Learn, Work, Earn with an Apprenticeship at Wigan & Leigh College
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a unique training programme tailored to an individual. They provide a young person or adult with the skills, confidence, qualifications and knowledge to establish a career within their chosen industry.
Apprentices combine their studies with a real work placement in an industry of their choice. As well as gaining industry qualifications and working alongside professionals, Apprentices also earn a weekly wage.
Throughout an Apprenticeship a young person or adult will work towards a nationally recognised qualification, this can be in the workplace or at College one day per week.
A myth surrounds Apprenticeships with people thinking they're only suitable for school leavers but this is not true. Anyone can become an Apprentice, as long as they are 16 year-old or above, living in England and not in full-time education.
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the Apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.
The minimum salary is £3.40 per hour (from October 2016) or if an apprentice is aged 19 and over and completed the first year of training they are entitled to the national minimum wage for their age; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.
For example: An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £6.95.
We have events throughout the year for you to meet employers and find out more information about apprenticeships.
Click here to see our current events
Why is the training important?
As a new employee most of your training will take place on the job. You will be expected to do a real job whilst you learn new skills along the way from experienced staff.
The Apprenticeship qualifications are designed with the help of employers from the industry you choose to work in. The qualifications are structured to develop the skills you need to do your job well. All the things you will study will be very useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career.
There are targets and checks along the way to make sure you are making progress.
So, what are the advantages of an Apprenticeship?
- Earning money
- Getting paid for holidays
- Receiving training
- Gaining qualifications
- Learning new skills and knowledge that employers want
- Progression to Higher Education (university study)
- Working alongside industry trained professionals
What our Apprentices say...
“Becoming an Apprentice is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’m able to study and learn hands on in an industry I love. As an Apprentice I gain a deeper understanding of the industry whilst gaining work experience and a weekly wage. I’m soon to be qualified in beauty, hair and make-up as well as nail technology. My future aspirations include running my own salon filled with Apprentices.”
Chloe Morris
Hair & Beauty Apprentice
“I work for successful business facilities management service, SR Waites. As an apprentice within electrical systems I’ve gained valuable experience working with qualified trades people. I’m now learning a trade, gaining an insight into the world of work and earning a weekly wage doing something I thoroughly enjoy. I’m looking forward to becoming a qualified electrician in the near future.”~
Ryan Gray
Electrical Installation Apprentice
Degree Apprenticeships
A Degree Apprenticeship enables students to bring together vocational, academic study and Higher Education. The innovative apprenticeships can provide students with a head start, combining a full degree with the practical skills gained at the workplace and the financial security of employment.
We are currently offering higher apprenticeships up to degree level:
- IT, Software, Web & Telecoms (Level 4)
- Business & Professional Administration ( Level 4)
- Leadership and Management (Level 4 and 5)
- Care, Leadership and Management ( Level 5)
- Nuclear Degree (Level 6)
New sectors are being developed currently by employers to be implemented from September 2017. The scheme enables apprentices to study at degree level – working towards an honours degree over a five year period.
Getting started...
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Step 1: Have a look at the type of Apprenticeship programmes that we offer to see if there is anything you would like to do www.wigan-leigh.ac.uk/apprenticeshipvacancies
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Step 2: Register and search for vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service website www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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Step 3: Look in the recruitment section of the local newspaper to see if any companies are advertising Apprenticeship vacancies. Search websites of companies you would like to work for.
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Step 4: Get in touch directly with those companies you would like to work for. Chat to your careers advisor about the best way to get in touch, either by telephone or letter.
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Step 5: Once you have secured a job as an Apprentice you can enrol with us at any time of the year onto your chosen Apprenticeship programme.
Get in touch...
Contact our FAB Future team on 01941 761613 or email applications@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Courses Available
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