Apprenticeship Guide Digital Version

CONTENTSget social with us SOTONCITYCOLLEGE @CITY_COLLEGE

what is an apprenticeship?Apprenticeships are a great way to gain nationally recognised qualifications whilst being employedand earning a wage. As an apprentice you can earn while you learn and gain practical skills frombeing in the workplace. They are also a great alternative to A-levels and university, with those buildingtheir careers through the apprenticeship route more likely to stay in work throughout their life. Mostapprenticeship programmes include: an industry recognised qualification a knowledge based qualification key transferable skills functional skills in english, maths and ICTDepending on the level, they are suitable for both school leavers and adults with GCSE gradesA* - E in English and maths, or equivalent. The minimum length of an intermediate or an advancedapprenticeship is 12 months, however depending on your apprenticeship this might take slightly longer. types of apprenticeship intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) Intermediate apprenticeships are equivalent to five GCSEs A* - C. entry requirements English and maths GCSE (D/C) or equivalent. If you do not have maths or English you will complete functional skills as part of your apprenticeship. advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes. entry requirements Three GCSEs at grade C or above (including English and maths) or equivalent level 2 qualification (such as an intermediate apprenticeship) higher apprenticeship (Level 4+) Higher apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree. entry requirements Relevant level 3 qualification (or equivalent) and maths and English GCSE at C or above.WWW.SOUTHAMPTON-CITY.AC.UK

why an apprenticeship?

why choose city college?We are here to assist Register your interest with us andand support you we will keep you up-to-date withthrough every step of the latest vacancies.your apprenticeshipjourney.We can help you to Whilst at college you will becreate a structured taught by our experienced tutorsCV to help you who have establishedincrease your industry experience.chances of securingan interview.Our state-of-the-art facilities provide We can help you with yourthe best opportunity to learn in real interview skills andlife working environments using preparation so you feelmodern industry standard equipment. confident and prepared.WWW.SOUTHAMPTON-CITY.AC.UK

range of careersbusiness & IT health & educationACCOUNTANCY EARLY YEARSBUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREHOUSING SUPPORTED TEACHING & LEARNINGInformation Technology (IT)construction marineBENCH JOINERY BOAT BUILDINGBRICKLAYING MARINE ELECTRICALCARPENTRY MARINE ENGINEERINGCIVIL ENGINEERINGCONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING motor vehicleELECTRICAL installationPAINTING & DECORATING HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHT motor vehicleengineering service industriesBUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERINGELECTRICAL engineering BarberingFABRICATION & WELDING Beauty TherapyHEATING & VENTILATION HairdressingMECHANICAL ENGINEERING Hospitality & Catering

MEEt our apprenticesWorks for - southampton city council, housing servicesKeen to gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications for hercareer, Zoe took the apprenticeship pathway and has notonly developed the all-round skills required of a painter anddecorator but has also been crowned as Southampton CityCouncil’s first ever female advanced apprentice.“I was really shy when I first started but all the guys havebeen really encouraging and supportive. I’ve grown inconfidence and can honestly say that I haven’t been treatedany differently as a female. I really enjoy working as well aslearning, and getting paid for it has been a real bonus.” Works for - city college southampton, human resources department As a business admin apprentice, Andrew is providing full administrative support to the College’s HR department and is gaining a wealth of relevant hands on experience whilst getting qualified in business. His work involves a full range of office duties and customer facing services. “I work in a busy office but everyone has been really supportive, always making time to show me what to do. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and being able to learn on the job. It’s great! I recommend you apply for an apprenticeship in something you’d enjoy, then knuckle down and work hard. It’s worth it in the end.”WWW.SOUTHAMPTON-CITY.AC.UK

Works for - affricardos, a unisex salon in southampton Wanting to gain a life skill that he would enjoy, Harry decided to turn some work experience into a flourishing career in barbering. “I wanted to learn a lifetime trade and the apprenticeship was definitely the best way to go. I’m getting a good balance of the technical knowledge and hands on experience in a real work environment. My apprenticeship is not just cleaning and tidying up the salon, I am actually working directly with as many as 8 or 10 clients every day, applying my newfound skills from cutting and styling hair to doing wet razor shaves. Every day is different and I’m really enjoying it.”Works for - suttles, a specialist civil engineering companyNot daunted by heavy plant machinery, huge trucks and working in anall-male environment, Josie enjoys helping to maintain and repair plantmachinery at a 35-acre quarry in Swanage.“I love my apprenticeship. I’m continually gaining hands on experience,working towards an industry-recognised qualification plus I’m earningmoney whilst I’m learning. I don’t think you can beat that. I may be theonly female but I’m treated fairly and the guys are really supportive.” Works for - gea pharma systems, an international engineering company Since completing his advanced apprenticeship and achieving a double distinction on his level 3 BTEC, Calvin has furthered his career in engineering and now works full-time as an electrical fitter. His job involves fitting electrical components to pharmaceutical equipment and testing the machinery on completion. “The apprenticeship was excellent and I learnt things I never knew about the world of engineering. I went to college one day a week, which I found was a good way to gain the education and knowledge needed. City College gave me full support. I learnt new skills and gained industry knowledge I never had.”

how to find an apprenticeship In order to complete an apprenticeship you must have first secured an apprenticeship position with an employer. If you have not been able to find an employer yourself, our dedicated business development team have a number of businesses looking for apprentices. Apprentices are in demand as an increasing number of employers are fully aware of the value and positive impact recruiting apprentices can have on their business. stand out from the crowd There is a lot of competition for apprenticeship places so you need to stand out from the crowd. You need to be enthusiastic, driven and motivated as employers want someone who can prove they have what it takes to be successful. the apprenticeship job search Finding an apprenticeship is similar to finding a job. We regularly post apprenticeship vacancies on our website – which you can apply for. If you are unable to find a vacancy that matches your criteria, a proactive approach will often impress employers. If you know the type of company you want to work for, and the type of apprenticeship you want to complete, then approach companies directly with a copy of your CV. Alternatively our apprenticeship team will be willing to assist your search. already employed? If you already have a job and your employer is willing to offer you an apprenticeship we will contact them to discuss the options available.WWW.SOUTHAMPTON-CITY.AC.UK

how to applyOur dedicated Apprenticeship Team will work with you to help you find employment within thesector of your choice and advise you on the right apprenticeship programme for your needs. Youcan apply for an apprenticeship with us through the following methods: apply online We work with a wide range of employers providing a recruitment service for their business needs. Our live vacancies are advertised on our website, which you can apply for. You can view our current live vacancies at: Alternatively you can register with the National Apprenticeship Service – you will need an email address to do so. still at school? If you are still at school and hoping to progress onto an apprenticeship when you finish, please search for the apprenticeship subject you are interested in on our website www.southampton-city.ac.uk and apply. If you don’t have an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice or can’t find a vacancy that suits your requirements, you can start on one of our full-time courses and progress to an apprenticeship on completion of your course or when a vacancy comes up. send us your cv Alternatively, to express a general interest in being considered for an apprenticeship, please email your CV to:

guide for employers why choose us? As the largest provider of apprenticeships in the region, with a highly experienced and dedicated team, we can help your business find apprentices that meet your needs. We have a pool of talented students at the College and we can help match suitable candidates to your requirements. Once the apprentice(s) starts we continue our support and guidance for both you and the apprentice(s) with our dedicated Apprenticeship Team.WWW.SOUTHAMPTON-CITY.AC.UK

taking on apprenticeSApprenticeships are work-based training programmesdesigned around the needs of employers, which leadto nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeshipsare a great way to train both new and existingemployees who are moving into a new or changed jobrole. Combining the practical and knowledge gained atwork and college your apprentice will begin to developnew skills and become capable in their role.what are the benefits? Progress your apprentice to suit your requirements Apprentices will be qualified and trained to high occupational standards Increased skills will help strengthen your competitiveness within your industry Increased productivity through trained staff with the right skills for the job Apprenticeships provide a career progression for your workforce Apprenticeships give existing staff a fresh source of enthusiasm and motivation Fantastic for your company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)how long is an apprenticeship?It can take between one and fouryears to complete an apprenticeship,depending on the ability of the person,the level they are working towards, andthe type of sector they are workingin. Employers of apprentices underthe age of 25 are not required to payNational Insurance contributions (NICs)on earnings up to the Upper EarningsLimit (UEL), for those employees.As the employer you must give yourapprentice(s) an induction into their roleand provide on-the-job training. Youare also responsible for paying yourapprentices’ wages.

what our business partners think QUALITY FINISH PATISSERIE “We hire all of our apprentices through City College. What sets the college apart is it’s not just willing, but keen to listen to the needs of the business and adapt its courses to the ever-changing landscape of the industry. For us, hiring apprentices allows us to create a new wave of driven young employees who are trained in the ‘Quality Finish’ way and able to lead the company forward far into the future.” Hannah O’Doherty Operations Manager Quality Finish Patisseriegiro engineering LTD“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship withCity College for the best part of 10 years. Successfulintegration of apprentices into our team is absolutelyvital and due to the complex nature of our product,we need to ensure the next generation of engineersare well equipped. City College forms an integral partof that progression and we are able to rely on theirtutoring both academically and socially. The three-wayrelationship formed between apprentice, Giro and theCollege has created talented engineers.”Jonathan StentEngineering ManagerGiro Engineering Ltd rnli “The college works closely with us, taking the time to fully understand our business needs, which is invaluable when ensuring our apprentices have the skills needed to deliver our lifesaving service now, and in the future. The environment created by the college is conducive to learning and we are particularly pleased with the quality of the updates we receive about our apprentices’ progress.” Lynne Mason Apprenticeship Manager RNLIWWW.SOUTHAMPTON-CITY.AC.UK

want to know more?contact us

GET SOCIAL WITH U S SOTONCITYCOLLEGE @CITY_COLLEGE