Portsmouth College, your partner in business.
As your partner in business we will work with you to develop your workforce of tomorrow. Our high quality, innovative, and bespoke apprenticeships are designed to meet your business needs.
There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice
96% of Employers Report Benefits to Their Business
92% of Employers Saw a More Motivated Workforce
81% Favour Using a Company That Takes on an Apprentice
£214 Average Increase in Business Productivity Due to an Apprentice
What Next?
Step 2. Consultation
Our dedicated and highly experienced team will support you in deciding on the most suitable apprenticeship programme to meet your business’s needs.
Step 3. Recruitment
We will support your business to find that perfect candidate. We will assist you with the recruitment and selection process and advertise your opportunity on social media
Step 4. The Beginning
Once you have picked your ideal apprentice we will work with you to finalise an apprenticeship programme that delivers the skills and qualifications your business needs.
Apprenticeships are a unique way to grow your own workforce; they combine on-the-job training in your organisation with off-the-job learning. The learning takes place in context and provides a real understanding of the working world, combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge. They thus offer a career route into your organisation and an invaluable opportunity to grow the skills you need now and in the future.
The apprentice is your employee, and even though the on- and off-the-job training they will receive is the most important element of that employment relationship, the apprentice contributes to your organisation’s objectives, so they should be paid a wage. Pay rates vary between sectors, regions and between different employers and they are subject to an annual review. There is an apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (NMW) which applies to all 16–18-year-olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. The current rate is £3.90 per hour.
An apprentice can be only paid the apprenticeship NMW for the first 12 months, after this they must be paid the NMW for their age.
The minimum is generally one year, but most high-quality apprenticeships would take longer to complete, sometimes up to four years. Someone who was already in paid employment prior to starting the apprenticeship may take less time to complete an apprenticeship than someone who is new to the working world. This flexibility is part of what makes apprenticeships such a good tool to train and grow your workforce.
Firstly, you’ll enjoy a more engaged workforce: 92% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. Also, 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future. One in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate. Lastly, 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices, giving your company a better image.
Contact the Apprenticeship Team
Student Profiles
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership
Career aims: Once I complete my apprenticeship I would like to continue with self-development and am considering further education.
I began my apprenticeship with Portsmouth College in 2017, working at Estee Lauder in Petersfield.
My usual job role is Zone Manager; however, I was offered a secondment in Manufacturing Engineering for 6 months. This is great opportunity for me to gain more skills and knowledge in the cosmetics industry. I have applied my skills at my work place and feel very confident that I am making good progress at the company. My apprenticeship has also helped me to build a stronger professional network outside of work and meet people from different businesses.
Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning Assistant
Career aims: I hope that after I have completed my apprenticeship, I can progress in a teaching assistant position in the local area with the aim of becoming a qualified professional teacher in the future.
I am currently a Teaching Assistant at Newbridge Junior School and began my apprenticeship in September 2018 after studying Sport at Portsmouth College.
I knew that the College was a great environment to be in and that staff are really supportive of your future prospects. Apprenticeships had been introduced to me whilst I was studying, as a possible pathway for the future as I wasn’t keen on going to university. The specialised apprenticeship team helped me to find the right study programme for me. I’ve had a really positive experience as an apprentice. I’ve met new friends, learnt a range of skills and been well informed about training dates and deadlines well in advance so that I can manage my workload.