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.

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.

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

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 <strong><a href=”mailto:apprenticships@cornwall.ac.uk”>apprenticships@cornwall.ac.uk</a></strong>

Once you are ready to apply, follow the steps at: <a href=”https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship</strong></a>