wide variety of breeds, coat types and temperaments, dog groomers play an important role in maintaining canine health, welfare and appearance. As demand for professional grooming services continues to grow, skilled dog groomers are highly valued for their technical expertise, animal care knowledge and ability to provide excellent customer service.
APPRENTICESHIP Dog Groomer
Level 2
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FLORISTRY & HORTICULTURE Floristry offers a creative and rewarding career with opportunities in retail flower shops, weddings, events, funerals and specialist floral design businesses. Combining artistic flair with practical skills, florists create everything from hand-tied bouquets to stunning event displays while providing expert advice and excellent customer service. As demand grows for bespoke floral designs, skilled florists are highly valued for their creativity, technical expertise and ability to bring customers’ visions to life. Horticulture offers a rewarding career creating and maintaining a wide range of outdoor spaces, from parks, gardens and estates to schools, visitor attractions and business environments. Combining practical skills with creativity, horticulture professionals work with plants, landscapes and outdoor features to help spaces thrive and look their best. Whether specialising in garden maintenance or landscape construction, you’ll develop the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to make a lasting impact on the environments people enjoy every day.
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APPRENTICESHIP Floristry
Level 2
Horticulture
Level 2
HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY THERAPY In an industry dominated by smaller businesses, hiring energetic young talent is really important to the hair and beauty sector.
APPRENTICESHIP Beauty Therapist
Level 2
There are more than 43,000 hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses in the UK.
Hair Professional
Level 2
Advanced and Creative Hair Professional
Level 3
Wellbeing & Holistic Therapists
Level 3
The number of hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses is now more than 43,000 across the UK, with the greatest concentrations in the northwest, London and the southeast. Despite the pandemic, the number of hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses continued to grow year on year, albeit at a slower rate than in previous years. And the opportunities for self employment continue to be high, with 63 per cent of those working in the hair and beauty sector self-employed.
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IMOGEN JONES
Level 2 Hair Professional “I have found my calling. I prefer the practical side of education. I love being able to have a conversation with people from different walks of life. Learning the skills allows me to really help people to feel good about themselves. It’s a rewarding career path.”
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HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE The caring sector is one of those facing skills and recruitment challenges. With life expectancy increasing year on year, we need to care for many more elderly people. Career opportunities are vast with high demand for staff in the public and private sectors. The NHS needs to recruit 190,000 more employees by 2027 to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population. New and existing staff are benefiting from a range of apprenticeships in the health and care sector, from Level 2 right up to higher and degree options. Healthcare assistants already working in roles supporting qualified practitioners are taking up higher apprenticeships, freeing up registered practitioners to deliver what they have been uniquely trained for.
APPRENTICESHIP Adult Care Worker
Level 2
Senior Healthcare Support Worker
Level 3
Lead Adult Care Worker
Level 3
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MIA ELWICK
Level 2 Adult Care Worker “I work with people who have experienced the same career so they are here to help and guide me. Every day is a highlight. I feel like I am ahead of the curve because I learn and use my skills every day. “It makes me feel more confident in my role and that helps me to enjoy it more.”
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CONSTRUCTION & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT BRICKWORK
APPRENTICESHIP
PLASTERING
Bricklayer
JOINERY
Level 2
Carpentry & Joinery (Architectural)
Level 2
PLUMBING
Carpentry & Joinery (Site)
Level 2
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Groundworker
Level 2
Painter & Decorator
Level 2
Plasterer
Level 2
Craft Bricklayer
Level 3
Craft Carpentry & Joinery (Site)
Level 3
Domestic Electrician
Level 3
Installation & Maintenance Electrician
Level 3
Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician
Level 3
Skills shortages in the building sector combined with the increase in building projects across Greater Manchester and the northwest means there are a wide range of apprenticeships on offer. More than 27,000 new jobs are set to be created in the construction industry across Greater Manchester over the next 10-20 years - many of them apprenticeships. Economic forecasts predict at least 10,000 new house builds - another great opportunity for apprentices. And as construction companies struggle to recruit staff, many are developing their own talent through the apprenticeship framework.
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JACOB REDFERN
Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship at Cara Brickwork “I was delighted to secure my apprenticeship after completing my Level 2 Brickwork course at Wigan & Leigh College. The tutors pushed me to develop my skills and confidence, encouraging me to share my work and seek feedback from industry professionals. That support helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’m now gaining valuable experience on site while working towards my future career goals.”
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ENGINEERING & MOTOR VEHICLE CIVIL ENGINEERING
APPRENTICESHIP
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Engineering Operative
Level 2
Food & Drink Process Operator (FDQ)
Level 2
Science Manufacturing Process Operative
Level 2
Civil Engineering Technician
Level 3
Digital Engineering Technician
Level 3
Surveying Technician
Level 3
Engineering Fitter
Level 3
Engineering Maintenance Technician (Single Discipline)
Level 3
Engineering Manufacturing Support Technician
Level 3
Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer
Level 3
Food & Drink Technical Operator
Level 3
Machining Technician
Level 3
Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
Level 3
Metal Fabricator
Level 3
Motor Vehicle and Service Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle)
Level 3
Power Industry Distribution Cable Jointer
Level 3
Power Industry Overhead Linesperson
Level 3
Power Industry Substation Fitter
Level 3
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MOTOR VEHICLE Engineers are essential in almost all industry sectors. If you lean towards the technical, enjoy maths, science and IT and like solving problems then the engineering industry could be for you. Manual dexterity, an interest in the technical side of operating machinery, good interpersonal and teamwork skills, and an enquiring mind are also an advantage for engineering apprentices. Industries that require suitably qualified engineering and manufacturing employees include aerospace, nuclear, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and automation and robotics. Mechanical, electrical, electronic, chemical and software engineers are highly sought-after, with design, production and maintenance opportunities in numerous industries.
Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3
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HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP Automation & Controls Engineering Technician
Level 4
Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Construction Design & Build Technician Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Level 4 Electrical Power Networks Engineer Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician (Electrical) Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician (Mechanical) Level 4 Nuclear Technician (Civil Engineering) Level 5 Nuclear Technician (Electrical) Level 5 Nuclear Technician (Mechanical) Level 5
INTEGRATED DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP Nuclear Scientist & Nuclear Engineer (Integrated Degree) - Electrical Level 6 Nuclear Scientist & Nuclear Engineer (Integrated Degree) - Mechanical Level 6
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LEWIS BROCKBANK Level 3 Mechanical Engineering apprentice at Standish Engineering “The best part of my apprenticeship has been seeing my skills improve and putting them into practice on the shop floor. I wanted to become an engineer because everything around us has been designed or produced by engineers, and I wanted to be part of that.”
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HOW TO APPLY CURRENTLY AT COLLEGE?
STILL AT SCHOOL? 1. Find out about apprenticeships from your school careers advisor, or visit our website. 2. Complete an application form at wigan-leigh.ac.uk/apply 3. You will have an interview with our Admissions Team possibly at school. 4. We will need your CV to help you find employment through our apprenticeship vacancies.
1. Call in to the FAB Futures team for advice and guidance on completing an application form, creating a CV and developing employability skills. 2. Our Apprenticeship Advisors will help you to assess whether you are ready for work, apply for current vacancies and add you to our talent pool. 3. We can also refer you to other sources of apprenticeship vacancies.
5. Once you have secured employment, we will sign you up to an apprenticeship.
ALREADY EMPLOYED?
Call the Employer Engagement team on 01942 761851 or email apprenticeships@wigan-leigh.ac.uk to arrange your sign up.
BE ORGANISED
Keep a job log to track the employers you have contacted and the outcome. Remember to be persistent and stay positive.
THE APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEY Find out which career is right for you
Apply for apprenticeship vacancies
CV and employability skills 25 Currently at college? Call in to FAB Futures
Secure an apprenticeship
Get an interview
OUR PARTNERS
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Construction & Interior Services Ltd
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CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION You can contact our apprenticeship team or view our latest apprenticeship vacancies online 01942 761851 visit: wigan-leigh.ac.uk/apprenticeships email: apprenticeships@wigan-leigh.ac.uk 27 Currently at college? Call in to FAB Futures