Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn

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Apprenticeships

The South West’s top performing college for apprenticeships

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With expert staff, strong industry partnerships, networking opportunities, as well as hands-on experience, we can help you launch your career from day one.

What are apprenticeships? 

Apprenticeships give you an opportunity to learn and gain a recognised qualification whilst you work. 

All apprenticeships are paid, and you will be expected to work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, including one day a week studying at college. You will spend most of your time within your workplace and the rest of your training will be provided by the College. 

There is no upper age limit to become an apprentice, but you need to be at least 16. 

How do I get started?

To become an apprentice, you will need to apply for an apprenticeship job vacancy or speak to a business and have them take you on as an apprentice. 

We can support you through this process helping you with CV writing, interview tips and speaking to the business about the benefits of employing an apprentice. 

We work with hundreds of employers every year developing vacancies and helping them recruit a workforce that will boost their business.  

We specialise in a wide range of apprenticeships in construction, engineering, motor vehicle, marine, digital technology, catering, hair, early years, business, accounting and more across Cornwall and Devon. 

Sign up to our Apprenticeship Newsletter

We work with thousands of local employers to find them their perfect apprentice. Subscribe, and we’ll email you our latest vacancies.

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Employer section

Employing an apprentice can bring new energy and talent to your organisation. Learn more about the benefits and how to apply here.  

Find out more
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Apprenticeship Employer in Focus – Technopoly

I’m always learning something new, and I’m always given the opportunity to have a go!


Billy Turpin-Brooks, Land-based Engineering Apprentice

Latest apprenticeship vacancies

Adult Care Worker Apprentice

  • PENHELLIS COMMUNITY CARE LIMITED
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 16th December
  • Start Date – 6th January
More info and apply online

Groundworker Apprentice

  • THERMA-MECH LTD
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 16th December
  • Start Date – 6th January
More info and apply online

Groundworker apprentice

  • Champion Groundworks
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 16th December
  • Start Date – 6th January
More info and apply online

Groundworker apprentice

  • K HOUGH CONTRACTORS LIMITED
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 16th December
  • Start Date – 6th January
More info and apply online

Adult Care Worker Apprentice

  • THYME CARE LTD
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 13th December
  • Start Date – 13th January
More info and apply online

Adult Care Worker apprentice

  • Cathedral View House
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 8th January
  • Start Date – 13th January
More info and apply online

Lead Adult Care Worker apprentice

  • Cathedral View House
  • Level – Advanced
  • Close Date – 8th January
  • Start Date – 13th January
More info and apply online

Roofer Apprentice

  • PENINSULA ROOFING LTD
  • Level – Intermediate
  • Close Date – 16th December
  • Start Date – 13th January
More info and apply online

See all of our Apprenticeship Vacancies

What’s the benefit of doing an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a bit different from the typical school path you’ll be familiar with. As an apprentice, you will: 

  • Work and learn in a hands-on environment, gaining skills that will set you up for success
  • Work for a business in your sector, earning a real wage at the same time*
  • Gain qualifications without having to pay anything for your training
  • Undertake assessments and compile a comprehensive portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills and competence
  • Network with a range of industry experts
  • Have the possibility of a full-time job at the end of your apprenticeship

*The National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £6.40 (as of April 2024), but many employers pay above and beyond this. 

Supporting you

We help you every step of the way with our support network, which will help you thrive throughout your apprenticeship and succeed in your chosen career.  

You’ll have an Individual Learning Plan to help you stay on track and we will conduct workplace visits to monitor your progress and check that you are happy with how things are going.  

For more information, check out our Apprenticeship Learner Guide.  

Find out more

Apprenticeship FAQs

Yes, all apprentices are paid. The minimum wage for apprentices is £6.40 per hour. However, you may earn significantly more as you progress through your qualifications.

If you are an apprentice ages 19+ you may also start at £6.40 per hour for the first year, after which your wage will increase to the National Minimum Wage and may progress from there.

If you are already employed at the start of your apprenticeship, your wage shouldn’t change.

No. While you are on an apprenticeship your employer pays you a salary and supports you while you undertake your training.

If you are 16-20, all of your training is free. However, if you are ages 21 or older, your employer will need to contribute towards your training fees.

You will be expected to work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, which includes your time spent at college. This may differ for certain apprenticeships that offer block college training.

You must be at least 16 to begin an apprenticeship, but there is no upper age limit.

The length of an apprenticeship varies depending on your prior skills levels, experience, your chosen industry and the qualification you are aiming for. Generally, the apprenticeships we offer take between one and four years to complete.

You can apply at any time of the year. When you begin your apprenticeship depends on the availability of a position within the business.

Yes. If your employer agrees, you can become an apprentice where you work now.

Our apprenticeships have been developed to give you a head start in your career. Your on-the-job training will support the development of specific skills and knowledge for a specific job role within a specific company, while your college-based training will give you skills and knowledge to prepare you for the wider world of work.

To enquire about a vacancy, contact our recruitment team on 0330 123 4785 or email apprenticships@cornwall.ac.uk

Once you are ready to apply, follow the steps at: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

If anyone is unsure on what to do, I would recommend looking at apprenticeships, especially through Cornwall Colleges. They’ll give you everything you need and all the support you’ll ever need.


Jack Smith, Plumbing Apprentice

Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service

Register with our Apprenticeship Recruitment Service and we’ll give you advice, support, and details of all the latest apprenticeships relevant to you.  

We not only have contacts with a large variety of businesses to help you find your perfect job, but we can also help with writing CVs, cover letters and contacting employers.  

Contact us

0330 123 4785 

apprenticeships@cornwall.ac.uk  

Being a female in the industry is hard, but it makes you want to fight for it even more. The College helps you explore all sides of manufacturing and engineering, makes me realise there are plenty of options and it opens many doors for us in the future.


Lucie Avison, Metal Fabricator Apprentice 

Apprenticeship News

Students shine as college posts best results in years!

Students shine as college posts best results in years!

3 months
Students across The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) are celebrating one of the most successful years of academic achievements in the history of the group. An impressive 39 of the College’s Level 3 courses achieved a perfect pass rate, highlighting the exceptional performance of students across a wide range of disciplines. These included Agriculture, Animal Management, Art & Design, Enginee Read More
PM visits Cornwall College during National Apprenticeship Week

PM visits Cornwall College during National Apprenticeship Week

10 months
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, paid a special visit to Cornwall College Camborne on Thursday (Feb 8th) in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Accompanied by John Evans, principal and chief executive of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), the PM explored the thriving hub of innovation in vocational training. During his visit, Mr Sunak spoke to motor vehicle, engineering and electric vehicle Read More
Celebrating Apprenticeship Excellence

Celebrating Apprenticeship Excellence

11 months
The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) set out to create something truly special when it launched The Apprenticeship Games, a unique initiative highlighting the skills, enthusiasm and drive of apprentices. Launched in 2017, the Games have grown significantly in size and scope, becoming a sought-after event for regional businesses and organisations involved with apprenticeships. Hosted annually on diffe Read More

Apprenticeship Stories