Apprenticeships

Exeter College has over 25 years experience in training Apprentices and offer one of the broadest range of apprenticeships in the South West, including Catering, Hairdressing, Construction, Engineering, Hospitality, Health and Social Care, Automotive and Technical Theatre. Altogether we have over 20 different apprenticeships on offer at the College and we have success rates above the national average, making us confident that we have the right option for you! Click here to download our Apprenticeship Journey Part 1

• What is an apprenticeship?

  You will work full-time with a local employer gaining on the job skills and experience and earn a wage for the work you are doing – the minimum wage for an Apprentice varies, depending on your age. Click here to find out more about minimum wages

  On most Apprenticeship programmes, you will attend College for one day a week over 12 – 18 months, depending on the vocational area that you want to work within and the level of the programme that you are studing.

  Each apprenticeship comprises of the following areas:

  1. Knowledge Element - A Technical Certificate awarded by an accredited body such as City & Guilds which covers the theory side of your work and is usually delivered by attending college one day per week;
  2. Competence Element – A National Vocational Qualification which demonstrates that you can carry out the skills required by your job, assessed directly within the workplace by an Exeter College Skills Officer.
  3. Functional Skills (English & Maths) If you don’t already hold Maths and English qualifications at the level required by your Apprenticeship, you will study these as part of your off the job training at the college. An Information & Technology qualification may also be required depending on your programme.
  4. Transferable Skills Your programme will also include training to help you develop your Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and your rights as an Employee within the workplace (ERR).

  You must complete all the different areas shown above to successfully complete your apprenticeship training.

  There are two main levels of apprenticeship:

  • Intermediate Apprenticeship –Level 2 - Provides foundation skills to become a professional within your chosen area of work;
  • Advanced Apprenticeship – Level 3 – Provides more technical skills and training and normally involves a supervisory role within the workplace.

  Accountancy Apprenticeships

  Our accountancy courses are delivered by Aplus training, a specialist training provider which is a part of Exeter College. Visit their website for a full list of courses available: www.aplustraining.co.uk or contact Aplus training on 01752 256610 / email future@aplustraining.co.uk to explore your options.

• How is an apprenticeship different to a full time course?

  You will be employed and working at least 30 hours per week, and the majority of your learning will take place in the workplace with ‘off-the-job’ underpinning knowledge delivered at college.

  What will the training cost me and my employer?

  If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your Apprenticeship Training Programme, there is no charge to you or your employer as the college will claim the funding for the cost of your programme directly from the Government.

• Who can complete an apprenticeship programme?

  You must:

  • Be over 16 at the start of the programme
  • Have been living in the UK/EU for three years before you start your apprenticeship
  • Have completed year 11 at school and not already be on a full time course
  • Meet the entry requirements for the Apprenticeships chosen (this is assessed as part of the interview process and will ensure that you have the ability and aptitude to complete the programme at the level required).
  • Have an employer who will pay you as an apprentice and offer you no less than 30 hours a week work

  If you are 24 or over and applying for an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship, you may be eligible for a government backed 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to pay for your course fee. Click here for more information.

• How do I find an employer?

  If you do not already have an employer, you will need to find someone willing to employ you. The hardest part of securing an apprenticeship is finding an employer. As part of your interview session at the College we will provide you with a Jobseekers Booklet to give you all the information that you need on writing a CV, completing job applications and preparing for an interview, so that you have all the tools that you need to go out and secure a job. You will also liaise directly with a dedicated Skills Recruiter who will support you in the process of looking for an employer.

• I still have questions

  School Holiday drop in sessions

  We will be running a drop in surgery for all of your questions and queries throughout the school holidays. Come and chat to our college advisers, apprenticeship team, progression team and university level adviser at the Hele Road site between 1-4pm on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 17th Feb 1-4pm
  • Thursday 31st March 1-4pm
  • Thursday 7th April 1-4pm
  • Thursday 2nd June 1-4pm
  • Tuesday 12th July 1-4pm
  • Tuesday 19th July 1-4pm
  • Tuesday 26th July 1-4pm
  • Tuesday 2nd August 1-4pm

  Please come along to our Hele Road reception to sign in. You will be escorted to the @34 restaurant where you will be able to meet with our advisers to answer your questions.

• The next step...

  If you are interested in doing an Apprenticeship, then the next step is to apply. Click here to apply online, or come into the college and apply.

  To view and apply for Apprenticeship job vacancies, visit: http://apprenticeships.org.uk/Be-An-Apprentice.aspx

  For more information Telephone the Apprenticeship hotline on 01392 400 800 or email us at Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk

  You can also visit one of our open events to meet the staff and ask any questions. Click here to view our open event dates

  Accountancy Apprenticeships

  Our accountancy courses are delivered by Aplus training, which is a part of Exeter College. Aplus training is a specialist training provider who teach people of a diverse age range. Visit their website for a full list of courses available: www.aplustraining.co.uk or contact Aplus training on 01752 256610 / email future@aplustraining.co.uk to explore your options.

Apprenticeship Gateway Sessions

Have you recently applied for an Apprenticeship and want some extra support in securing yourself a placement? Our Apprenticeship Gateway Sessions are designed to provide you with the application and interview skills for when you are applying for vacancies. Last year our team placed hundreds of young people into Apprenticeships. You will also have the opportunity to meet one of our Training and Recruitment Advisors who can support you in the application process through our website and also provide sector specific career advice.

To book onto one of our Gateway Sessions then please fill in the form below selecting a date that suits you.

Apprenticeship Vacancies Apprenticeship Journey Case Studies Apprenticeship Options