Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer a practical way of learning, launching you straight into the workplace and giving you a great start in your chosen career. On an apprenticeship you will not only earn a wage, you will also gain invaluable practical skills and on-the-job training, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Having matched you with an employer in your chosen sector, we work together to develop an individual training programme designed to give you the job-specific skills you need to succeed. On average, apprentices spend four days per week working alongside experienced staff in the workplace and one day per week at Southwark College either remotely or on campus studying towards their qualification.
How to become an Apprentice
There are two ways to become an apprentice. You can either register your interest with Southwark College or browse the current vacancies on this page linked to the National Apprenticeship Service’s find an apprenticeship website to find and apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship (You will need to register to use this service).
If you are unable to apply for a vacancy, are not sure about your next steps or would like to find out more about becoming an apprentice, you can register with Southwark College Apprenticeships service.
Once you have submitted the form you will be invited to attend a session with a member of the Apprenticeships Team who will help you to update your CV, prepare for interviews and support you to apply for vacancies with our employer partners.
WHAT WE OFFER
Apprenticeships, which are the equivalent to level 2 and run for 12 to 24 months and Advanced apprenticeships, which are the equivalent to level 3 and run for 18+ months. Find out more about what we offer below.
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Current vacancies
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Why choose us?
- Southwark College is an ‘outstanding’ apprenticeship provider with an achievement rate 14.1% above the national average*
- We have excellent relationships with employers across business, construction, hospitality and the creative arts.
- Our campus is easily accessible by train, tube or bus
- Our apprenticeships run all year round, so you don’t need to wait until term-time to get started
- We provide lots of support throughout the process – from finding the right apprenticeship to advising you on your next steps once you’ve completed it
- We’re part of NCG, the UK’s largest college group which has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality apprenticeships
*Subject to National Data published Early 2019
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What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study, enabling you to gain recognised qualifications and essential skills while working. You will be on a contract of employment with your employer, working at least 30 hours per week, including time spent at college. You will earn at least National Minimum apprentice Wage (£4.15 per hour), with many employers paying more.
Apprenticeships typically last between 1-5 years depending on the level, and it will also take account of your prior skills. Many of our apprentice’s progress either from one Apprenticeship level to another or straight into a full-time position.
Key facts:
- Apprenticeships usually take between one and four years, although this will vary depending on your employer, employment sector and your own skills and ability
- There are three types of apprenticeship:
- Intermediate – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
- Advanced – equivalent to 2 A level passes
- Higher – can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree
- You need to be 16+, living in England and not in full-time education to do an apprenticeship (but you can apply when you’re still at school)
- Apprentices are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age
- Minimum working hours are normally 20 hours a week plus one day at college
- You’ll get at least 20 days’ holiday pay a year, plus bank holidays
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Pre-Apprenticeships
Everyone on Apprenticeships Connect will also be able to apply to join our Pre-Apprenticeship programme. These funded short courses are delivered in partnership with local employers and will support you to get the knowledge and skills needed to successfully get onto a higher-level Apprenticeship in your chosen industry. Visit our Pre-Apprenticeship page to find out more.
Key information
We want to get you on a course and working towards your career as soon as possible. But there are some things you need to know...
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Zihni Ozturk
My experience as a young chef and apprentice has been very exciting. It has informed me on how things run in a kitchen and has definitely broadened my knowledge and skills.
Max King
"The programme is hard work, but I’m up for it. The teaching here is inspiring, passionate and dedicated. It’s a really friendly environment."
Nicole Harrison
"The Digital Media course pushed my skills in media that I’d never discovered before like photoshoot, indesign, audition and premiere pro. By using these softwares consistently, my work began to evolve from traditional to modern."
Toby Ott
Blackheath-based Toby Ott, 24, has been blind from birth - but this hasn’t stopped him pursuing further and higher education qualifications.
Jadzia Francis
"I’ve become more confident and more accepting of things that I may not be able to control, I’ve learnt to use my time well, valuing my time here and enjoying every minute that happens."
Dan Sherwood
"I’ve learnt that the best thing you can do is get your head down, work hard and put in the hours – it’s worth it."
Marite Micule-peina
"I had teaching experience and was confident in my professional abilities but felt I needed to improve my language skills, and my understanding of the English education system to be ‘work-ready’ in the UK, so I decided to start again from the bottom of the ladder."
Bobby Packham
"I’m only three months into my one-year apprenticeship, and have learnt a lot in that time. The more I work, the more comfortable and confident I feel in my role."
