Day 1
In its 18th year, we are proud to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and shining a spotlight on this fantastic, hands-on qualification, which is an unmissable opportunity for students and employers alike.
If you haven’t considered becoming an apprenticeship before, then now is the time!
Let us tell you why…
What can an apprenticeship offer me?
Hands-on and real-life experiences with local and reputable businesses
Shadowing and learning from experienced professionals
No student loan tying you down!
Get paid whilst you learn
Work your way up through a business, and learn about progression opportunities
Finish your apprenticeship with the potential of a permanent job
Develop strong connections in your chosen industry
Learn new skills and put them to practice regularly
Find out early in your career whether you enjoy your chosen industry day-to-day
Day 2
A crucial part of any apprenticeship is choosing the right employer.
There are many amazing businesses across Portsmouth who are crying out for experienced, eager, and respectful people to join their team as an apprentice.
Browse through our list of current vacancies to see if any catch your attention
Alternatively, approach any local business you’d love to work for and ask about apprenticeship opportunities. They might not be currently advertising, but may see the potential in you!
Once you have found a business with a position for you, or if you are having trouble finding one, get in touch! The team have years of experience matching apprentices with employers and/or a study programme, and they'll be happy to help using their expertise.
Take a look at our A-Z of apprenticeships here.
Day 3
Today, we proudly showcase one of our apprentice alumni and what she thought about studying an apprenticeship, here, at City of Portsmouth College.
All the workshops are really good and you’ve got all the tools and access to the things you need. The staff are really supportive and welcoming here at city of Portsmouth College.
Claire Thayanukulvat – studying Apprenticeship Standard in Carpentry & Joinery
Did you know...
We currently have apprenticeships on offer in 16 subject areas!
Once you have completed an apprenticeship in a certain sector, many doors can open for you in alternative job roles, based on the core skills you have obtained during your studies. The opportunities can be endless.
Day 4
Today we focus on T Levels, an exciting and engaging qualification route that brings your learning to life, by combining classroom studies with industry placements.
In 2024, City of Portsmouth College achieved a 100% pass rate in our T Level courses, compared with a 88.7% national pass rate!
If you haven’t heard about T Levels before, here's a quick overview of this study programme which was launched in 2020.
- T Levels are studied over a 2-year period, and are equivalent to 3 x A Levels
- They are available for 16–19-year-olds, and have been mostly designed by employers to cover key skills gaps in the economy
- At City of Portsmouth College, we have 9 T Levels available in a variety of sectors, and more are being added each academic year!
- Your studies are split - 80% in the classroom and 20% in a workplace environment.
Have a read through our dedicated T Level page for more in depth info and watch our popular Q&A video with T Level Ambassador, Vicky.
Day 5
Today, we look at the achievements of one of our first-year apprentices who has made a real impression in the world of work, and firmly found his feet with a local Portsmouth business – Isle Contracts.
Alfie, who is studying Level 2 Property Maintenance at our North Harbour Campus has had a big impact on the business, and is now a treasured asset within the team.
He’s brilliant, he’s our first apprentice and the process has been easy, he’s learning so much at college which he then puts into practice on projects during the week. He applied for a position with us directly, and together, with the help of the college's apprenticeship team, we found the apprenticeship that matched his aspirations and the needs of the business perfectly.
He really enjoys his days at college. His lessons are thorough and varied and he spends about 8 weeks on each module. So far, he has ticked off carpentry, electrics, and painting & decorating, which he is now putting into practice for our clients.
Here's Alfie in action, working on a prestigious job in London and for large, national based clients. His achievements in his first year are amazing.
Feeling inspired and want to get started on your own apprenticeship journey?
Get started here!
Day 6
To round off National Apprenticeship Week 2025, let’s bust a few apprenticeship myths here!
Myth - Apprenticeships are only for people aged 16-18
Truth - They’re for anyone aged 16 and above. There’s no age limit!
Myth - It’s not a proper job
Truth - They’re real jobs where you learn, gain experience and get paid
Myth - The wages aren’t good
Truth - You’re paid at least the National Living Wage for under 18s
Myth - You’re limited to certain industries
Truth - Almost all industries and sectors have an apprenticeship route
Myth - Apprenticeships can be hard to find
Truth - We have live vacancies and can help with CV & interview support
Myth - They’re only low-level qualifications
Truth - They’re available from Level 2 to Level 5, you can even go on to degree level
Myth - It will limit your career opportunities
Truth - You gain invaluable experience which can lead to more pay and promotion.
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.
