Apprenticeship

What is an apprenticeship?

/in /by

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get career ready, providing apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to take a step into their chosen career. With a range of opportunities in many different industries, this could be the route for you. If you are more practical minded and learn by doing, then keep on reading to learn a little more.  

So, what exactly is an apprenticeship you may be wondering. This is a job where you get to experience the practical side of working and gain valuable skills, whilst getting paid and having theory-based lessons too. On-the-job training consists of about 80% of the workload and the other 20% will be classroom-based learning leading to a recognised qualification.  

Who can apply? 

Firstly, who can apply to start an apprenticeship? If you are above the age of 16, at the start of your career, wanting a career change, are not in education or wanting to gain relevant skills in their field then you can go ahead and apply.  

Levels  

There are different levels that equal varying qualifications and will be varying levels of difficulty and skill level, these include: 

  • Intermediate 
  • Advanced  
  • Higher  
  • Degree  

Depending on the level and industry will also impact the length of course, these can vary between one and six years.  

Benefits  

There are so many benefits of choosing to become an apprentice, it is an interesting route that helps to boost your skills and gain experience whilst also getting paid. This practical option is industry focused and will get you ready for your career, with at least a year of work experience and a qualification.  

Other benefits include: 

  • Holiday leave  
  • Experience in an area that you have an interest in 
  • No tuition fees 
  • Recognised qualifications 
  • Employee benefits 
  • Working with industry professionals 

 

Popular industries where apprenticeships are offered  

Over the years, this has become a popular choice for entering a chosen profession. In the past, apprenticeships may have only been thought of as a place for those in construction to get trained up. However, now there are options for all sorts of industries, such as: 

  • Law 
  • Healthcare 
  • Quantity surveying 
  • Hairdressing 
  • Business
  • Catering
  • Digital
  • Transport and logistics

 

Apprenticeships at Reaseheath  

If you decide this is the route for you, then why not consider Reaseheath as the place to study. We offer a range of sectors that you can choose from at different levels and to match your career aspirations, these include: 

  • Agriculture 
  • Bakery 
  • Bus and coach engineering 
  • Construction 
  • Craft Butchery Retail and Production 
  • Dairy technology 
  • Food and Drink Process Operator 
  • Food technologist 
  • Equine 
  • Horticulture  
  • Land-Based Service Engineering Technician 
  • Rail engineering 
  • Team leader/supervisor  
  • Veterinary Nursing 
  • Trade supplier 
  • Teacher training 
  • Construction plant 

 

Now you know a little bit more, is an apprenticeship the route for you? 

Which level course is right for you at Reaseheath College?  

/in /by

Your previous qualifications and experience will influence which level course will be most appropriate for you. At Reaseheath, we offer a range of course levels to suit all students wanting to boost their skills and knowledge within a specific industry. Find out more about what we offer… 

 

Entry level 

This is an entry level qualification, and the typical entry requirements to get onto this course are GCSEs below grade 3 and it will last one year. This qualification will help boost your skills, knowledge and confidence in a specific area, as well as personal attributes too. Upon completion of this course, you can go straight on to a Level 1 Diploma at Reaseheath.  

Level 1  

GCSEs below grade 3 are required to get on to the Level 1 technical qualification and it will last one year. This will help to improve your skills and knowledge to progress on to further education, there is also the opportunity to study for your maths and English GCSE alongside the course. By completing this course, you may be able to progress onto a Level 2 Diploma or apprenticeship.  

Level 2  

To apply for a Level 2 technical qualification, it is important to have GCSEs grade 3 and above, this also stands when applying for apprenticeships and the T Level transition year. Level 2 options will last one year and if you are successful and complete the year, then there is the opportunity to move on to Level 3 or an apprenticeship.  

Level 3  

4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above are needed to apply for a Level 3 technical qualification and having your maths and English GCSEs already is a huge bonus too. The duration is a one, two or three-year sandwich course and is equivalent to 1 to 3 A levels. Every year at Reaseheath, we evaluate the courses we offer to ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills that both universities and industries want. At Level 3, we offer T levels, Technical Baccalaureates, Advanced Technical Extended Diplomas and Diplomas and Certificates.  

These courses are accredited by City and Guilds, BTEC, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Each course is equivalent to taking A Levels and provides you with UCAS points for progression onto our degree programmes at University Centre Reaseheath, higher apprenticeship, or other university entry.  

T level  

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above are needed to get on to a T level, along with maths and English, or a Level 2 technical qualification. T levels provide students with essential workplace skills and experience, offering a mix of classroom learning and on-the-job placements. This course will last 2 years and is equivalent to 3 A levels. Upon completion you may choose to move on to a higher-level apprenticeship, foundation degree, or higher education course.  

Tech Bacc 

To be accepted on to a Technical Baccalaureate, you must have attained 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, along with a grade 5 or above in maths, English and science. This course lasts 2 years and is an alternative study route to A levels, providing students with qualifications that will set you on the right path to pursue a successful career in industry, move onto further study or take a higher apprenticeship.  

 

Now you know a little bit more about the course levels we offer, are you ready to apply?   

Primary pupils explore journey of food at Reaseheath

/in , /by

Year 6 pupils from Wistaston Academy took a tour around the state-of-the-art vertical farming centre, glasshouses and working farm at Reaseheath College and University Centre Reaseheath, as part of a work experience project led by Cheshire and Warrington Pledge.

Read more

Cubs enjoy ice cream making session

/in , /by

The 1st South West Cheshire (St Andrews) cub pack enjoyed a sweet session in our Food Centre where they learned to make ice cream.

Read more

Reaseheath wins major trophy at Royal Cheshire Show

/in , /by

Reaseheath’s action packed stand won the Best Speciality Stand in the Rural Life Area at the Royal Cheshire Show.

Read more

Travel beckons for ambitious agriculturists

/in , , /by

Two ambitious young agriculturists are looking forward to global travel thanks to a scholarship run by Reaseheath College and the Cheshire Agricultural Society.

Read more

Praise for RAG fundraising

/in , , /by

Representatives from our Student Association (SA) earned praise after handing over a cheque for £17,206 to this year’s chosen charity, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

Read more

Bakery students in WorldSkills UK bid

/in , , , /by

Four talented young pastry chefs have shown off their creativity in a bid to qualify for the WorldSkills UK 2023 national finals.

Read more