Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Apprenticeships - Sandwell College - West Bromwich & Birmingham

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and receive holiday leave. Apprenticeships are an exciting option for someone of any age – you will get hands-on training and get the chance to put skills learnt into practice.
Apprenticeships have become increasingly possible in the last few years with learners of all ages.

Each apprenticeship involves a structured programme of training where you will work as an employee alongside experience members of staff. Off the job training will be with Sandwell College which could be a day in the college, online assessments or assessments within the workplace.
You will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage apprentice rate for your age (your employer can choose to pay above this). One of the benefits of an apprenticeship is hopefully the employer will continue your employment after completion of the course.

If you have seen a vacancy on our website which you would like to apply for, please click on the button below.

If no relevant position exists for the role you are interested in, register an expression of interest below and we will add your details to a pool of potential candidates for future apprenticeship openings.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements range from programme to programme. A general rule would be that to enrol onto a Level 2 apprenticeship we would expect learners to have GCSE Grade D/E or 2/3 or Level 1 Functional Skills maths and English, for a Level 3 apprenticeship we would expect learners to have GCSE Grade D/C or 3/4 or Level 2 Functional skills in maths and English.

We will assess applicants on an individual basis and learners are able to study Functional Skills alongside their apprenticeship programme – this will depend on initial assessment results.

Frequently Answered Questions

Apprenticeships are jobs which combine work and training. You’ll earn a wage, develop your skills, update your CV and experience, and start on the career ladder.

Apprenticeships can last anything from one to four years, and will depend on your starting point and level of qualification when you start. If you are between 16-18 we offer a 3-week pre-apprenticeship programme.

 You can choose from over 30 apprenticeship routes across a range of job roles, from construction and automotive to business and healthcare, have a look at our website at all of the courses we have on offer.

There are no age limits for apprenticeships and they are suitable for anyone over the age of 16. You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you’re upskilling in your current job.

Depending on the level, some apprenticeships may require previous qualifications such as an English or maths GCSE at a certain grade.

To start an apprenticeship, you must not already be in full-time education.

You will be employed within an company/industry relevant to the apprenticeship you are completing, and will be classed as member of staff within that business, you will earn at least £4.81 an hour, or if over 19 you will be on National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage Rate for your age. Wages can vary depending on your age and the employer.

 

If you are 19 after completing the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid at least the full National Minimum Wage.

Have a look at our current vacancy list and apply for any you like the sound of. We’ll invite you in for an interview to see if you’re a good fit for those roles. If you can’t find a vacancy that suits you, then no problem – just apply through our usual Apply site and we can still invite you in for an interview.

If you’re already employed ask your employer if you could complete an Apprenticeship, contact our apprenticeship team and we will make contact with you and your employer to complete the contract and sign-up paperwork.

  • Level 2 is equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A-C/9-4
  • Level 3 is equivalent to two A Levels
  • Level 4 and 5 are equivalent to a Foundation Degree
  • Level 6 and 7 are equivalent to a Degree/Masters

As a student at Sandwell College, you can apply for an NUS Apprentice discount card and UNiDAYS.

Nothing! And not only is it free, you will be earning a wage while you study for your qualification.

It depends on your apprenticeship. We have a variety of delivery models to depending on the apprenticeship. These could be block or day release on site at Sandwell College or one of our other campuses, delivered entirely in the workplace, virtual delivery via Teams/Zoom or a mixture of all. The apprenticeship team will discuss the mode of delivery with you on application.

Yes. As an employee of any business, you are entitled to the statutory minimum of 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays, this will be detailed in your contract of employment.

Yes. Support is available to all apprentices who have been identified as having additional learning needs. Find out more about student support here.

If you are already employed and your employer is interested in supporting you to upskill in your current role through an apprenticeship, we can help make this happen.

Click the link here to fill in our form and fill out as many details as you can. A business consultant will get in touch with you and arrange a visit to your employer to carry out a training needs analysis. We will then check you and your employer are suitable for an apprenticeship and then you can enrol onto the course.

An apprenticeship is a job and is not related to the academic calendar. You can apply for an apprenticeship at any time of the year.

Starting your training depends upon the availability of a suitable position being offered by an employer and your success in being accepted by that employer to undertake that role.

Your start date will need to coincide with your apprenticeship enrolment date.

Browse our Apprenticeships

Automotive Apprenticeships

Automotive possibilities are endless! Take the brakes off your potential with our Automotive Apprenticeships which are designed to provide invaluable skills and on-the-job know-how.

Business Administration

Do you have a passion for Business and are you ready to kick start your career? If the answer is YES, then our Business Apprenticeship is perfect for you! Apprenticeships include advanced business administration and team leader/supervisor positions.

Customer Service Apprenticeships

Beginning and progressing within a customer service career has never been simpler! Customer service and team leading apprenticeships enrich you with skills and knowledge that are transferable and are essential for your employment prospects.

Childcare Apprenticeships

From working in a nursery to childminding, our Childcare Apprenticeship can equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to ensure the safety and learning of children under 5.

Dental Apprenticeships

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in the following fundamental areas: Dental and Regional Anatomy, Respiratory and Circulatory Systems and Prevention of Infectious Disease Transmission.

Engineering Apprenticeships

From Fabrication and Welding to Aeronautical Engineering, we offer you a whole range of Engineering courses and qualifications designed to support many different career paths.

Health & Social Care Apprenticeships

If a people-centered, holistic career supporting vulnerable adults and children is what you’re looking for, our Health & Social Care Apprenticeship could be your ideal next step on your career path!

Trade Apprenticeships

If your plan is to achieve a career in Construction, then our Construction Apprenticeship is perfect for you! Apprenticeships include Carpentry & Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering and Warehouse Operative positions.

APPRENTICESHIP STARS

Aleksandra Zurowska pictured outside Sandwell College campus
Aleksandra was recently an Apprentice of the Year finalist at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards and has been offered a full-time position as an administrator at Sandwell College.
Headshot of Robyn
Best Apprentice Star Award 2019 winner Robyn was presented with her award by one of Lord Sugar’s Apprentices and is now working in HR and studying for her CIPD.
Male dental nurse apprentice assisting dentist with patient's treatment
Dental nursing apprentice Ben became a dental implant nurse working with a dentist and periodontist. He completed his qualification with Bhandal Dental Practice.
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