What Is An Apprenticeship?

Real work experience

An apprenticeship is a real job where the student, who is called an apprentice, learns speciﬁc skills and understanding, gains experience and gets paid.

You'll be an employee

An apprentice is an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave.

Apprenticeships Available at Trafford College:

Teaching Assistant

Customer Service

Hair & Beauty

Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician

Business Administrator

Early Years / Childcare

Human Resources

Team Leading

Catering & Hospitality

Electrical Installation

Gas Engineering Operative

Carpentry & Joinery

Engineering

Low Carbon Heating Technician

Bricklayer

Looking to start work now?

Then an apprenticeship could be for you. You’ll learn on the job and pick up a recognised industry standard apprenticeship qualification. You will earn a salary and spend 20% of your apprenticeship completing necessary training and courses to support you in your role.

By the end of an apprenticeship, the successful apprentice will have the right skills and knowledge needed for their chosen career. It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which programme is chosen, what level it is and the apprentice’s previous experience.

The Apprenticeship standard

Each apprenticeship has a defined contents and structure which is referred to as the ‘standard’. The ‘standard’ ensures that all apprenticeships offered by different providers have the same outcome.

The Trafford & Stockport College Group offers over 50 standards. An apprentice will have training provided by expert staff, as well as being mentored and supported by their employer. The employer and the college will work together to ensure that the training package meets the needs of both the employer and the apprentice. In turn, this will support the apprentice to become occupationally competent in their chosen career.

Level 02

Intermediate Apprenticeship

A level 2 apprenticeship is often referred to as an intermediate level apprenticeship. Level 2 is normally agreed to be the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes.

Level 03

Advanced Apprenticeship

A level 3 apprenticeship is know as an advanced apprenticeship. A level 3 would be considered to be the same as 2 passes at A-Level.

Level 04 & 05

Higher Apprenticeship

A level 4 & 5 apprenticeship is equivalent to a foundation degree, a Higher National Certificate (HNC), or the first year of an undergraduate degree. Higher apprenticeships start at level 4.

Level 06 & 07

Degree Apprenticeship

The level 6 apprenticeship gives candidates the opportunity to obtain a full bachelor’s degree. The level 7 is an opportunity to gain a master’s degree in your chosen subject.