Apprenticeships
Would you like to earn while you learn? Are you looking to achieve qualifications and skills while gaining work experience in your chosen industry? Would you benefit from ongoing support and training while you work? If so, an Apprenticeship could be for you, providing a real way to improve your career prospects and professional development.
We offer Apprenticeships in a wide range of areas. Each one will include a sector-specific qualification that is directly relevant to your work and will enable you to gain the skills and knowledge that employers want. All our qualifications are designed in partnership with employers to ensure you receive training that is appropriate to the job.
The skills you learn will be assessed in the workplace and you’ll attend college to learn the theory that you can then put into practice at work. During your Apprenticeship, we’ll give you advice, guidance, encouragement and assistance in gaining or changing employment. We’ll provide you with an individual training plan to meet your needs and a real opportunity to gain skills, experience and nationally- recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeship (Level 2)
•Equivalent to five GCSEs at Grades A*- C
•Takes 1-2 years to complete
•You’ll study a Level 2 qualification in your chosen specialist area
•You’ll gain a Functional Skills qualification
•You’ll work towards a Technical Certificate
•On completion, you could progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship
•You’ll be employed and earning a full time wage whilst gaining the
benefits of high quality training to further your career prospects.
Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)
•Equivalent to two or more A Levels or a BTEC National Diploma.
•Training lasts between 1-3 years
•You’ll work towards a Level 3 qualification and will be aiming for a technical, supervisory or junior management role
•You’ll also work towards a higher level of Technical Certificate and Functional Skills
•For some, an Advanced Apprenticeship is a stepping stone to
•University level studies
•You’ll be employed and earning a full-time wage whilst gaining the
benefits of high-quality training to further your career prospects.
Enrichment programme
As well as the main academic programme, you'll also be expected to take part in the College Enrichment Programme, which offers a wide range of activities such as sign language, sports, drumming, driving test theory and many more.
For more information please see our Enrichment area.
Success stories
Alex Culverhouse
Alex had always wanted to be an apprentice – he liked the idea of getting paid while he learnt! Now he is getting ready to represent the region in a nationally-acclaimed vocational skills competition.
“I had to start out on the full-time Level 2 programme first before I could progress on to the Apprenticeship. By the time I began my Apprenticeship I had learnt the basic electrician skills but I wanted to learn more. The industry is constantly changing and there are always new rules and regulations so I knew that learning on the job was the best way for me to put my skills straight into practice. I have always been good at maths and physics too and you have to be good at numbers in this line of work.
“I had a day release at college where we learnt things like wiring, installation and the important Health & Safety aspects. The rest of the time I worked as an electrician at Northampton Electrical Services. My assessor would visit me in the workplace to carry out assessments and discuss my assignments.
“It was my tutor that suggested I enter the national WorldSkills UK competition where I would compete against other trainee electricians. That was quite nerve-wracking but I came second in my heats so I will be representing the Midlands in the live UK finals.”
Personal tutor
During your time at College, you'll be assigned a personal tutor, who will be responsible for monitoring your academic progress. You'll attend a tutorial meeting every week and part of this time will be allocated to group activities, such as recognising your best learning style, study skills, revision skills, careers education, financial matters and much more. The other part will be dedicated to an individual progress review, enabling your tutor to make sure you're on track to get the best grades possible.
Subjects and Entry Requirements
You need to be employed in a suitable role. For an Apprenticeship, you will need to achieve a minimum of Entry Level 3 in a Basic, Key and Functional Skills test (BKSB).
For an Advanced Apprenticeship, you will need to have completed either an appropriate Apprenticeship or have achieved four GCSEs at Grade C or above, and achieve a minimum of Entry Level 3 in a BKSB test.*
*For applicants aged 16-18 only. The requirement for four GCSEs at Grade C may be waived in some cases following discussions with your employer.
You can study for an Apprenticeship in the following areas:
•Accounting
•Barbering
•Business Administration
•Business Improvement Techniques
•Children and Young People’s Workforce
•Customer Service
•Engineering
•Electrotechnical
•Fabrication and Welding
•Hairdressing
•Health and Social Care
•Hospitality and Catering
•IT Users
•Mechanical Manufacturing
•Motor Vehicle
•Performing Engineering Operations
•Playwork
•Team Leading and Management
•Vehicle Body, Refinishing, Maintenance and Repair.
www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/business for full course information and Apprenticeship vacancies.
