Wherever you are at in your career take it further with an apprenticeship
Surrey County Council is proud to be a great place to work for all generations whether you're starting your career or fancying a change! Whether you are just leaving education, changing careers or returning to work - if what you're looking for is a long and lasting career - then this is your chance to receive excellent training and personal development.
You don't have to be a school leaver or a young person to start an apprenticeship.
Our apprenticeship scheme provides a perfect way to earn a wage while you gain vital work experience and a nationally recognised qualification. When you have completed we can offer support to seek future employment.
You will be fully supported and mentored through your apprenticeship and be given protected time to complete your course work.
Who can apply?
The scheme is designed for individuals who are:
- 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays (you can apply for an apprenticeship while you are still at school),
- living and entitled to work in England, and
- are not in full-time education.
Upon attending an interview you will need provide evidence of the above to be considered for an apprenticeship. A Disclosure and Barring Service (GOV.UK) may also be required.
Register your interest
Not ready to apply yet? Register your details with us and we'll send you updates about our latest apprenticeship opportunities.
Qualifications and levels of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships range from level 2 to level 7 and take one to five years to complete depending on the level.
Intermediate
Level 2 - equivalent to GCSEs.
This typically takes 15 to 18 months and if you don't have GCSEs in English and maths, you'll usually be required to study these subjects.
Advanced
Level 3 - equivalent to 2 A levels
Typically apprenticeship at level 3 take approximately 15-18 months and you will also need to have two or more GCSEs (or the equivalent), grades A to C. If you haven't already attained level 2 English and maths, you will complete functional skills alongside your apprenticeship. (Find out how to get a replacement exam certificate via Gov.UK).
Higher
A higher apprenticeship is a great alternative to full time higher education, and are often delivered in partnership with Universities. Some even include integrated degrees. It enables you to gain valuable on-the-job experience and a work-based degree while earning, avoiding student loan debts. It is for individuals of all ages who are not in full time education. You can undertake this apprenticeship even if you have a degree already, as long as the apprenticeship is in a different specialist subject.
- Level 4 and 5 - equivalent to a higher education certificate/diploma or a foundation degree
- Level 6 - equivalent to an undergraduate degree
- Level 7 - equivalent to a post-graduate degree
Typically apprenticeships at these levels take between 14 to 60 months. You will generally be required to have English and maths prior to commencing a higher apprenticeship, but some allow you to do functional skills in English/maths alongside the apprenticeship if you are able to demonstrate you are working at the required level.
Assessment and support
A training provider will guide you through your qualification, and provide you with a skills coach who will help you plan tasks and projects to complete your qualification, and mark the work that you do.
You will work closely alongside a colleague/mentor who will support your personal development. You will also be allocated a buddy to help you.
Much of your learning will be in the workplace, where you will work shadow colleagues and acquire the practical skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in a busy working environment. Most apprenticeships offer a blended learning approach comprising workshops, distance learning and one to one delivery. This will depend on the apprenticeship you apply for.
