Apprentices
Fire up your career as an apprentice!
As an Apprentice you will develop the skills needed for your job and the knowledge to succeed in a particular professional area. You will get a guaranteed salary, real experience and a nationally recognised qualification, what more could you want? Through a combination of on the job training and college study, you will be career ready!
Have some questions about becoming an apprentice?
We are one step ahead, take a look at our Frequently asked Questions below! If you have more questions, contact our lovely apprenticeship team! Call 0845 850 0916 or email apprenticeships@sparsholt.ac.uk
There are various levels of apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills, qualifications and job role. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
| Name | Level | Equivalent Educational Level |
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE Passes at grades A*-C |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A Level passes |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree |
All apprentices have to have a full time employment contract (at least 30 hours per week) – these can be gained by applying for roles on the Gov website or for existing roles within a company. If you are unsure please contact us to find out more.
Apprenticeships are widely available to anyone over the age of 16. You can apply for an apprenticeship while you are in school as long as you will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. You have to live in England and not be in full-time education. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job.
- You will earn a real wage
- You would be trained in the skills employers want, making you highly employable.
- By taking an apprenticeship you are more likely to progress quicker and higher than a typical student
- Throughout the apprenticeship, you will learn at a pace that suits you and you will be supported fully by a Andover College mentor.
- You will be entitled to paid holiday and treated like any other employee within the company.
- After finishing, the majority of apprentices (90%) stay in employment (including 2% self-employed), with seven in ten (71%) staying with the same employer
- A quarter of former apprentices had been promoted (23%) within 12 months of finishing
- 89% of apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeship; 85% of apprentices said their ability to do the job had improved, and 83% of apprentices said their career prospects had improved
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on your current skill levels and the industry of the apprenticeship. Generally, apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete. The higher the level, the longer the apprenticeship takes.
Hear from our apprentices!
“You will benefit massively from an apprenticeship as you get to learn all the skills and knowledge you need while putting it into practice every day in your workplace. You will finish your apprenticeship with invaluable experience that will put you ahead of most applicants applying for the same job as you!” Jordan, Andover College
“The team at Andover College make a huge contribution to the success of the training, backing up the on-the-job work with critical skills of Maths and English for all Apprentices, and underpinning the practical with solid understanding.” Ricky, Multi Service Centre
“The College encouraged me to progress. I have regular visits from my Apprentice Liaison Officer and Assessor. They are very helpful, keeping track of my progress and helping to set goals and targets. It’s been a great opportunity for me.” Alan, VuePoint
“Apprenticeships are beneficial, especially with smaller businesses, because you have the opportunity to get one on one training which helps you gain more experience. Employers are always looking for people with experience so an apprenticeship gives you a head start.” Lauren, Eurofins