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Become an Apprentice


We have over 68 different types of apprenticeships available. There has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship as that first step towards your career.

Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or looking to upskill, apprenticeships provide a flexible pathway to build your skills, boost your confidence, and launch a successful career.

Our expert team is here to guide you through the entire apprenticeship journey, helping you find the perfect apprenticeship vacancy and connect with the right employer to match your career goals and interests.

Explore our current vacancies Come to an open day

Benefits of an apprenticeship

Gain hands-on experience

An apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience by letting you learn practical skills directly on the job, so you’re trained while doing the work.

Earn whilst you learn

Apprentices receive at least the National Minimum Wage, with many employers offering even more, so you can start earning straight away.

Boost your employability

Gain industry-recognised qualifications while developing the practical skills and experience employers are looking for.

No tuition fees

Apprenticeships are fully funded, meaning you won’t pay tuition fees or rack up student debt.

 

Explore a wide range of careers

With over 60 different apprenticeship pathways available at Doncaster College, you’ll have plenty of exciting careers to choose from.

Access employee perks

As an apprentice, you’re a real employee with access to company benefits, paid holidays, and all the perks that come with being a part of the team.

Frequently asked questions

An apprenticeship offers you the chance to study and work at the same time. This allows you to earn a wage whilst gaining qualifications and valuable industry experience.

Entry requirements can vary depending on the specific apprenticeship and industry. However, the general criteria are:

  • You must be 16 or over
  • You must live in England
  • You must not be in full-time education
  • You’ll need to provide evidence of your English and Maths qualifications

Some employers may ask for additional qualifications or experience, depending on the role.

Your pay will depend on your age, your employer, and the industry you’re working in. At a minimum:

  • If you’re aged 16–18, or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll earn at least £7.55 per hour
  • If you’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the National Minimum Wage

Many employers offer pay increases as you gain skills and progress through your apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship durations depend on the level and industry:

  • Level 2–4 apprenticeships typically take 2–3 years to complete
  • Level 5–7 apprenticeships may take up to 6 years, especially if they include a degree

Your specific timeframe will be outlined in your training plan.

Applying is simple:

Once you find a vacancy you’re interested in, you’ll go through the employer’s recruitment process—just like a job interview.

You can apply at any time—before starting college, during your studies, or even after you leave. Apprenticeship opportunities are available year-round, so it’s all about finding the right role for you.

Most apprentices spend around 20% of their time in off-the-job training, which could be at college, online, or in a training environment.

You can view all of our available apprenticeship vacancies here, or you can visit the government website here.

See what our apprentices say…

Anouska Lowe

Emily Wainwright

Aurelia Pearson

I loved being able to study whilst working. I was able to apply what I was learning into my daily practice and make a positive difference to the lives of the children in the classroom.Doing an apprenticeship definitely helped my gain the knowledge, experience and confidence needed for different roles/sectors/industries and be able to work my way up to where I am today.I believe an apprenticeship opens so many doors to a while host of opportunity. I couldn’t recommend an apprenticeship enough, I have not only gained valuable experience but some fantastic additional qualifications.

Contact the Apprenticeships Team

Our Careers and Apprenticeship Support teams are here to guide you every step of the way.

We offer one-to-one advice to help you:

  • Understand how apprenticeships work

  • Find the right opportunity

  • Improve your CV, applications, and interview skills

Top Tip:
When applying, choose both an apprenticeship and a full-time course to keep your options open. You can apply for apprenticeships at any time!

Contact: Apprenticeships