Take on new staff or upskill existing team members in your business.
Earn and learn on an Apprenticeship at Bridgend College.
As a parent you want your son or daughter to get the best possible start.
Liam has been at the college for four years and has enjoyed every second here.
“The apprenticeship has been the best thing I have ever done. I will be able to use all my experiences to take with me when I qualify. I have developed skills specific to my career in engineering as well as other, broader skills that will benefit my career.” Liam Gill
Maria, 28, has been an Engineering apprentice with us for over 2 years and has a deep curiosity about how engines were built, operated and controlled.
It’s this passion for learning that led her to become the first female adult apprentice taken on at Ford’s Bridgend plant. Maria is already an honours graduate in Forensic Chemistry, provided by Bridgend College, and has gone from strength to strength which is a great example of how apprenticeships programmes can help you succeed.
A more engaged workforce:
92% of employers who employ Apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
Lower staff turnover, reduced recruitment costs:
83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future
A better image and greater customer satisfaction:
81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices
Increased Competitiveness:
80% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive
We have had a relationship with Bridgend College for the best part of a decade, we try and take on multiple apprentices each year, in various fields. We feel it is an important part of our Business Development and at the moment have 6 full time apprentices. We have always received excellent support and dedication, often through challenging periods from Bridgend College, and we plan to continue this development in the coming years.
Tata Steel has sourced a range of Academic, Vocational & industry specific training from Bridgend College for several decades and we have always been satisfied with the service and training provided. The Team building & Problem Solving Training for our 105 new Apprentices is delivered professionally but in a fun, challenging and supportive way.
Types of Apprenticeships available
Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprentices study towards qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs or NVQ Level 2 and often go on to complete Apprenticeships and Higher Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships
Apprentices gain valuable on the job skills, whilst studying towards a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to 5 GCSEs, 2 A-Levels or NVQ level 3.
Higher Apprenticeships
A Higher Apprenticeship individuals work towards a qualification equivalent to a HND / HNC, foundation or honours degree. Higher Apprenticeships are available across a range of sectors from Aerospace to Accountancy, Construction to Creative Media. The Welsh Government is dedicated to improving higher level skills in Wales through Higher Apprenticeships, focusing on increasing the number of technical and professional opportunities at level 4 and above. The numbers of people choosing Higher Apprenticeships are going up and more businesses are realising the benefits of supporting higher level skills.
Who pays the college fees?
The College fees are covered through a combination of Government funding and the employer.
How many hours does a apprentice work each week?
30-40 hours a week, including one day a week training at Bridgend College
Whats the difference between a Traineeship and a Apprenticeship?
A Traineeship (or Pre-Apprenticeship), is unpaid and does not involve a contract of employment. However, we do encourage employers to support trainees by covering their expenses, such as transport and meal costs. A traineeship lasts from six weeks to a maximum of three months. It can help a young person to gain the skills and experience they need to progress to a paid Apprenticeship or other employment.
