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?
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.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2 which is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs.
Entry requirements: each programme will have different entry requirements, starting from no formal qualifications to certain levels of Maths and English.
Apprenticeships
Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, which is the equivalent to 2 A Levels.
Entry requirements: you will normally need five GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths, or have previously completed a Level 2 apprenticeship.
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.
Entry requirements: you will normally have needed to complete an apprenticeship at Level 3 or have relevant qualifications or experience.
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 (see further information below).
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 [insert details]. 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!
This happens every 6-8 weeks and includes setting targets and action plans to support your learning.
This includes final assessments and submitting final portfolios.
On successful completion, you will, where relevant, receive a technical certificate, competence certification 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:
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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Bridgend College achieves Gold at Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Awards09/06/2021 - 10:06
Kickstarting careers for young people08/06/2021 - 11:44
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Bridgend College joins the ‘Race to Zero’ campaign against climate change12/05/2021 - 13:11
