Apprenticeship Search
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on route into skilled employment, combining paid work with structured training. As an apprentice, you will be employed with a contract of employment, earning a wage while gaining valuable industry experience.
Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and provide an excellent opportunity to develop job-specific skills while working alongside experienced professionals. With structured training both in the workplace and through off-the-job learning at Sandwell College, apprentices gain recognised qualifications that support career progression.
What is an Apprenticeship?
- Work as a paid employee while receiving training relevant to your role
- Learn from experienced colleagues in a real working environment
- Develop practical skills that employers value
- Off-the-job training delivered at Sandwell College, either through College attendance, online learning, or workplace-based assessments
- Earn at least the National Minimum Wage (some employers may pay more).
- Many apprentices secure permanent employment with their employer after completing their qualification, with opportunities to progress into higher apprenticeships or further study.
Apprenticeships also provide a strong foundation for future career development, offering a pathway into skilled roles across a wide range of industries.
Apply to an Apprenticeship
If you have seen a vacancy on our website which you would like to apply for, please click ‘Apply to a Vacancy‘. If no relevant position exists for the role you are interested in, please click ‘Submit Your Details’. Here you will register an expression of interest and we will add your details to a pool of potential candidates for future apprenticeship openings.
Course Categories
Build essential office, organisation, and communication skills.
Learn to deliver excellent customer experiences, handle inquiries, and build client relationships.
Apply to an Apprenticeship
If you have seen a vacancy on our website which you would like to apply for, please click ‘Apply to a Vacancy‘. If no relevant position exists for the role you are interested in, please click ‘Submit Your Details’. Here you will register an expression of interest and we will add your details to a pool of potential candidates for future apprenticeship openings.
Common Questions
Find answers to the most common apprenticeship questions and get the information you need to start your journey with confidence.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are jobs which combine work and training. You’ll earn a wage, develop your skills, update your CV and experience, and start on the career ladder.
How long is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can last anything from one to four years, and will depend on your starting point and level of qualification when you start. If you are between 16-18 we offer a 3-week pre-apprenticeship programme.
What apprenticeships can I choose from?
You can choose from over 30 apprenticeship routes across a range of job roles, from construction and automotive to business and healthcare, have a look at our website at all of the courses we have on offer.
Am I eligable for an Apprenticeship?
There are no age limits for apprenticeships and they are suitable for anyone over the age of 16. You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you’re upskilling in your current job.
Depending on the level, some apprenticeships may require previous qualifications such as an English or maths GCSE at a certain grade.
To start an apprenticeship, you must not already be in full-time education.
How much will I get paid?
You will be employed within an company/industry relevant to the apprenticeship you are completing, and will be classed as member of staff within that business, you will earn at least £4.81 an hour, or if over 19 you will be on National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage Rate for your age. Wages can vary depending on your age and the employer.
If you are 19 after completing the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid at least the full National Minimum Wage.
How do I apply?
Have a look at our current vacancy list and apply for any you like the sound of. We’ll invite you in for an interview to see if you’re a good fit for those roles. If you can’t find a vacancy that suits you, then no problem – just apply through our usual Apply site and we can still invite you in for an interview.
If you’re already employed ask your employer if you could complete an Apprenticeship, contact our apprenticeship team and we will make contact with you and your employer to complete the contract and sign-up paperwork.
What is the apprenticeship qualification equivalent to?
- Level 2 is equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A-C/9-4
- Level 3 is equivalent to two A Levels
- Level 4 and 5 are equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Level 6 and 7 are equivalent to a Degree/Masters
Can I access student discounts?
As a student at Sandwell College, you can apply for an NUS Apprentice discount card and UNiDAYS.
How much will an apprenticeship cost me?
Nothing! And not only is it free, you will be earning a wage while you study for your qualification.
Do I need to attend College?
It depends on your apprenticeship. We have a variety of delivery models to depending on the apprenticeship. These could be block or day release on site at Sandwell College or one of our other campuses, delivered entirely in the workplace, virtual delivery via Teams/Zoom or a mixture of all. The apprenticeship team will discuss the mode of delivery with you on application.
Do I get holidays?
Yes. As an employee of any business, you are entitled to the statutory minimum of 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays, this will be detailed in your contract of employment.
Can I get additional support if I have learning difficulties?
Yes. Support is available to all apprentices who have been identified as having additional learning needs. Find out more about student support here.
Can I do an apprenticeship through my current employer?
If you are already employed and your employer is interested in supporting you to upskill in your current role through an apprenticeship, we can help make this happen.
Click the link here to fill in our form and fill out as many details as you can. A business consultant will get in touch with you and arrange a visit to your employer to carry out a training needs analysis. We will then check you and your employer are suitable for an apprenticeship and then you can enrol onto the course.
When can I start?
An apprenticeship is a job and is not related to the academic calendar. You can apply for an apprenticeship at any time of the year.
Starting your training depends upon the availability of a suitable position being offered by an employer and your success in being accepted by that employer to undertake that role.
Your start date will need to coincide with your apprenticeship enrolment date.
Apprenticeship Links
Find essential resources, guidance, and opportunities to support you throughout your apprenticeship journey.
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Our Facilities
Whichever course you choose at Sandwell College, you’ll study in one of the West Midlands’ most modern learning environments.
Our £77 million central campus attracts students from across the region, offering industry-focused facilities designed to support your future career .From our real-life Boeing 737 aircraft cabin to the newly refurbished Esports Hub, automotive garage and labs, and animal care and dog grooming rooms, every space is built for hands-on learning.
You’ll also have access to specialist facilities at our STEM campus, as well as our upcoming Skills Campus in Cradley Heath, and the Learning Campus at Midland Metropolitan Hospital, ensuring you gain the practical experience needed to succeed.
Help and Support
We want to ensure the right level and type of support is in place for every one of our learners to be successful and treated as an individual. We believe that each student should be individually supported to grow and develop personally and professionally.
When you join us you’ll have access to a network of mentors and online 24/7 confidential counselling services for your emotional wellbeing, as well as a dedicated safeguarding team of staff, student-to-student safeguarding champions and your own personal tutor.
