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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, but 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, your college will work with them 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 college either remotely or on campus studying towards their qualification.

How to become an Apprentice

Southwark College is not recruiting for any apprenticeships in 2023/24. However, you can browse one of our other courses here, including vocational diplomas and T Levels. Alternatively, our sister college Lewisham College offers apprenticeships, which you can find out more about on their website.

You can also browse vacancies linked to the National Apprenticeship Service’s find an apprenticeship website to find and apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship at other colleges in London.

If you need further information, advice or guidance about what to do next you can speak to an advisor using the details on our contact us page.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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Coronavirus update

Southwark College is closely monitoring all communications and guidance as it becomes available. This information is for students and staff and reflects updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England (PHE). We are prepared to escalate our contingency arrangements in the event of change.

The government is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with the WHO and international community. For staff and students, it remains business as usual across our sites and our workplaces.

Please note that, at present, this advice refers only to arrivals from Wuhan, and not the remainder of China. If you have returned from Wuhan you should:

General guidance for those planning visits to Wuhan or other destinations in China

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) maintains updated travel advice for those planning a trip to Wuhan or other destinations in China. This is available at:

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

Note

This advice is derived from The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data on a daily basis at 2pm until further notice:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#situation-in-the-uk

Supplementary Q&A for individuals wishing to know more around how the UK is managing the risk:

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/