Apprenticeships can be an excellent way to help you achieve a successful career and, at Coleg Gwent, we deliver a high-quality Apprenticeship programme.
Apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 or over, who’s living in Wales and employed within an industry sector for at least 16 hours a week.
It’s essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’, developed by the Sector Skills Councils. Every apprentice follows an industry approved Apprenticeship framework, to develop high quality skills that employers really want.
These frameworks include as a minimum:
- A National Vocational Qualification providing skills specific to occupational areas
- Technical Knowledge Qualifications – to underpin your practical skills
- Transferable work-related skills – such as communication and number application.
We offer two levels of Apprenticeship: Foundation Apprenticeship (equivalent to five GCSEs, Grade A-C) and Apprenticeship (equivalent to two A Level passes).
What can I do an Apprenticeship in?
At Coleg Gwent, we offer the following Foundation Apprenticeships and Apprenticeship routes:
- Building & Construction
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering
- Health & Social Care
- Hospitality & Catering
- Motor Vehicle
- Plumbing
- Welding
What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship?
Aim high: Apprentices can train up to degree level and beyond – Apprentices are working in some of the most advanced and highly technical fields in the Welsh economy, such as engineering.
Earn whilst you learn: Full time learning isn’t for everyone. If you’d prefer to go straight into employment, but want to get the qualifications alongside your new skills and experience, and are employed for at least 16 hours a week, an Apprenticeship could be for you.
A real job: Put your new skills into practice in your workplace, and come to college, usually one day a week.
A real qualification: A national qualification recognised by employers around the world.
Get paid: Not only do you get industry experience, workplace skills and qualifications, you get paid! (in line with national minimum wage requirements)
A real future: 85% of Apprentices stay on in employment when they complete their Apprenticeship and 32% get promotion within 12 months of finishing.
Do I have to be employed?
Yes. To be an apprentice you must be employed within the industry. If you live in Wales, and you are aged 16 or over, not in full time education and employed within the industry, you can apply.
How long will I spend in college?
Typically, you’ll attend college one day a week, for the delivery of the Technical Certificate and Essential Skills Wales qualifications, known as off-the-job training. You’ll spend the rest of the week with your employer, learning on-the-job, building up knowledge and skills and gaining qualifications.
Where will training take place?
At college you’ll be provided with knowledge and develop skills, whilst your employer will provide the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject.
What qualifications are included?
This would depend on the route you’re following, but most Apprenticeship frameworks consist of an NVQ Level 2 or 3, Technical Certificate and Essential Skills. For further details email us or call 01495 333355.
How long will the Apprenticeship take to complete?
When you sign up for the training scheme, you’ll be given a target time to finish. However, a Foundation Apprenticeship takes between 12 and 24 months and an Apprenticeship can takes up to two years, depending on what route you take.
If you have any more questions our Apprenticeships team are more than happy to help, you can email them or call 01495 333355.
