Apprentice FAQs

What subject areas offer Apprenticeships?

We offer apprenticeships in:

Automotive
Business
Construction
Early Years
Engineering
Hair & Beauty
Health & Social Care
Medical Technologies

Apprenticeship vs Full-time Course

Apprenticeships are best suited to people who want to dive straight into a new career, or who are already in full-time employment and want to upskill. Apprenticeships are tailored to your individual career goals and employment requirements, whereas full-time courses provide a broader understanding of commercial sectors and skills.

It really depends on what you want to do and how you prefer to learn – there’s no right or wrong answer and both paths give you the skills and qualifications to progress at work or into higher education. We can offer lots of information, advice and guidance to help you decide which route is right for you.

If you’re still not sure about starting an apprenticeship or you’re struggling to secure a job, we advise students to enrol on a full-time course in the subject they want to pursue an apprenticeship in. A full-time course gives you a great start to your career giving you the underpinning knowledge to set you apart when you’re ready to become an Apprentice.

We know that students who have work-ready skills and experience are the most likely to find employment. Our strong focus on vocational courses means we have excellent relationships with local employers, highly experienced teaching staff and a long history of creating successful career pathways for our students.

What level of qualification will I achieve?

We currently offer three levels of apprenticeships:

Intermediate Apprenticeships – Level 2
Level 2 Apprenticeships are ideal for people who are completely new to a career sector. Intermediate Apprenticeships bridge the gap between your existing education and experience and will give you all the basic understanding you’ll need.
Advanced Apprenticeships – Level 3
If you already have some experience or qualifications, an Advanced Apprenticeship will develop your understanding further. Qualifications you gain here are equivalent to A levels and will give you the opportunity to progress on to university, a HNC or HND.
Higher Apprenticeships – Level 4+
You can continue learning through work-based apprenticeships all the way up to a Master’s Degree (Level 7). This is a highly cost-effective way to get a degree, as you won’t incur the student debt of university and will be earning a wage at the same time! At Dudley College, we offer Higher Apprenticeships up to Level 5, perfect for supporting operational management roles across a range of different sectors.

I have a job already – can I still do an apprenticeship?

Yes! Whatever your age, we can support you in learning new skills with the support of your current employer. The focus is always on new learning and career progression at whatever level you start.

How are apprenticeships delivered?

Apprentices at all levels attend regular day release, usually by coming to college for weekly attendance or block release, or in some cases our tutors come to your workplace to cover the theory you need for your qualification. Normally, apprentices produce a portfolio of evidence or are assessed externally to complete the programme. This will be specific to the apprenticeship you are interested in, and our team will discuss the exact requirements with you before you apply.

How much will I get paid?

Apprentices get paid different amounts. There is a special national Apprenticeship minimum wage, but most apprentices get paid more than that. Many apprentices, particularly at the higher levels, get paid significantly more.

How many hours will I have to work?

Most apprenticeships are just like full-time jobs, with one day a week out of the office to study at college. You’ll also need to set aside a little of your time to complete assignments or coursework. It might sound like hard work, but you get the benefit of valuable qualifications, real-life career experience AND wages into your bank account every month.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

All Apprenticeship programmes follow a one-to-four-year structured programme that leads to a formal qualification and a job.

What entry qualifications will I need?

The entry qualifications you need will depend on the specific apprenticeship and level that you would like to do.

All apprenticeships require you to have GCSE, or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths. Don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications as you’ll automatically work towards completing them as part of your apprenticeship, and lots of support and coaching is available to help you achieve the grades you need.

How do I apply to start an apprenticeship?

If you are over the age of 16 and have been living in England for at least three years then you can apply for an apprenticeship. If you are interested in an apprenticeship, head to our Current Vacancies page. You can apply for specific job roles on our website, but we will always invite you to come in for an informal chat, or will visit you at work, to make sure that you have all the facts.

When do apprenticeships start?

Unlike other courses which tend to start in September, apprenticeships are more flexible and start at different times throughout the year.