Earn. Learn. Qualify.

If you’re aged 16, or over, why not combine work and study with an apprenticeship?

Engineering apprentice at Leeds City College smiling wearing engineering overalls

Are you an employer?

If you’re looking to hire an apprentice, or upskill a member of your staff through an apprenticeship, we can help.

Leeds City College commis chef apprentice in kitchen wearing chef overalls, smiling rolling pastry

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines the world of work with the world of learning. An apprentice gains hands-on practical training as well as off-the-job learning. Open to anyone aged 16 and over, you learn the skills and develop the knowledge you need to work in your chosen field, while employed in a salaried job.

Why choose an apprenticeship with Leeds City College?

  • We are one of the largest further education institutions in the country with more than 20,000 students, and we are one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships regionally
  • We have strong industry links with local, regional and national employers, ensuring your apprenticeship covers relevant and current content – giving you the best training and increased opportunities for career progression
  • You will start work in a specific role, and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed
  • You will develop your knowledge, as well as your skills, with off-the-job learning of around 6 hours a week
  • You will be employed from the first day – receiving a contract, salary, holiday allowance and all other employee benefits
  • You will gain valuable practical experience working in your chosen industry, giving you the skills and knowledge that employers seek
  • We provide a diverse and vibrant learning environment which inspires life-changing opportunities. We pride ourselves on our excellent facilities which include professional kitchens, laboratories, engineering workshops, salons and childcare facilities

What sort of apprenticeships can I do with Leeds City College?

We work with fantastic employers, offering apprenticeships in a wide range of industries and roles. 

Our vacancies are advertised on a regular basis. Typically we offer apprenticeships in the following areas:

  • Animal Care
    • Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Dog Groomer | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Animal Technologist | Course duration 29 months
  • Barbering, Hairdressing & Beauty
    • Level 2 Beauty Therapist | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 2 Barbering Professional | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 2 Hairdressing Professional | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Creative Hair Professional | Course duration 16 months
  • Business, Customer Service, Law & Leadership
    • Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant | Course duration 16 months
    • Level 3 Customer Service Specialist | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Assistant Accountant | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Business Administrator | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 HR Support | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Paralegal | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 4 Associate Project Management | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 5 People Professional | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 5 Operations/ Departmental Manager | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree | Course duration 51 months
  • Digital & IT
    • Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 IT Solutions | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Digital Support Technician | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Information Communication Technician | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 IT Technical Salesperson | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 4 Data Analyst | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 4 Network Engineer | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 4 Software Developer | Course duration 27 months
  • Education
    • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Early Years Educator | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Teaching Assistant | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher | Course duration 27 months
  • Engineering & Manufacturing
    • Level 2 Engineering Operative (Fabrication and Welding) | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative | Course duration 13 months
    • Level 3 Engineering Fitter | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 3 Machining Technician | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 3 Metal Fabricator | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician | Course duration 45 months
  • Food, Drink & Hospitality
    • Level 2 Baker | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Butcher | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Commis Chef | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Hospitality Team Member | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Food and Drink Process Operator | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Production Chef | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Butcher | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor | Course duration 15 months
  • Health & Social Care
    • Level 2 Adult Care Worker | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 5 Leader in Adult Care | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 5 Health Play Specialist | Course duration 27 months
  • Marketing & Events
    • Level 3 Events Assistant | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 4 Marketing Executive | Course duration 20 months
  • Motor Vehicle
    • Level 2 Auto Care Technician | Course duration 33 months
    • Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician – Light Vehicle | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 3 Vehicle Damage Paint Technician | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 3 Vehicle Damage, Mechanical, Electrical & Trim | Course duration 39 months
  • Print
    • Level 3 Print Technician (Pre Press/Press/Post Press Route) | Course duration 18 months
  • Science
    • Level 3 Laboratory Technician – Foundation Degree | Course duration 28 months
    • Level 5 Technician Scientist | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree | Course duration 66 months
    • Level 7 Research Scientist | Course duration 33 months

Levels of apprenticeships

  • Intermediate apprenticeships
    Level: 2

    Equivalent to: 5 GCSEs 4-9*

    Suitable for: Junior roles and anyone new to the industry

    Purpose: Intermediate Apprenticeships offer an entrance to an industry, teaching apprentices the basic skills and knowledge needed to progress within a chosen career path

    Example Job Roles: Engineering Operative, Accounts Assistant, Butcher, Adult Care Worker, Leisure Team Member

  • Advanced apprenticeships
    Level: 3

    Equivalent to: 2 A levels

    Suitable for: Existing staff members and those who have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship

    Purpose: Advanced Apprenticeships begin specialising, deepening existing knowledge of the industry, and developing skills and knowledge further

    Example Job Roles: Software Developers, Chef de Parties, Electrical Engineers

  • Higher apprenticeships
    Level: 4 and 5

    Equivalent to: Foundation degree

    Suitable for: Senior roles and employees looking to progress

    Purpose: Higher Apprenticeships provide more advanced knowledge and skill development that specialise and refine towards senior roles and industry applications

    Example Job Roles: Apprentice Teachers, Lab Technicians, Project Managers

  • Degree apprenticeships
    Level: 6 and 7

    Equivalent to: Bachelors or Masters degree

    Suitable for: Specialist careers and senior roles

    Purpose: Degree Apprenticeships usually involve undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification to gain senior positions with specialist skill sets

    Example Job Roles: Accountant, Finance Analyst, Product Development Manager, Event Manager

How do I apply?

Whether you have an idea of the industry in which you want to work, or whether you have no idea at all and want to know more about the apprenticeships out there, we can help. If you are currently employed and want to start an apprenticeship, we can help with that too.

  1. Take a look at our vacancies.
  2. See something you like? Great! Apply for the vacancy and if you are successful one of our friendly apprenticeship team will give you a call.
  3. After the call, one of our tutor assessors will be in touch to arrange an informal discussion around your existing skill set. Following this discussion, your details will be passed to the employer for consideration of an interview.
  4. If your application isn’t successful, try not to be too disappointed. This is a typical part of applying for an apprenticeship or job and happens to everyone. You might have to apply for several apprenticeships before you find one that’s right for you. You will receive an email with feedback on your application. You can always contact us for further information/support.
Hairdresser apprentice in hair studio doing a wet hair cut
Three students outside Leeds City College with clipboards and pens wearing college lanyards

I’m already working, can I do an apprenticeship?

Absolutely – an apprenticeship is an ideal form of professional development, allowing you to retain an income as you study, progress in your current role, and develop your understanding of your industry.

  1. Speak with your employer: if they are happy to support you through an apprenticeship progress to step 2:
  2. Complete our enquiry form.
  3. One of our Business Development Advisors will contact your employer to explain how we can assist them in the process of setting up the apprenticeship.

What if I don’t know what I want to do?

If you don’t see a vacancy that catches your eye, complete an enquiry form and we’ll give you a call to discuss options.

Enquire now

Leeds City College student apprentice sat at desk working on laptop and smiling

Frequently asked questions

If you don’t see a vacancy that catches your eye, complete an enquiry form and we’ll give you a call to discuss options.

How many hours will I be working?

Apprentices are typically employed for at least 30 hours a week and receive, again typically, six hours of off-the-job training – meaning they benefit from the best of both worlds: work and education.

How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?

Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months and can take between one and four years to complete, depending on the level of apprenticeship and the model of delivery.

Do I have to pay?

Apprentices do not pay for their training. All apprenticeship costs are paid by the employer and/or the government.

How much can I earn?

All apprentices are entitled to earn the National Minimum Wage for apprentices – however, some employers may pay above this.

    Apprenticeship enquiry form

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    A school leaver?

    Currently in work and want to upskill with an apprenticeship?

    Looking for an apprenticeship vacancy but you can’t find one on our website?

    A parent or carer enquiring for your child?

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