Apprenticeships: Your quick and easy guide to all you need to know

National Apprenticeship Week, 6-12 February 2023

Capital City College Group offers one of the largest range of apprenticeships in London with top employers from across the capital. Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about apprenticeships.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an actual paid job where you spend 80 per cent of your time working and 20 per cent of your time learning the skills for the role. However, there are many options on how this can be provided to meet both the employer and apprentice’s needs.

Are apprenticeships only for young people?

No. Apprenticeships can be taken by anyone regardless of their age and qualifications. Currently, 185 of our apprentices are aged 16-18 and more than 800 are adults.

When can I start an apprenticeship?

You can start at an apprenticeship at any time of year like any other job. School-leavers should start looking and apply now for vacancies starting in September.

Are apprenticeships for those did not do well in their GCSEs?

No. However, the grades you get in your GCSEs and any other existing qualifications and experience can determine your eligibility for some apprenticeships.

At what Levels can you do an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are set out in Levels depending on the skills required for the job.

• Level 2 is for entry jobs into sectors including construction and customer services.
• Level 3 is equivalent to A levels for roles requiring advanced skills such as technicians and supervisors.
• Level 4 and Level 5 are equivalent to and HNC, HND or foundation degree.
• Level 6 and Level 7 are Degree Apprenticeships.

Are apprenticeships only for manual labour jobs?

Not at all. While we provide excellent apprenticeship training for construction and engineering careers, there are many other areas you can take an apprenticeship in from accounting and hospitality and culinary arts to digital media, healthcare and business administration.

How much will I get paid?

How much you will be paid will be up to the employer. Whether you are aged 16 to 18 or over, you will be entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage and be entitled to holiday pay and other employee rights. Many of the employers pay significantly above this wage with the average salary for an apprentice in the UK around £20,000 a year.

What qualifications do I need to do an apprenticeship?

Entry requirements will vary depending on the Level of apprenticeship you are applying for. Typically, a Level 3 apprenticeship will require four to five GCSEs at 9-4 grades including English and maths. Sometimes these can be taken alongside your apprenticeship. Other qualifications and sector experience are also considered.

Can I get into university with an apprenticeship?

Yes. If you successfully complete a Level 3 apprenticeship with a high grade. Level 3 qualifications are the equivalent of up to three A Levels and marked Pass, Merit or Distinction. You could go on to do a degree apprenticeship with a company where the employer would cover your tuition fees.

Why should I choose CCCG for an apprenticeship?

We work with employers across London to run more than 1,000 apprenticeships each year and are responsible for a fifth of college apprenticeship starts in the capital. Our industry-experienced teachers and employer partnerships mean you will receive the highest standards of training to get the skills needed for your career.

Which employers does CCCG work with?

We work with more than 500 different employers from small businesses to large multinational employers. Here’s a few examples:

• Level 2 Pharmacy Assistants with Barts, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
• Level 3 Engineering with Alstom and Siemens.
• Level 4 Procurement and Supply with the Bank of England, Currys and Transport for London.
• Level 5 HR with London Ambulance Service, O2 and Ladbrokes Coral.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

You can see a full list of our apprenticeship vacancies here or apply for the type of apprenticeship you are interested in here and we will match you with an employer. We will support you with the application process including CV writing and advice on interviews.

Apprenticeship vacancies are also advertised on job boards and other recruitment websites as well as on GOV.UK here.

If you are an employer interested in running apprenticeships, find out more here.

Find out more about our apprenticeships here.

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