#NAW19 Get to know the basics about apprenticeships…

An apprenticeship is a great way to get a new qualification while gain experience and earning money.

Nowadays apprenticeships aren’t just for trade jobs such as plumbing and carpentry, although we offer those too. You can do apprenticeships in Hair, Health and Social Care and Catering at GC. As well as HR, Cyber Security and Dental Nursing.

Our apprenticeships start from Level 2 and you can achieve a certificate, diploma and even a degree level qualification, making them a good alternative to university and full time study.

You will spend most of your time with an employer, and depending on the apprenticeship spend some time at the college to complete your learning.

You can get your foot in the door.

It’s very common to find entry level jobs that require at least two years’ experience. Employers report that the single most important factor affecting the recruitment of young people was work experience.

Young people who build links with organisations and professionals in the sector that are interested in can gather a more effective network – offering a better chance of getting a recommendation that they may need to get their foot on the employment ladder.

In fact, 7 out of 10 Gloucestershire College apprentices stay with their employer after they’ve completed an apprenticeship completed and nearly all were given promotions, pay rises and benefit packages.

It’s a debt free route to a degree.

Higher apprenticeships range from Level 4, equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC), to Level 6 which is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and, similar to intermediate and advanced apprenticeships, combine on the job training with studying towards a degree-level qualification.

Higher apprenticeships can see increased earnings of around £150, 000 over a lifetime.

For more of an insight into whether apprenticeships could work for you, come to our Apprenticeship Open Evening on Wednesday 20 March. You can speak to our apprenticeship team for expert advice, as well as local businesses who are currently recruiting. Book your place now.