Apprenticeships
Grow your career with an apprenticeship at Plumpton College
So, you’re looking to find out more about apprenticeships? Great! Did you know Plumpton College is one of the country’s leading land based apprenticeship providers?
No matter what stage of your career, whether just starting out in the world of work or already an established member of staff, we can support you to develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in your chosen profession via an apprenticeship scheme.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job that combines hands on work with the opportunity to train and develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in your chosen profession.
At least 20% of your contracted hours will be spent in training and development, either with us at college, via online learning or even in your workplace. The rest of your time will be spent applying your skills and knowledge in your workplace, doing the job you have been employed to do.
Apprenticeship FAQs
How can I find and apply for an apprenticeship?
There are a number of different ways you can find an apprenticeship to suit your career aspirations. Finding one can be the same as finding a normal job so it’s important to make sure that you give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in your search.
1. Browse our current apprenticeship opportunities
We work with a large number of employers who recruit apprentices throughout the year. Visit our apprenticeship vacancy page to see our current list of live vacancies and apply.
2. Register with our apprenticeship talent bank
At Plumpton we are committed to supporting you in reaching your career goals. If you can't find the type of apprenticeship opportunity you're looking for, register with our Talent Bank. We will keep you informed about new vacancies and add you to our apprenticeship newsletter mailing list which contains helpful hints and tips and information about forthcoming events you may be interested.
3. Browse the Gov.uk Apprenticeship Vacancy Website
Another way to find and apply for an apprenticeship is to register and search current vacancies on the government Find an Apprenticeship website. This site allows you to search and apply for live vacancies available in different industries, locations or levels.
4. Search Company Websites
You may already have a particular company in mind, in which case it’s worth taking a look at their website or social media feeds to find out if they are offering an apprenticeship scheme. You’ll usually find this kind of information on the vacancies page on their website.
5. Contacting Employers Directly
If you can’t find any information online don’t give up, try phoning the company and asking if they would consider supporting an apprenticeship. This approach might seem a little scary or be more work than looking through listed vacancies, however, many businesses will welcome the gutsy approach and the initiative you’re showing by proactively getting in touch them directly.
6. Already employed?
Does your employer know you're interested in doing an apprenticeship? The first thing we suggest would be to have an initial conversation, as the majority of employers are happy to support their employees prefessional development, particularly if it benefits their business. We would then need to speak with your employer to ensure that they are aware of their obligations in supporting you on an apprenticeship programme.
Our apprenticeship team are available to go through everything your employer needs to know. Please call (01273) 892127 or email business@plumpton.ac.uk.
Do Apprentices get paid?
As an apprentice, you’ll usually be employed to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and be paid a wage no less than the current national minimum wage for the time you are in work and in off-the-job training.
The amount you are paid is based on a number of factors including your previous experience and current skill set. In some job roles your wage may increase as you progress and take on more responsibility. You will also receive the same benefits as any employee, including a holiday pay.
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is 16 years old and over, has a right to work in England and is not in full time education. There is no upper age limit and available to anyone whether starting out on their career or for those who have been working for some time.
- This is important to remember when applying for an apprenticeship vacancy, you can be up against anyone so make sure your cv or application is in top form.
Levels of Apprenticeships
Modern apprenticeships can now support your learning aspirations to the highest level however It is important to know that the level is based on the job role and duties it is attached to. This means that even though you may have a higher-level qualifications other subjects you could still undertake an apprenticeship at a lower level.
Apprenticeship levels are set and equivalent to:
2 (Intermediate): GCSEs
3 (Advanced): A-levels
4 (Higher): foundation degree
5 (Higher): foundation degree/first year of bachelor’s degree
6 (Degree): bachelor’s degree
7 (Degree): master’s degree
What do I need to know about Maths and English?
English and maths are essential to supporting your longer-term career prospects. As an apprentice you will be required to achieve a maths and English qualification (if you don’t already have one) as part of your apprenticeship. There is no need to worry as our specialist maths and English tutors will provide you with support and learning throughout your apprenticeship programme.
What is the End Point Assessment?
Once your apprenticeship’s practical training is completed, an independent assessment (not undertaken by Plumpton College) will take place, this is called an 'end-point assessment' or EPA for short. The EPA is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are genuinely competent in your occupation by allowing you to showcase what you have learnt throughout your apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship programme has a slightly different assessment approach however what they all have in common is that they’ll assess the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have developed during your apprenticeship.
