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Apprenticeships
The South West’s top performing college for apprenticeships
With expert staff, strong industry partnerships, networking opportunities, as well as hands-on experience, we can help you launch your career from day one.
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships give you an opportunity to learn and gain a recognised qualification whilst you work.
All apprenticeships are paid, and you will be expected to work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, including one day a week studying at college. You will spend most of your time within your workplace and the rest of your training will be provided by the College.
There is no upper age limit to become an apprentice, but you need to be at least 16.
How do I get started?
To become an apprentice, you will need to apply for an apprenticeship job vacancy or speak to a business and have them take you on as an apprentice.
We can support you through this process helping you with CV writing, interview tips and speaking to the business about the benefits of employing an apprentice.
We work with hundreds of employers every year developing vacancies and helping them recruit a workforce that will boost their business.
We specialise in a wide range of apprenticeships in construction, engineering, motor vehicle, marine, digital technology, catering, hair, early years, business, accounting and more across Cornwall and Devon.
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Employing an apprentice can bring new energy and talent to your organisation. Learn more about the benefits and how to apply here.
Find out more
“
I’m always learning something new, and I’m always given the opportunity to have a go!
Billy Turpin-Brooks, Land-based Engineering Apprentice
Latest apprenticeship vacancies
Apprentice Roofer
- COASTLINE HOUSING LIMITED
- Level – Intermediate
- Close Date – 27th November
- Start Date – 1st December
Adult Care Worker Apprentice
- HELP AT HOME CARE SERVICE LTD
- Level – Advanced
- Close Date – 30th November
- Start Date – 1st January
Adult Care Worker Apprentice
- PENHELLIS COMMUNITY CARE LIMITED
- Level – Intermediate
- Close Date – 16th December
- Start Date – 6th January
Groundworker Apprentice
- MORCOM CONSTRUCTION LTD
- Level – Intermediate
- Close Date – 2nd December
- Start Date – 6th January
Groundworker Apprentice
- WBM GROUNDWORKS LTD
- Level – Intermediate
- Close Date – 6th December
- Start Date – 6th January
Machining Technician Apprentice
- ENGINEERED ARTS LTD
- Level – Advanced
- Close Date – 2nd December
- Start Date – 6th January
Adult Care Worker Apprentice
- LENDING HANDS IN CARE LTD
- Level – Intermediate
- Close Date – 2nd December
- Start Date – 13th January
Adult Care Worker Apprentice
- THYME CARE LTD
- Level – Intermediate
- Close Date – 13th December
- Start Date – 13th January
What’s the benefit of doing an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a bit different from the typical school path you’ll be familiar with. As an apprentice, you will:
- Work and learn in a hands-on environment, gaining skills that will set you up for success
- Work for a business in your sector, earning a real wage at the same time*
- Gain qualifications without having to pay anything for your training
- Undertake assessments and compile a comprehensive portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills and competence
- Network with a range of industry experts
- Have the possibility of a full-time job at the end of your apprenticeship
*The National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £6.40 (as of April 2024), but many employers pay above and beyond this.
Supporting you
We help you every step of the way with our support network, which will help you thrive throughout your apprenticeship and succeed in your chosen career.
You’ll have an Individual Learning Plan to help you stay on track and we will conduct workplace visits to monitor your progress and check that you are happy with how things are going.
For more information, check out our Apprenticeship Learner Guide.
Apprenticeship FAQs
Yes, all apprentices are paid. The minimum wage for apprentices is £6.40 per hour. However, you may earn significantly more as you progress through your qualifications.
If you are an apprentice ages 19+ you may also start at £6.40 per hour for the first year, after which your wage will increase to the National Minimum Wage and may progress from there.
If you are already employed at the start of your apprenticeship, your wage shouldn’t change.
No. While you are on an apprenticeship your employer pays you a salary and supports you while you undertake your training.
If you are 16-20, all of your training is free. However, if you are ages 21 or older, your employer will need to contribute towards your training fees.
You will be expected to work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, which includes your time spent at college. This may differ for certain apprenticeships that offer block college training.
You must be at least 16 to begin an apprenticeship, but there is no upper age limit.
The length of an apprenticeship varies depending on your prior skills levels, experience, your chosen industry and the qualification you are aiming for. Generally, the apprenticeships we offer take between one and four years to complete.
You can apply at any time of the year. When you begin your apprenticeship depends on the availability of a position within the business.
Yes. If your employer agrees, you can become an apprentice where you work now.
Our apprenticeships have been developed to give you a head start in your career. Your on-the-job training will support the development of specific skills and knowledge for a specific job role within a specific company, while your college-based training will give you skills and knowledge to prepare you for the wider world of work.
To enquire about a vacancy, contact our recruitment team on 0330 123 4785 or email apprenticships@cornwall.ac.uk
Once you are ready to apply, follow the steps at: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
“
If anyone is unsure on what to do, I would recommend looking at apprenticeships, especially through Cornwall Colleges. They’ll give you everything you need and all the support you’ll ever need.
Jack Smith, Plumbing Apprentice
Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service
Register with our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service and we’ll give you advice, support, and details of all the latest apprenticeships relevant to you.
We not only have contacts with a large variety of businesses to help you find your perfect job, but we can also help with writing CVs, cover letters and contacting employers.
Contact us
apprenticeships@cornwall.ac.uk
“
Being a female in the industry is hard, but it makes you want to fight for it even more. The College helps you explore all sides of manufacturing and engineering, makes me realise there are plenty of options and it opens many doors for us in the future.
Lucie Avison, Metal Fabricator Apprentice
Apprenticeship News
Bicton College Launches UK’s First Agritech Advanced Engineering Centre
New facility sets a national standard in agritech education, providing students with essential skills for the agricultural industry’s future. Bicton College has officially opened the UK’s first Agritech Advanced Engineering Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that will shape the future of agricultural education. The launch event, attended by industry leaders, students and stakeholders, marks a Read More
Students shine as college posts best results in years!
Students across The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) are celebrating one of the most successful years of academic achievements in the history of the group. An impressive 39 of the College’s Level 3 courses achieved a perfect pass rate, highlighting the exceptional performance of students across a wide range of disciplines. These included Agriculture, Animal Management, Art & Design, Enginee Read More
Bicton student crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at regional farming awards
A young Devon farmer who was crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at a regional farming awards ceremony has encouraged others to follow in his footsteps. The annual South West Farmer Awards, which were held in Taunton last week, saw Bicton College student Lee James pick up the accolade after being nominated by his lecturer. Lee had studied a higher apprenticeship in agriculture busi Read More