Become an apprentice
Being an apprentice is a fantastic way to work for an employer, earn a salary and achieve a qualification while gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.
At Bridgend College, we offer various levels of apprenticeship from pre-entry level (for 14-16 year olds) to higher apprenticeship at Level 4 and above. Apprentices can progress through the levels or they can have direct entry on to a level depending on the sector they are working in and their role.
Apprentices are trained in the workplace and in college – you will be with your employer most of the time and then usually attend college one day a week or be visited by your assessor at your workplace.
Benefits of an apprenticeship
- Gain a nationally-recognised qualification
- Earn a wage while you learn – there is a national minimum wage for apprentices, plus you’ll receive paid holidays
- Receive on-the-job training and skills
- Work alongside experienced employees
- Increase your employability by building confidence and gaining job-specific skills
Our Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship journey
Our experienced and supportive staff will help you throughout your apprenticeship journey and you will be supported every step of the way.
An apprenticeship journey is made up of the following stages.
The first stage in the apprenticeship journey is gaining employment as you must be in employment to become an apprentice. Careers Wales publishes apprenticeship vacancies via the Apprenticeship Matching Service. You could also approach an employer directly or contact us to help.
As an employee, this stage involves us conducting an initial assessment of your experience and skills to ensure you’re suited to an apprenticeship. At this stage, contact apprenticeship@bridgend.ac.uk or call 01656 763 233 or 763 238.
Once we’ve confirmed your suitability, you are ready to make an application! This can be done online. You will also be required to undertake a literacy, numeracy and digital literacy initial assessment and an interview.
This is an important part of your apprenticeship journey which includes completing some key documentation so you are clear what is expected of you, and what you can expect from Bridgend College and your employer.
At this stage, you’ll be assigned your Tutor/Assessor, given details of when you’ll need to attend college and the support services available to you. You’re now ready to start your apprenticeship!
The Progress review is carried out every 6-8 weeks. It includes setting targets and action plans to support your learning.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will gain valuable work experience and be equipped with the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out a specific job role.
Completing your qualification includes final assessments and submitting completed portfolios.
On successful completion, you will, where relevant, receive a technical certificate, competence certificate and Essential Skills Wales Certification.
You have completed your apprenticeship with us, but we can still support you with your next steps, for example careers advice and guidance via our Cyfleoedd Team.
Frequently asked questions
This is great! The first step is to get in touch with our Work-based Learning Team at apprenticeship@bridgend.ac.uk or call 01656 763 233 or 763 238.
Apprenticeships can be highly competitive and are sought after, but we are here to help. Cyfleoedd is the careers hub at Bridgend College who work with students and employers and advertise vacancies which you can view on our Cyfleoedd page.
If you are unsure which apprenticeship to complete or need support with sourcing an employer, we have experienced Careers & Employment Coaches who can help you make an informed decision. They can also help you make contact and network with potential employers. If you would like to book an appointment, visit Cyfleoedd (Careers Support)
It’s important that you choose an apprenticeship that you will enjoy and will help you reach your goals. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the right apprenticeship:
- Think about what you enjoy day-to-day – maybe this could be part of a future job role?
- Explore different job sites and career options to explore what you’d like to do once you’ve finished your studies
- Think about your career goals and the qualifications required as part of a person specification
- Search for courses by subject or by what you are interested in to see what’s available
If you are still unsure what apprenticeship to complete and need some guidance, we have experienced Careers & Employment Coaches who can help you make an informed decision. If you would like to book an appointment visit Cyfleoedd (Careers Support)
Supporting Welsh language
All learners studying Apprenticeship programmes with Bridgend College are given the opportunity to undertake their learning in Welsh, either in full or part. Learners are supported to recognise Welsh as a key employability skill and are provided with various opportunities to develop their use of the Welsh language, as part of their course and outside of their studies.
Find out more about how we can support Welsh speaking learners here
