Apprenticeships are designed around the needs of businesses and can help transform your organisation.
They are fully funded and an opportunity to harness fresh new talent by recruiting a new member of staff, or upskilling an existing member of staff. By training an apprentice with Bridgend College, you are helping to develop a pipeline of talent to support your organisation in the future.
An apprentice can:
- Provide opportunities to accelerate business growth
- Improve productivity and reduce business costs
- Nurture talent to improve services
- Give your business a creative boost
Our apprenticeship programmes are funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government.
Why work with Bridgend College?
We are an award-winning provider and have been training apprentices for over 90+ years. We have helped hundreds of organisations of different sizes and in many different sectors develop their workforce.
- We offer over 35 apprenticeship pathways, from pre-entry to Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4+)
- We are proud to have consistently delivered apprenticeship attainment rates significantly above sector averages.
- We were shortlisted for ‘Apprenticeship Programme of the Year’ in 2019 and 2020 at the Tes FE Awards.
- Bridgend College apprentices won ‘National Apprentice of the Year’ awards across different apprenticeship categories at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru between 2015 and 2019.
- We were named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by FE Week/AELP 2018.
- Our skills tutor, Rachel Lewis, was a finalist for the ‘Work-based Learning Tutor of the Year’ award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru in 2019.
Feedback from employers
In our latest apprenticeship employer survey (2019/20), here is the feedback we received from employers:
97% of employers would recommend Bridgend College to another employer 98% of employers are satisfied with the support they, as an employer, received from Bridgend College. 99% of employers either ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’ that they are clear on how well their employee is progressing through their programme. 99% of employers stated that Bridgend College responds promptly to any concerns or comments they have about their employee’s training. 97% of employers stated that the training provided reflects current practice in the industry/sector.
What support does Bridgend College offer?
Our highly skilled and supportive team will help you throughout the apprenticeship journey:
- You’ll have a dedicated Work-based Learning Liaison Officer to ensure the apprenticeship programme runs smoothly
- You’ll receive receive regular, detailed feedback on the progress of your apprentice towards each framework component
- Access to all Bridgend College facilities, learning resources and support services
Get in touch
The organisations we work with are in different stages of their apprenticeship journey – some already have an existing member of staff they’d like to be on an apprenticeship programme while others are keen to recruit a new member of staff to become an apprentice. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Employer FAQs
What is an apprenticeship and what does it involve?
An apprenticeship combines a job with training. They can be used for anyone, regardless of their experience or age, eg a school leaver or existing member of staff.
Apprenticeships enable individuals to carry out a structured training programme which includes professional qualification(s) and on the job training. They equip individuals with the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out a specific job role.
What are the benefits of running apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are a tried and tested way to recruit new staff. They provide an opportunity to develop new talent and upskill existing talent. Employers who recruit apprenticeships often notice a reduction in staff turnover, and an increase in employee loyalty and satisfaction.
Additionally, they can be a cheaper way to recruit staff and can provide the apprentice with the opportunity to progress their skills and develop in their role.
What level of apprenticeships are there?
Apprenticeship programmes span from level 2 –7. Levels 6 and 7 are intended to be equivalent to a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree.
How long do apprenticeships last?
The duration of an apprenticeship varies depending on the apprenticeship that you choose, and the apprentice you employ. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship is 12 months. Some higher-level or degree-level apprenticeships can run for up to 48 months.
Is an apprenticeship a real job?
Yes, apprentices must be employed in a real job. They are contracted into a role by the employer and required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
The apprenticeship contract must stipulate the following: the duration of the apprenticeship, the training provided, the working conditions and the qualifications the apprentice will be working towards. Each apprenticeship must include a minimum of 20% time ‘off the job’ training.
Can a graduate participate in an apprenticeship?
Yes. From April 2017, funding is available to all graduates regardless of their experience or age. The apprenticeship they are using must be significantly different to the qualifications they already hold so that new skills are learned.
Can an existing member of staff be offered an apprenticeship?
Yes, if the apprenticeship is relevant to their job role, teaches them something new and provides career progression. Funding is only available for apprenticeships which are relevant to the individual’s job role.
The apprentice must be able to demonstrate the required skills, knowledge and behaviour specified in the apprenticeship.
Can a part-time member of staff participate in an apprenticeship?
Yes, there are concessions available to allow part-time staff to participate in an apprenticeship. However, it will take a part-time apprentice substantially longer to complete the apprenticeship.
What happens if an apprentice goes on maternity, paternity or long term sick leave?
If an apprentice goes on maternity, paternity or long term sick leave during an apprenticeship, the apprenticeship can be paused and will continue when the apprentice returns to work.
How much should apprentices get paid?
All apprentices get paid a salary and this will differ depending on the job role. The employer must comply with the national minimum wage legislation (the current apprenticeship minimum wage is £4.30 an hour).
Apprentices over 19 must be paid the minimum wage for their age category. Please note, higher-level apprenticeships are subject to the national minimum wage, not the apprenticeship minimum wage. Apprentices must be offered the same conditions as other employees working on similar grades or in similar roles, including paid holidays, sick pay and any benefits you offer, eg childcare voucher schemes, coaching or mentoring etc.
Does the term ‘apprentice’ need to be used in the apprentice’s job title?
No; job titles are set by each employer, therefore you will not need to include ‘apprentice’ in the job title.
Our 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:
I would like to recruit an apprentice but need to find a suitable candidate
We know it’s crucial to find the right fit for your organisation. If you need help recruiting an apprentice, we will discuss your requirements including:
- Exploring your aims and priorities in the type of individual you are looking for
- Gathering all the necessary information into a job template
- Discussing a variety of approaches for advertising your vacancies for you, including internally with our own learners, a variety of job websites, social media and reaching out through our expansive network
- Directing suitable candidates to you who may approach us
- Helping you connect with individuals by enabling opportunities for you to meet or promote your opportunities to them in person
If you’d like this support from us, contact our Careers team, Cyfleoedd, via our website.
You can also contact Careers Wales to advertise your apprenticeship vacancy via the Apprenticeship Matching Service or contact Business Wales SkillsGateway.
I have an existing staff member who I would like to start an apprenticeship with Bridgend College
If you have an existing member of staff who you would like to upskill via an apprenticeship, simply complete our online application form. Our Work-based Learning Team will review your application.
If you need any help or support, contact apprenticeship@bridgend.ac.uk or call 01656 763 233 or 763 238.
I have an individual ready to start an apprenticeship with Bridgend college
If you are ready to start your apprenticeship journey with us, contact us today: apprenticeship@bridgend.ac.uk or call 01656 763 233 or 763 238.
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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