DAY ONE
There’s never been a better time to become an apprentice.

Why should you consider it? Some of the UK’s top business leaders* believe the benefits are clear:

Real-time, real-world mentorship
Hands on experience
Greater career potential
No student loans to pay back
Learning skills from the experts
Actively demonstrate your skills
Learning how to get things done
Developing best practices
Strong industry connections
Developing in a safe space
Test driving your skills

* source Forbes

With average university student debt running at £45,000 and a nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople, companies are crying out for bright and enthusiastic apprentices to join their teams.

DAY TWO
What options are available? Lots!

If you’re ready for work but not sure what you’d like to do, our apprenticeship recruitment officers are here to help.

Right now you could choose from any of the different apprenticeships below:

  Accountant

  Business Administration

  Plumbing & Heating

  Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

  Teaching Assistant

  Production Chef

  Motor Vehicle Technician

  Electrician

  Bricklayer

  Carpenter & Joiner

  Gas Engineer

  Property Maintenance

  Commis Chef

  Hair Professional

  Pharmacy Technician

Fancy one of these, or anything else? Contact our Apprenticeship recruitment team to find your perfect apprenticeship

DAY THREE
Your career and choosing the right pathway for YOU!

Apprenticeships provide skills for life, whatever your chosen career. They’re a fantastic way forward, so you finish with a qualification, money in the bank and a world of opportunities.

Look at it this way, if you qualify as a motor mechanic you could move into:

Motor Mechanic Pathways Diagram

These are just a few of the options. The possibilities are almost endless!


Still not sure what to do? Contact our Apprenticeship recruitment team to find your perfect apprenticeship

DAY FOUR
Making it happen – now let’s bust a few apprenticeship myths here!

  Apprenticeships are only for people aged 16-18
WRONG – they’re for anyone aged 16 and above. There’s no age limit!


  It’s not a proper job
WRONG – they’re real jobs where you learn, gain experience and get paid


  The wages aren’t good
WRONG – you’re paid at least the National Living Wage for under 18s


  You’re limited to certain industries
WRONG - almost all industries and sectors have an apprenticeship route


  Apprenticeships can be hard to find
WRONG - we have live vacancies and can help with CV & interview support


  They’re only low-level qualifications
WRONG – they’re available from Level 2 to Level 5, you can even go on to degree level


  It will limit your career opportunities
WRONG - you gain invaluable experience which can lead to more pay and promotion


So what does an apprenticeship look like?

  • You’ll usually go to work for most of the week, with a day release to college either face to face or virtually.
  • It won’t cost you a penny, quite the opposite, you’ll earn while you learn!
  • Most apprentices must work a minimum of 30 hours a week.
  • The amount of time it takes to complete depends on your chosen industry and will be agreed with you and your employer.

DAY FIVE
Sounds great, what do I do next?

First, remember you’re not alone! As well as chatting to your parents/carers and friends, come in and talk to us. Our expert apprenticeship recruitment officers. They are able to give loads of helpful and practical advice and guidance including:

  Working out exactly what you’d like to do

  Making your CV really stand out

  Developing an effective LinkedIn profile

  Helping to find an employer


A full list of available apprenticeships can be found here. The apprenticeships team will help with CV support and interview preparation give them a call or email to arrange a 1-1 meeting to discuss your options further.

Contact us to book a 1-1 session with one of our Apprenticeship Recruitment Officers either face to face, virtually or by phone.


Apprenticeship Friends

Rhys Carter former COPC apprentice

We can even put you in touch with Apprenticeship Friends, to tell you all about their experiences. Like Rhys Carter, who studied a Level 3 Apprenticeship in IT and is now an IT Service Desk Technician here at City of Portsmouth College.

Book an appointment!

To arrange a time to talk to a careers adviser, just pop your details in the form below and we'll get right back to you. Alternatively, drop into the Careers Hub at Highbury Campus or the Mezz at our Sixth Form Campus.


Interested?
Talk to us and find out more!

View our live apprenticeship vacancies

Here you can find a list of the live apprenticeship vacancies that on offer right now.


See what apprenticeship options are available

Take a look at a list of the current apprenticeship standards.


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