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Apprenticeships: everything you need to know
Why choose an apprenticeship?
Frequently asked questions
How to apply
Why Choose An Apprenticeship?
Kickstart your career with an apprenticeship and earn as you learn.
Across North Wales and beyond, companies are recruiting for apprenticeships and training people in the skills they need to succeed in their career.
As an apprentice you will earn whilst you learn, gaining skills, knowledge, experience and recognised qualifications along the way. Whether you’re aged between 16 and 19 or 20 and over, a range of apprenticeship options may be available to you.
Learning is blended between the workplace under the supervision of qualified instructors and backed up by training at Coleg Cambria.
Apprenticeships are a great way to start your career and open the door to exciting employment prospects in the future!
Key Benefits
Earn a wage
Receive Training
Gain a recognised qualification
On-the-job skills development
Paid holidays
* Level 2 & 3 apprenticeships are funded for all ages
Higher apprenticeships can be funded at all ages (eligibility criteria apply).
Apprentices are trained in the workplace and in college. The amount of time you spend in college will depend on the apprenticeship you follow.
* Other eligibility criteria may apply (such as time in role).
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Essential Skills
Essential skills are an important part of your apprenticeship. They aim to improve your literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. They help you to fulfil your apprenticeship and are available up to Level 3, depending upon the qualifications you’ve already achieved (and the apprenticeship you follow).
Each apprentice is allocated an assessor who supports your learning.
What qualifications do i need?
Apprenticeships are available at different levels. The qualifications you have will determine which level you start at; you will also need to be working in a suitable role.
All apprenticeships include an initial assessment of literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
What are the different levels?
Foundation apprenticeships at level 2
Each programme has different entry requirements, from no formal qualifications to certain levels of English and Maths.
Apprenticeships at level 3
Normally you'll need five GCSEs at grades A* to C (including English and Maths), or completed a level 2 apprenticeship.
Higher apprenticeships at Level 4
Normally you’ll need to have completed a level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent qualifications, skills or experience.
Degree Apprenticeships at Level 6
Helpful Information
It starts at apprentice minimum wage but many employers pay more.
No problem! Lots of companies use apprenticeships to retrain staff, or as an opportunity for learning and development.
There are many different options available to you including Jobs Growth Wales +. Why not study a full time course whilst seeking work experience to develop your skills and support future apprenticeship applications you make?
You will gain industry approved qualifications and extensive work experience during an apprenticeship. Some higher apprenticeships include Foundations Degrees, HNCs or Degrees. This can make you more employable than a graduate – Sir Alex Ferguson, Rebecca Adlington OBE and John Frieda were all apprentices.
The duration on an apprenticeship depends on the qualification type and level. An apprenticeship can take between 1 and 4 years to complete.
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government.
You must be: Aged 16 or over. Employed a minimum of 16 hours. Work 51% of the time in Wales for the duration of your apprenticeship. Not in full-time education.
Apply For An Apprenticeship
We’ve Outlined The Process Below In Three Easy Steps
Find vacancies
To find apprenticeship vacancies, there are a number of online resources to check. Cambria's Job Shop is a great place to start, but there's also Careers Wales and job websites who'll list opportunities as they arise. You may also have personal contacts through friends or family who know of vacancies.
get prepared
Once you see a vacancy you want to apply for, prepare to submit a high quality application and be ready for a potential interview process, similar to a job interview. Take your time, create an application you're proud of and get someone to review it before you submit.
speak to your employer
Once you're in employment, you can speak to your employer about becoming an apprentice. If they agree, contact Cambria for Business' Employer Engagement Team on 0300 30 30 006 or by email to discuss next steps.
General Entry Requirements
The general entry requirements to become an apprentice in Wales are as follows:
- You must be aged 16 or over
- Employed a minimum of 16 hours per week
- Work 51% in Wales for the duration of your apprenticeship
- Not be in full-time education.
Need Some Advice?
Joshua Barnett
Apprentice of the Year Award Winner
“Coleg Cambria has prepared me for both the workplace and higher education as I have managed a ‘Smart Factory’ project and worked alongside other capital projects, all whilst being an Apprentice! This proves that no matter what level you are at, by showing a keen interest and willingness to learn you can get anywhere.”