Earn while you learn with our exciting apprenticeship opportunities
University College Birmingham offers people aged 16 and over exciting opportunities to learn skills for life while getting paid. From healthcare and business to culinary and construction, we are here to help you kick-start your career and it won't cost you a penny, in fact, you get paid!
Our connections with a huge range of employers ensure you will get the best on-the-job training possible and pick up a relevant qualification as you learn new skills. Alongside your training, as an apprentice, you will spend at least 20% of your working hours completing classroom-based learning which leads to a nationally-recognised qualification. Take a look at some of the apprenticeships we offer below.
How to apply
You can apply for an apprenticeship directly through the employer in the same way you would apply for a job. Employers advertise some great opportunities which are regularly posted on the government website and the NHS jobs website. Explore our range of culinary, business, health, engineering and construction apprenticeships below.
Apprentices will need to meet the employer's and University College Birmingham's entry requirements to be considered. Please do not apply directly to the University for an apprenticeship. If you have an enquiry, please reach out to our apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@ucb.ac.uk
Why should I choose an apprenticeship?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on experience studying in our cutting-edge facilities across all of our apprenticeship programmes
- EXPERT GUIDANCE – Our experienced delivery team will equip you with the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to become a skilled professional and future leader in your career
- EARN A WAGE – Apprentices are classed as employees, which means getting paid while gaining valuable work experience. You'll be learning while applying new skills in a real working environment
- STUDY TOWARDS A RELATED QUALIFICATION – Your apprenticeship training will be a recognised qualification valued by employers across the UK
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
Health apprenticeships
Level 5
Assistant Practitioner
On this integrated foundation degree, you will learn to provide, supervise and coordinate high quality and compassionate health and social care for a wide range of people.
Duration: Typically 24 months
Level 5
Nursing Associate
As a nursing associate on this foundation degree, you will work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public.
Duration: Typically 24 months
Level 6
Registered Nursing degree apprenticeship
On this degree apprenticeship, you can select routes in adult or mental health specialisms and develop holistic, clinical and decision-making skills in line with modern nursing.
Duration: Typically 48 months
Business apprenticeships
Level 3
Team Leader
On this Level 3 apprenticeship course, you will learn practical knowledge and skills to manage teams and projects that will meet a private, public or voluntary organisation's goals.
Duration: Typically 18 months
Level 5
Operations Manager
During this apprenticeship, you will manage projects and operational plans in line with a private, public or voluntary organisation's strategy and learn skills in managing teams.
Duration: Typically 24 months
Level 5
Coaching Professional
This apprenticeship will teach you to work with a wide range of individuals and teams across an organisation to enhance their professional performance in the workplace.
Duration: Typically 14 months
Culinary apprenticeships
Level 2
Commis Chef
This Level 2 apprenticeship is for those looking to develop their culinary career. You will be supporting senior chefs to help prepare food and keep the kitchen running smoothly.
Duration: Typically 15 months
Level 3
Chef de Partie
Ideal for those new to industry, or working in an associated role such as a commis chef, you will be trained to prepare high quality dishes in a specific section of the kitchen.
Duration: Typically 18-20 months
Construction and engineering apprenticeships
Level 4
Building Services Engineering Technician
On this Level 4 apprenticeship, you will plan and install electrical and mechanical systems within buildings and develop skills in planning and organisation.
Duration: Typically 30 months
How my chef apprenticeship took me to the South Pole
Patrick White learned his craft on the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts apprenticeship scheme and honed his culinary skills further by working in a traditional Italian restaurant and then Harborne Kitchen. Six years later, he applied for his dream job with the British Antarctic Survey. Read more about his apprenticeship journey.
Apprenticeship FAQs
Is an apprenticeship suitable for me?
What qualifications do I need?
Is there an age limit?
Will it cost me anything?
What will I be paid?
Will an apprenticeship give me a good career?
Where can I get further information?
Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
The requirements for each apprenticeship are different. Please look at the specific criteria for each of the programmes we offer.
Apprentices will need to be 16 or over by the July before they start the apprenticeship and at least 18 years old to participate in most degree apprenticeships, though there is no upper age limit.
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