Apprenticeships
As one of the country’s leading providers of Apprenticeships, West Suffolk College currently supports over 900 employers in the Eastern region, with over 2,000 apprentices in training.
The list of opportunities is endless; from barbering to engineering, nursing, accounting, finance, hospitality and many more, we have a programme for every sector and industry, as well as a dedicated Apprenticeships team to ensure that every apprentice is supported from the application stage right through to the completion of their programme.
Apprentices reap the benefits of gaining invaluable workplace skills that will kickstart their career, while completing a fully-funded study programme and earning while they learn, so it really is the best of all worlds.
Learn more about West Suffolk College’s Apprenticeships, browse our current vacancies, or book an appointment with the Apprenticeships team.
For aspiring apprentices
An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme for people aged 16 and over, where you will have a paid job whilst completing a formal qualification. Apprentices reap the benefits of gaining invaluable workplace skills and behaviours that will kickstart their career, while they complete a fully funded study programme, so it really is the best of both worlds.
Meet our apprentices…
Tap on the icon to watch videos from current and former apprentices.
FAQ
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Apprenticeships are based in the workplace, so you will need to be employed to start one. You’ll have a formal contract of employment with your employer and your time will be split into 80% work and 20% learning. This learning can be delivered either by a day release to college, or in the workplace as protected study time.
Apprenticeships can take between 12 and 48 months to complete, depending on the level and qualification you are studying.
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Many more young people are now choosing an apprenticeship as an alternative to university. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to gain a qualification that is held in the same regard as, and often is equivalent to a degree, without racking up debt from university fees and accommodation costs.
Degree apprenticeships are rising in popularity, and employers are increasingly keen to recruit people who have been embedded in a workplace and possess the associated skills and behaviours that can be obtained from completing an apprenticeship.
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You have to be at least 16 years old to complete an apprenticeship, but you’ll be pleased to know there is no age limit! So, whether you’re leaving school or college, or fancy a career change, an apprenticeship could be for you.
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While some apprenticeship programmes require you to attend college on day release alongside other apprentices, many are now delivered directly to you during your working week. Your employer will be required to allocate you protected study time, which will consist of online learning, completing assessments and meetings with your Programme Tutor from college.
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One of the key benefits of studying an apprenticeship is that you can earn while you learn. All apprentices are entitled to be paid the national minimum wage for apprenticeships. This rate of pay can be different depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you are in and will change every year in April.
Although the minimum rate of pay is set by the Government, salaries can vary considerably between employers, with many apprenticeship roles paying above minimum wage. Apprentices also receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year, along with bank holidays, just like any other employee.
The national minimum wage for apprentices is £7.55 (from April 2025). This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Apprentices must be paid at least the national minimum wage rate if they’re an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed their first year.
For employers
Apprenticeships help you recruit new talent into your business and increase the skills and capabilities of your people.
Apprentices complete a structured programme of training specific to the needs of your industry. They can progress from introductory courses to advanced and higher level study equivalent to degree study, but unlike purely academic learning, all their knowledge is tuned to your needs.
The methods of learning vary by subject requiring college attendance either one day a week or once a month. In addition to college teaching, we support learners on site at the your premises via regular review meetings and assessment observations.
Government funding is available to support training and employers can also potentially access a government incentive of £1,000 if they recruit a new Apprentice aged 16-18.