Apprenticeships - frequently asked questions such as fees

Apprenticeships : Frequently asked questions

If you’re aged from 14 years and above, there is a range of apprenticeships available to you.

What is the range of apprenticeships?

Junior Apprenticeships

These are a unique new way to learn and start training for a future career for 14-16 year olds where young people 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.

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

Higher Apprentices 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.

What about … ?

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

What’s the difference between a Traineeship and an 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.

Our apprenticeships are funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

View our Apprenticeship courses here