Become an Apprentice

If you want a great start to your career, an apprenticeship could be the answer.

An apprenticeship requires you to have full time (30 hours plus a week) employment in the relevant industry, whilst attending college one day per week. You can be employed part time for a minimum of 16 hours per week. However, this will extend the duration you have on the programme.

Whereas a full-time college course requires no employment in the industry and is full time attendance at College (3-4 days per week - some of our full-time courses include work experience in the industry).

It's a real job

Apprentices are treated just like a regular employee of the company with a contract of employment, salary and employee benefits such as holiday and sick leave.

Earn a salary

The minimum wage for an apprentice under 19 is £4.30 per hour. However, many employers pay more and the average weekly wage is £200. Those who are 19 after completing the first year of an apprenticeship must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Gain a nationally recognised qualification

After completing an apprenticeship, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification in your chosen industry. An apprenticeship can help you to progress into full-time employment, higher education or further study.

There's no age limit

Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to become an apprentice. Whether you are employed, unemployed or leaving school, there is no age limit. There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship. However, some employers may ask for GCSEs or other qualifications.

Apprenticeship Toolkit

Looking for resources on how to become an apprentice? Our Apprenticeship Toolkit aims to give you all the information you need to find an apprenticeship, including a free CV and cover letter template for you to download and use.

Apprenticeship Toolkit

I am taught to the same level as a qualified carpenter, with full support from my supervisor and manager. Maya ElleCarpentry Apprentice at Taylor Wimpey

At Crawley College you can study apprenticeships at three different levels:

Intermediate Apprenticeship – which will lead to nationally recognised Level 2 vocational qualifications
Advanced Apprenticeship – which will lead to nationally recognised Level 3 vocational qualifications
Higher Apprenticeship – which will lead to nationally recognised Level 4 vocational qualifications

The level you study at will depend on your existing qualifications and experience.