Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeships is a fantastic way to obtain qualifications whilst you work through Hands-on training.

One day a week is usually set aside for study, often at a college, university or with another training provider. The rest of the week is then spent applying your knowledge and skills in the actual workplace. At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll gain official certification, which will be equivalent to traditional qualifications.

The different Apprenticeships levels are equivalent to traditional qualifications. See below:

• Level 2 (Intermediate): GCSEs
• Level 3 (Advanced): A-levels
• Level 4 (Higher): foundation degree
• Level 5 (Higher): foundation degree/first year of bachelor’s degree
• Level 6 (Degree): bachelor’s degree
• Level 7 (Degree): master’s degree

As an apprentice, you’ll earn a wage. The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour. This applies to people under 19, or people aged 19 or over who are in their first year of their apprenticeship. 

If you’re an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed your first year you must be paid the national minimum wage for your age. The national minimum wage is currently set at:

• £6.56 per hour for 18 - 20 year olds
• £8.36 per hour for 21- 22 year olds
• £8.91 per hour for those aged 23 and over

It’s important to note that whilst these wages are minimally required, Employers often set their salaries using higher rates, depending on company policy.

 

Apprenticeship vacancies

If you are looking for an apprenticeship in Cornwall, there are many to choose from! Have a look below to find out what opportunities are available for you.

You can browse these websites to find local Apprenticeship vacancies: 

• Gov.uk
• Reed
• Find a Job
• Indeed
• GetMyFirstJob
• linkedin.com visit their jobs search
• Employer websites – for example, Cornwall Council
• Social media e.g. Facebook Jobs
• Ask your personal contacts or write and contact employers directly

You can also access apprenticeships through different training providers and colleges, who can help you with finding an appropriate apprenticeship, CV writing and interview skills.

• Cornwall apprenticeships
• Cornwall College apprenticeship newsletter
• Truro College Apprenticeship advertisements

If you can’t find the right Apprenticeship for you, think about contacting or writing to local employers with your CV to ask if they’d consider taking you on as an Apprentice, or at least provide you with some work experience. If you are in school or college your teacher or careers adviser can help you find and apply for apprenticeships.

You can also get advice with writing applications, creating a good CV and covering letter here.