Is an apprenticeship for you?

Apprenticeships are an exciting paid option for anyone wanting to gain experience, upskill or change career because they offer the chance to earn a wage whilst you work and study.

There are many benefits to completing an apprenticeship, which include:

Experience and skills development
A nationally recognised qualification (with no tuition fees)
Employee benefits and a wage
Exposure to industry professionals

What could your apprenticeship look like?

20% of your apprenticeship will be 'off-the-job'. This involves essential training delivered by subject experts to help you gain the skills needed to complete their apprenticeship.

Teaching theory (e.g. classroom lessons, lectures and online learning)
Practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits)

Who can be an apprentice?

You can become an apprentice if you're:

16 or over
Not in full-time education
Living in England

How to apply for an apprenticeship:

Finding the right apprenticeship:

There is not one fixed application date for apprenticeships. Vacancies are advertised throughout the year and the employer will decide when they want to recruit.

Here are some ways you can search for an apprenticeship:

-Find an apprenticeship website
-Sunderland College's vacancy page
-Company websites
-Social media
-Local job sites

Applying for an apprenticeship:

Applications for apprenticeships are through the Apprenticeships.gov website.

If you would like any assistance in your application you can reach out to our apprenticeship team you can support you thorugh the process.

Student on an accounting apprenticeship course CIPD.

Your interview:

- Work out how you will get there and turn up on time
- Prepare a lot! Research the apprenticeship and the company
- Get feedback on your performance, whether you were successful or not
- Ask questions if you don't understand, want more information and to show you are interested

Understanding apprenticeship levels

Alongside your work experience you will recieve a qualification in your apprenticeship, that come in a variety of levels:

Our apprenticeship vacancies:

Apply here

The apprentice experience:

Connah is a Metal Fabricator Level 3 apprenticeship at Washington Components. Connah completed his full-time Level 2 Welding qualification with us last year and impressed the team so much over his Summer Work Experience he was offered an apprenticeship.

How have you found your apprenticeship?

‘I’ve enjoyed working hands on within the business, and meeting the team was great, I get on really well with everyone and feel looked after.’

How does an apprenticeship differ from being a full-time student?

‘Seeing how the business operates and taking a more hands on approach has been great. Processing different jobs that come in has been interesting.’

What’s your favourite part of being an apprentice?

‘Learning to use different tools, techniques and processes within the business. Also taking in experience from my colleagues and learning from them has been really beneficial. Everybody has a slightly different way of doing things and I have plenty of mentors to learn from.’

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