Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a full-time role, combining employment with a structured training programme. Apprentices are fully employed from day one and you will receive ‘on-the-job’ training. For technical apprentices, a big part of the training will also come from what is called ‘off-the-job’ training. All apprentices are entitled to a wage and a full contract of employment.
Find an ApprenticeshipLearn while you earn
One of the key differences between completing an apprenticeship and attending University is that apprentices graduate, without the significant debt that their university friends may have. Many companies also have benefits such as life assurance, healthcare and discounts schemes.
What you can expect from an apprenticeship
Whether you are planning a career change or career progression, you will be equipped with the employability skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. You will get hands on experience as well as training, support and guidance throughout.
Apprenticeship Central
Our trusted apprenticeship provider partner, Apprenticeship Central connects aspiring apprentices with automotive employers across the UK, supporting opportunities in areas including vehicle body repair, paint, mechanical, parts, customer service and more.
From finding the right opportunity and preparing for the recruitment process, through to starting your apprenticeship and building your career, our aim is to help you take that next step with confidence.
Explore current apprenticeship opportunities with Apprenticeship Central.
Learning Support
Studying for assessments, building your knowledge, and balancing work with learning can be challenging. That's why we're pleased to recommend our partner, StudySmarter.
StudySmarter is a free learning platform designed to help students and apprentices organise their studies, create flashcards, revise effectively, and track their learning progress. Whether you're preparing for Functional Skills assessments or developing your technical knowledge, the app can help you stay on top of your apprenticeship journey. Explore the StudySmarter learning platform.
What people are saying
Why not take a look at one of our Partners apprenticeship programmes. Auto Windscreens
Auto Windscreens is one of the leading and fastest growing automotive glazing companies in the UK. As a multi-award-winning apprentice employer, Auto Windscreens lead the industry in the training and certification of their colleagues and offer an excellent opportunity for personal development. Auto Windscreens is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies; Innovation is at the heart of their business whether it be robotic lifting devices, wet weather canopies or the use of new technology in their customer service and operational departments.
Joining as an apprentice could be perfect for you, Auto Windscreens are looking for the next generation of technicians to repair and replace vehicle glass, learning new technology such as sensors for automatic braking etc. You will be trained to be a level 3 technician, a great start to your career with a forward-thinking business.
Auto Windscreens are also looking for apprentices to work in Customer Service as a Contact Centre Apprentice. The course itself runs over a 12-month period and you will be working towards obtaining a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification which is an industry recognised qualification.
Why consider an apprenticeship?
No debt
Apprenticeships don't need loans - you get paid and get the education you need at the same time. That means compared with other routes you could start your professional life with cash in the bank, not debts.
You can 'Earn While Your Learn'
That head start means you might consider buying a flat or a house years' ahead of other routes. An apprenticeship enables becoming financially independent and creates, security and success.
Tailor your own career path
Each apprenticeship scheme is tailored around the needs of the employer, and you will go through a process to align your ideas with their requirements. The result will be to gain invaluable experience, and develop the key skills right from the first day, which is what employers really want.
The skills, experience and qualifications gained through an apprenticeship will be the basis of a long career path. These vital skills are transferable across industries, meaning that whatever area your course covers, you can adapt the foundations of your experience into new areas of industry as your career advances.
The demand for apprentices
The entire UK and the world beyond is experiencing a huge shortage of skilled people - and businesses globally are looking for people to fill the skills gap.
The automotive industry understands the value of skilled people, apprenticeships, working with colleges and training providers to bring fresh talent into their companies.
This means the perfet time to get into the automotive industry is now, right the way through to 2050 and beyond.
Start your career straight from school
Further Education is not for everyone and starting an apprenticeship means you can start your career straight from school. As part of the apprenticehsip, you will get to know and understand the company, the boss, as well as all important aspects of your role.
Over 90% of apprentices say their apprenticeship has improved their career prospects.
Dedicated career support
Dedicated guidance, advice and long-term support are core reasons to do an apprenticeship. Throughout your apprenticeship, your course providers and employer can support you from the very start. Mentors in the company you join will help you experience a wide range of jobs, help you understand which ones fit bet for you, and help you to develop. apprenticeship course providers will also help with: How to choose the best subjects for the most flexible career path, how to write and update your CV, how to go through a job interview.
Gain internationally recognised qualifications
An apprenticeship will also provide a wide range of qualifications across the automotive industry, including vehicle technicians, body repair technicians, paint technicians, vehicle damage assessors, parts personnel, sales, advisors and many more that are internationally recognised. Remember, this is all about developing you with the best range of skills to adapt to your career, and future career choices.
How to find out if your dream career is right for you?
Apprentices start their courses with first-hand, practical and theoretical learning. The programmes are designed by employers, who are themselves highly knowledgeable. Your course will be structured to closely mirror the way that you will work once you have finished your apprenticeship and start your career.
You will discover your dream career during this process, and that is one of the best reasons to do an apprenticeship. apprenticeships can show you what your job and career will really be like - and if you decide it;s not for you, starting again in a different career path will be much easier, without leaving the company you joined.
Flexibility
Each programme has many module choices, but the Mentor is there along with the college to help you experience and then select each module. The automotive industry needs you, so they want to help you as much as possible.
Getting into the automotive industry
Traditional qualification routes can make it hard to get a job once the course has finished. Studies show that newly qualified people without work experience must apply for over 100 jobs before they can secure even one job interview. Then there's Catch 22 - no interview, no job, no interview - and so on.
It's a very tough process, but eventually you will get a job. With an apprenticeship you can be working for a company in the automotive industry from day 1. Apprenticeships are the perfect way to get your foot in the door and begin your path to success.
