Coronavirus
Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
An Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. You will gain hands-on, paid industry experience with a local employer, and study towards a nationally-recognised qualification in your chosen subject.
Whether you’re starting your career, looking to change direction, or wanting to upskill in your current job, an Apprenticeship could be for you.
An employee of the business with a contract of employment, you cannot be a self-employed Apprentice
Paid at least £4.81 per hour for at least 30 hours per week, and have at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
Spend between 1 day a week - 1 day a month at college studying for your qualification, or completing other activities to enrich your work experience, to support the achievement of your Apprenticeship Standard.
Working at any level within the organisation and at any age (over school leaving age)
Undertaking training that has been designed to meet the needs of the industry and will take from one to four years to complete. You may also need to complete Functional Skills in maths and English depending on your GCSE results.
An Apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to combine full-time employment and specialised training.
As an Apprentice you are an employee, with employee’s rights, salary and paid annual leave.
You are also a student, committed to learning, and progressing. More than that, you are a member of a team, committed to the values of the business you work for, bringing a fresh perspective, and eagerness to work hard and learn. You will be ideally placed to progress in your career or into further learning or you may decide to start your own business!
We offer a wide range of Apprenticeships in subject areas such as:
There are numerous levels of Apprenticeships available to apply for depending on current qualifications and skills.
You can undertake an Apprenticeship at a lower level than a qualification you already hold if it allows you to develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours e.g. if you hold a degree in computer science you could undertake an Apprenticeship in Carpentry.
Depending on the level, some Apprenticeships may:
At the end of your Apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent education level. For example, if you complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent of an A level.
| Level | Equivalent education level | |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 |
GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 |
A level |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 |
Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree |
A full-time Apprenticeship involves on average a 37-hour working week depending on the particular employer. Apprentices must usually have a contract of employment for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
You can explore the Apprenticeship vacancies available near you on our Apprenticeship Vacancies page. Or you can contact our expert team on apprenticeships@eastkent.ac.uk or 01227 811315
Level 2 Engineering Apprentice, George, began his Apprenticeship at Kent and East Sussex Railway after volunteering for the organisation. Inspired by his Grandfather, who worked on the railway, George enjoys using his Engineering skills and knowledge to help maintain the locomotives.
Ellie successfully completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, and has progressed into a full-time role at the Hospital, working as a Women's Health Governance Personal Assistant.
Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprentice, Mike, has worked in operating theatres for seven years and has started an Apprenticeship to develop his skills in preparation for taking the next step in his career.
Click the button to contact our experienced team and to learn more about Apprenticeship opportunities near you