Apply for an

Apprenticeship

Level 2-6 apprenticeships available with Level 7 apprenticeships coming soon 

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

An adult nursing student with a patient

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

Apply Direct

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 

Apply Direct

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

Apply Direct

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 

Apply through the employer

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  

Apply through the employer

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

Apply through the employer

Culinary apprenticeships

Culinary Arts students at University College Birmingham

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

Apply through the employer

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    

Apply through the employer

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 

Apply through the employer

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.

Read Patrick's story

Apprenticeship FAQs

Is an apprenticeship suitable for me?

If you are aged 16 and over and have thought about studying at college, but you'd like to earn while you learn, an apprenticeship at University College birmingham could be for you.

What qualifications do I need?

To apply for an apprenticeship, you will be expected to have achieved a minimum Level 2 qualification in English and maths prior to enrolment for Level 4 apprenticeships and above. If you do not have the above qualifications, University College Birmingham can support you through a functional skills qualification in English and/or maths. Please contact our apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@ucb.ac.uk to find out more.

Is there an age limit?

Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over who is resident in England and not doing a full-time course at college/university.

Will it cost me anything?

Currently, there is no charge to apprentices, regardless of age, but your employer may have to contribute to the training cost.

What will I be paid?

You get paid at least the current minimum apprenticeship wage, see www.gov.uk. Many employers pay much higher rates than the national minimum for apprenticeships. Review vacancies carefully to check out the pay rate.

Will an apprenticeship give me a good career?

Career progression is excellent for apprentices. Over their careers, those who have completed an apprenticeship earn, on average, £100,000 more than those without. Some apprenticeships attract UCAS points or allow you to study for a technical certificate. Once completed, there is an opportunity for apprentices to progress in their career or continue their education.

Where can I get further information?

Please call the University College Birmingham Centre for Apprenticeships team on 0121 232 4091 (Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm) or fill out our online enquiry form. You can also email apprenticeships@ucb.ac.uk 

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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