Apprentices are trained in the workplace and in college – you will be with your employer most of the time and then usually attend college one day a week or be visited by your assessor at your workplace.
Why study an apprenticeship?
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.
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.
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 Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, which is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs.
Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, which is the equivalent to 2 A Levels.
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.
Our highly-skilled, friendly and supportive staff will help you throughout your apprenticeship journey and you will be supported every step of the way.
The apprenticeship journey is made up of ten key stages.
The first stage in the apprenticeship journey is gaining employment as you must be in employment to become an apprentice. Careers Wales publishes Apprenticeship vacancies via the Apprenticeship Matching Service. You could also approach an employer directly or contact us to help.
As an employee, this stage involves us conducting an initial assessment of your experience and skills to ensure you’re suited to an apprenticeship. At this stage, contact apprenticeship@bridgend.ac.uk or call 01656 763 233 or 763 238.
Once we’ve confirmed your suitability, you are ready to make an application! This can be done online. You will also be required to undertake a literacy, numeracy and digital literacy initial assessment and an interview.
This is an important part of your apprenticeship journey which includes completing some key documentation so you are clear what is expected of you, and what you can expect from Bridgend College and your employer.
At this stage, you’ll be assigned your Tutor/Assessor, given details of when you’ll need to attend college and the support services available to you. You’re now ready to start your apprenticeship!
The Progress review is carried out every 6-8 weeks. It includes setting targets and action plans to support your learning.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will gain valuable work experience and be equipped with the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out a specific job role.
Completing your qualification includes final assessments and submitting completed portfolios.
On successful completion, you will, where relevant, receive a technical certificate, competence certificate and Essential Skills Wales Certification.
You have completed your apprenticeship with us, but we can still support you with your next steps, for example careers advice and guidance via our Cyfleoedd Team.
In our latest apprenticeship learner survey (2019/20), here is what our apprentices said about our programmes:
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:
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.
We are extremely proud to announce that Bridgend College has now officially become a Google Reference College, the first college in Wales to be given this esteemed title.
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