Apprenticeships & Professional Courses

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Apprenticeships & Professional Courses

You don’t have to wait until September to get an apprenticeship through Croydon College! Croydon College is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in south London. If you’re at least 16 years old, and not in full-time education, this could be the perfect option for you!

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a training development programme tied to a job role. It allows you to gain technical and functional knowledge, and real practical experience, required to do a job well. Apprentices earn while they learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and receive professional on-the-job training.

As an apprentice you will work as a contracted employee with full training, and you’ll be working alongside experienced staff, putting you on the first rung of the career ladder.

At Croydon College we offer a whole range of different types of apprenticeship, and we’re looking to offer new programmes, so if you’re interested get in touch now and own your future!

Why a short course?

Are you looking to brush up on a skill? Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill? Then our short courses are for you. For more information, please email shortcourses@croydon.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I study?

  • You will earn a salary
  • You train to develop the skills employers actually want. Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications (*Source: www.apprenticeships.org)
  • Gain nationally recognised qualifications
  • Improve future career prospects -There are excellent progression opportunities in employment, or further study, and your training is tailored towards your needs.
  • Earn more in your lifetime- Apprentices earn, on average, over £150,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees (*Source: www.apprenticeships.org)

How long do apprenticeships last?

The duration of an apprenticeship depends on several factors including the subject, the level undertaken and the apprentice’s existing skills and qualifications. They can take between one and four years to complete.

Are you eligible?

TTo get on an apprenticeship programme, you must:

  • be aged over 16 at the start of the programme;
  • have been living in the UK/EU for three years before starting your apprenticeship;
  • not currently be in education;
  • have an employer who will pay you as an apprentice and offer you no less than 30 hours of work each week. If you are currently unemployed, the College offers a recruitment service.

You must also meet the entry requirements, which are:

Intermediate apprenticeship

As a minimum you will need to pass English and maths at Entry Level 3 or above in your initial assessment at the College. Some Intermediate Level apprenticeships require a Level 1 or above in your initial assessment. Employability skills are required for this programme.

Advanced apprenticeship

Intermediate apprenticeship Framework, or a Level 2 vocational course at Merit or higher. You will also need to pass English and maths at Level 1 or above in your initial assessment at the College. Employability skills and suitable occupational experience are required for this programme

Higher apprenticeships

Advanced apprenticeship framework or a Level 3 vocational course. You will need to pass English and maths at Level 2 or above in your initial assessment at the College. Employability skills and suitable occupational experience are also required.

All applicants must attend a pre-interview and assessment prior to being considered for an apprenticeship.

Further useful reading on apprenticeships:

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