Apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Week took place between
Monday 10 - Sunday 16 February 2025
Visit the National Apprenticeship Week website for details on this year's event and to sign up for 2026.
For an insight into Apprenticeships and T-Levels, take a look at Amazing Apprenticeships which offers a range of resources, both interactive and paper-based, for students and families.
An apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience, a salary and the opportunity to gain qualifications while you work - even a degree. All of this with some high-quality, prestigious companies in lots of different industries.
There are various levels of apprenticeships you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications.
| Name | Level equivalent | Educational level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE passes level 5 to 9 |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A Level passes |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation Degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelors or Masters degree |
If you are serious about apprenticeships, please make contact with the employer directly. You will need a CV, similar to any other job application. You will also need to register on the following two websites to keep updated:
Apprenticeships and opportunities available are also displayed outside the Careers Office. Please check this regularly, especially during the exams period.
We are here to help you, so please come and see us in the Careers Office or use the contact details below for more information or guidance on how to apply:
- Mrs G O'Connor, Careers Lead: goconnor@stcatherines.college or call 01323 465400
- MS J Earl, Careers Advisor: jearl@stcatherines.college or call 01323 465400
Apprenticeships and Information
Here you will find more information on guidance and available apprenticeships. Please check them regularly for updates.
- Amazing Apprenticeships - full of helpful information and up-to-date employer offers
- Apprentice Nation's 'Go Far' provides career advice for young people to help you get started, get inspired and get hired. Discover useful resources full of career advice, learn what an apprenticeship is, find opportunities and hear about Millie's experience as an apprentice with Apprentice Nation.
- BT Early Careers page for featured roles in customer service, digital, engineering and sale and to apply for apprenticeships
- England Search - helping you find an apprenticeship service for apprenticeships in England
The Guide to Your Future has advice on how to get ahead and getting your first job.
There are sections on apprenticeships, traineeships, university, gap year, work and employability.
- Heathercroft - a training provider offering traineeships and apprenticeships
- Rate my Apprenticeship - has free careers advice from top employers and a list, based on apprentices reviews and feedback of their Top 100 employers plus student tips and a great Guide to Career Options for School Leavers
- Sussex Search - helping you search for apprenticeship, traineeship and pre-employment training
- WorldSkillsUK - browse over 40 different career routes across multiple sectors and meet role models for an insiders view.
Cyber apprentice at MI5
"If you want to do a job that really matters, and where you matter too, MI5 has a role for you."
School leavers can help keep the country safe in an important role. At MI5 students will be part of the fascinating, vital and unique work, protecting the lives of over 66 million people. Countering terror and combating espionage. As the threat evolves, students will help the team adapt and stay one step ahead. The next generation of brilliant new talent can be you.
For more information and to apply for an apprenticeship, please visit the website: https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/opportunities/school-leavers
Accountancy apprenticeships
BDO's Apprenticeship Programme combines work experience with getting a professional qualification and ensures that they will equip students for success. They provide students with training in relevant skills and behaviours, as well as the professional knowledge which is required to be successful in the accountancy role.
For more information and to apply visit: https://bdoearlyincareer.co.uk/apprenticeship/
Energy and Utilities Sector Apprenticeships
Average salaries while in training for most energy and utilities-related apprenticeships were higher than the average salary of all apprentices (£12,634 p.a.) Furthermore, the retention and continued employment of energy and utility apprentices is higher than average.
All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training leading to industry recognised​ standards or qualifications. There’ll be all kinds of ground-breaking projects to tackle – perhaps helping to build wind farms or working towards net zero carbon.
For more information and to find out about the apprenticeship varieties, please visit: https://www.energyutilitiesjobs.co.uk/your-career/apprenticeships
Engineering Apprenticeship
Expert training, earn while you learn and a lifetime of engineering possibilities. This three year apprenticeship will teach you engineering skills whilst you’re transforming Britain’s vast railway network, you’ll get more than just an education.
The first phase of the apprenticeship programme will be mostly spent living and learning at one of our dedicated training centres. The rest of the scheme will be spent working from a depot close to home specialising in distribution and plant, overhead lines, signalling, telecoms, track or off track.
Sam started the Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship scheme in 2015 and is now a Senior Technical Officer based in London. This is his experience as an apprentice with Network Rail:
Why did you choose an apprenticeship with Network Rail?
"After completing my A-levels, I was in two minds about whether or not to go to University or straight into working but decided to explore apprenticeship opportunities. I wanted an apprenticeship with a well-established engineering employer"
What was a particularly positive experience during your apprenticeship training?
"A positive experience would be that of meeting new people and making friends that you know you'll be in contact with for a long time. I also really enjoyed learning new skills and gaining confidence"
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships/level-3-engineering-apprenticeship/
Sporting Academies - available for 16-18 year old's
The Football Academy: Gain a level 2 or 3 qualification in sport and develop your skill alongside FA coaches.
The Rugby Academy: Gain a level 2 or 3 qualification in sport and develop your skill alongside RFU coaches.
The Cricket Academy: Gain a level 2 or 3 qualification in sport whilst developing your game and skill.
Visit the website for more information and to apply: https://www.wearescl.co.uk/school-leavers
Morrisons Degree Apprenticeships
Morrisons have partnered with the University of Bradford and Sheffield Hallam University to create a unique, tailor-made programme that’s designed to unlock your potential. You can work, earn and learn while studying towards a degree and preparing for a management career with one of the UK's leading fresh food manufacturers and retailers.
For more information on the variety of apprenticeships with Morrisons, visit the website: https://www.morrisons.jobs/early-careers/degree-apprenticeships
JTL Training People
JTL is a not-for-profit charity, offering advanced apprenticeships in electrical installation, engineering maintenance, mechanical engineering services comprising plumbing, alongside heating and ventilating. See their website for more on their apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses.