Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Kirklees College

Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to learn while you earn and gain a national qualification whilst in employment. Apprenticeships are designed alongside our employer partners to reflect the current needs of different industries and our structured programmes help you gain the skills you need to succeed in your role.

Anyone over 16 and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship. Programmes can take between one and four years, depending on the level of study and the sector. We offer three different apprenticeship levels: Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE Level), Level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels) and Level 4 – 5 (foundation degree level). Talk to our friendly employer team today to find out more and see if an apprenticeship is right for you.

Where can we take you?

Featured Vacancies

We have a large number of vacancies just waiting for you. If you are looking to learn while you work then these could be perfect for you.

DB Defence part of the David Brown Santasalo Group Company

Level 3

This exciting opportunity to work for DB Defence has become available. Your duties …

Closing date
31st July 2025

Nu-Swift International Ltd

Administration and Customer Service Apprentice – Nu-Swift International Ltd

Level 2

What will the apprentice be doing? The role will include various administration duties …

Closing date
27th July 2025 Please apply by sending your CV to apprenticeships@kirkleescollege.ac.uk

The Kirkwood

Administration Apprentice at The Kirkwood

Level 3

This role will equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide …

Closing date
27th July 2025

ALS Laboratories LTD.

Apprentice Laboratory Technician

Level 3

Contact: Agata Walon awalon@kirkleescollege.ac.uk 07929075137

Closing date
22/07/2025

Kirklees College is one of the leading Apprenticeship providers in the UK

Our apprentices are employed at over 1,000 companies throughout West Yorkshire

Each year we train over 1,000 apprentices in over 30 occupational areas.

Build the Future with Kirklees College

Download our Apprenticeships 2024/25 Course Guide

Kirklees College offers the widest range of apprenticeships in Calderdale and Kirklees. Download our 2024-25 Apprenticeship Guide to find out more.

We’re an Ofsted ‘GOOD’ Provider

It’s official! Kirklees College has been rated ‘GOOD’ by Ofsted! This achievement demonstrates that we are at the heart of shaping a better future for all in our community by creating opportunities and changing lives.

Applications Now Open for September 2025

Apply now for our 16-18 full time courses, Apprenticeships, T Levels, Higher Education and Adult courses.

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Everything you need to know

What is an Apprenticeship?

A work-based training programme which leads to nationally recognised qualifications. You will learn specialist skills relevant to a spefiic profession whilst earning a wage.

What’s the difference between an Apprenticeship and a full time study programme?

Studying an Apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn. You will usually work full-time and attend college one day a week, however, each Apprenticeship is different.

Will I have to attend college?

All Apprenticeships require 20% off the job training, and in most cases, this is delivered at college. The Apprenticeship programme you choose will determine how often you come to college. This can range from one day per week to attending college for up to a 30-week block period.

The college has clear expectations and all apprentices must follow the ABC pledge. We ask all our apprentices to attend their college lessons, behave in line with college values and commit to their apprenticeship.

Can I start an Apprenticeship without an employer?

To start an Apprenticeship, you must have received an Apprenticeship course offer from the college and secured suitable employment.

How much will I be paid and will I be paid for coming to college?

The current Apprenticeship Minimum Wage is £6.40. Some employers pay more so please check the details of any vacancies. All apprentices are paid by the employers for the time spent at work and at college.

What happens when I finish my Apprenticeship?

When you have finished your Apprenticeship, there are a number of opportunities, such as progression on to another or a higher-level apprenticeship, you could be offered a permanent contract. Your achievement will allow you to look for another job if you do not wish to stay with your current employer or you could apply for university.

Is there an age limit?

You must have finished Year 11 but there is no upper age limit.

When can I start an Apprenticeship?

Some Apprenticeships allow you to start at any time of the year while some only start in September.

Where do I start if I am wanting to do an apprenticeship?

Think about the area you’d like to work in. Send your CV to local companies, ask family and friends and check our vacancies page. Our Apprenticeship team can help you review your CV and send it to employers who have vacancies. We’ll also help you to prepare for interviews. When you’ve secured an employer, we’ll support you to enrol on your apprenticeship.

What if I can’t find an employer?

At your college interview, you can be offered both the Apprenticeship programme and the equivalent full-time course if required. This means if you don’t manage to secure suitable employment to start an Apprenticeship, you can start a full-time course.

Can I do an Apprenticeship part time?

An Apprenticeship is classed as full-time employment and the minimum hours is 30 per week. This varies from each employer so please check the shifts and hours before applying.

Case Studies

Find out what Kirklees College students have to say about their experiences as an apprentice.

“My favourite part of an apprenticeship is getting straight into work, I’m already prepared for working after my apprenticeship finished rather than having been in traditional education for longer. I prefer being hands-on, getting into it. I would recommend to so many people to get an apprenticeship.”

“I felt like an apprenticeship was the right thing for me, I like to be more hands-on so getting experience in the workplace really helped me out. After my apprenticeship, I hope to go into more line and fabrication work and keep on developing my skills. Kirklees College helps with a lot of the understanding on the theory aspect behind the job I’m doing. I would 100% recommend doing an apprenticeship if you want to be more active with your learning.”

“Having come from industry to work at Kirklees College, I didn’t think I’d ever be studying towards a Level 5 apprenticeship. After completing my apprenticeship, I now work as a trainer assessor Apprentice Programme Lead. I knew I wanted to work with apprentices so completing my own apprenticeship helped me make this change. Kirklees College supported me all the way through my apprenticeship, staff, colleagues, lecturers, my Curriculum Area Manager and I could tell all the lecturers at the college wanted me to succeed.”

“I have always liked learning kinaesthetically rather than in a classroom, I find it easier, more interesting and easier to take in. My favourite part of doing an apprenticeship is learning everything that I can about the business, how to complete jobs and do jobs and the different skills I can pick up. The college has taught me health and safety and how to properly use tools needed and electrics. It’s a friendly environment so you can go there and feel ready to learn.”

“What made me want to do an apprenticeship was it involved both development in work and during college. Before doing this apprenticeship, I had already planned on doing an engineering course full-time at college, then saw this apprenticeship and everyone around me said it was the better option because you finish college and then are able to go to work and have an understanding already. I’d say my favourite part is there’s always something different, so you’re learning different skills because not every day is going to be the same.”