Apprenticeships
at Bridgend College

Finalist for Apprenticeship Programme of the Year (Tes FE Awards 2020)
Regional Winner for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the AAC 2018 Awards

Bridgend College is one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in Wales, offering a diverse range of training programmes that support large multi-national organisations, small private companies, and the public sector.

At Bridgend College, we train hundreds of apprentices each year. We offer apprenticeships across a wide range of subject areas and sectors to give apprentices a combined work and study route to achieving a nationally-recognised qualification.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for people to earn while they learn, gain vital work experience and set themselves on a fast track to a successful career. Lasting between one and five years, apprenticeships are now available in over hundreds of occupations in many industries.

They are for people of all ages and all backgrounds, offering a ladder of opportunity for people to gain the life-changing skills they need and enabling businesses to acquire the critical skills they need for growth.

Apprenticeships work for individuals, businesses, communities and the wider economy. They give people the opportunity to earn while developing important and relevant skills valued by employers, increasing earning potential and providing the foundations for career success, with more than 85% of apprentices staying in employment after their course ends.

What does an apprenticeship involve?

An apprenticeship combines practical, work-based training with study – usually one day per week – towards a framework of nationally recognised qualifications.

The duration of an apprenticeship varies depending on the apprenticeship framework chosen. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship is 12 months. The majority of Apprenticeships tend to run from 12- 24 months. Though, some higher-level apprenticeships can run for up to 48 months.

What apprenticeships does Bridgend College offer?

At Bridgend College, we offer various levels of apprenticeship from pre-entry level (for 14-16 year olds) to higher apprenticeship at Level 4 and above. Apprentices can progress through the levels or they can have direct entry on to a level depending on the sector they are working in and their role.

Junior Apprenticeships

These are a unique way to learn and start training. They are for 14-16 year olds who come to college, instead of school, five days a week during term-time. A Junior Apprenticeship will develop their knowledge and skills, enabling them to gain industry qualifications for their chosen future career. Alongside this, they will study English and Maths and continue to sit GCSE exams in these subjects which are important for any future career.

Supported Internship Programme

An innovative and fully immersive employment programme for entry level learners with additional learning needs. Our Supported Internship Programme is an innovative and exciting opportunity for young people with additional learning needs to learn and gain work-based experiences, delivered in collaboration with Engage to Change, Elite Supported Employment Agency and Project Search.

FE / Traineeship

Traineeships are a new learning programme for people aged between 16-18 years old in Wales. The Traineeship learning programme aims to give young people the skills needed to get a job or progress to further learning at a higher level, such as an apprenticeship or further education.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, which is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs.

Apprenticeships

Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, which is the equivalent to 2 A Levels.

Higher Apprenticeships

Higher Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 4 and above, which is the equivalent to an HNC/HND or Foundation Degree.

Find out more about the Apprenticeship opportunities at Bridgend College

I’m an employer

I’d like to start an apprenticeship

If you have an existing member of staff who you would like to upskill via an apprenticeship, simply complete our online enquiry form or ring 01656 763233 or 01656 763238. Our Work-based Learning Team will review your application and will be in touch regarding the next steps!

Employer engagement partners

We are proud to work with a range of organisations, dedicated to supporting and developing businesses across Wales. Here is a selection of the employers we work with:

Supporting Welsh language

All learners studying Apprenticeship programmes with Bridgend College are given the opportunity to undertake their learning in Welsh, either in full or part. Learners are supported to recognise Welsh as a key employability skill and are provided with various opportunities to develop their use of the Welsh language, as part of their course and outside of their studies.

Find out more about how we can support Welsh speaking learners here.

Apprenticeships
at Bridgend College