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.

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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 2024)

Health apprenticeships

Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship

Level 5

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 through NHS

Nursing Associate Apprenticeship

Level 5

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 through NHS

Registered Nursing degree Apprenticeship

Level 6

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 through NHS

Business apprenticeships

Team Leader Apprenticeship

Level 3

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

Operations Manager Apprenticeship

Level 5

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

Find out more

Coaching Professional Apprenticeship

Level 5

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

Find out more

Culinary apprenticeships

Culinary Arts students at University College Birmingham

Commis Chef Apprenticeship

Level 2

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

Find out more

Chef de Partie Apprenticeship

Level 3

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

Find out more

Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Apprenticeship

Level 3

Apprentices on this programme will cover classical and modern interpretations of dishes, techniques and presentation underpinned by sound theoretical knowledge.

Duration: Typically 18 months

Find out more

Construction and engineering apprenticeships

Building Services Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Level 4

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 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. For some apprenticeships you may already need to be employed. Please check how to apply on our apprenticeship course pages.

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

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.