Apprenticeships at Harrogate College

There’s more to learn.

If you’re aged 16, or over, why not combine work and study with an apprenticeship?

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If you’re looking to hire an apprentice, or upskill a member of your team through an apprenticeship, click here

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What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines the world of work with the world of learning. An apprentice gains hands-on practical training as well as off-the-job learning. Open to anyone aged 16 and over, you learn the skills and develop the knowledge you need to work in your chosen field, while employed in a salaried job.

Teacher and student smiling as the teacher shows the student how to cut hair in the hairdressing salon at Harrogate College

Why choose an apprenticeship with Harrogate College?

  • Harrogate College is part of the Luminate Education Group, one of the largest further education institutions in the country with more than 20,000 students, and we are one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships regionally
  • We have strong industry links with local, regional and national employers, ensuring your apprenticeship covers relevant and current content – giving you the best training and increased opportunities for career progression
  • You will start work in a specific role, and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed 
  • You will develop your knowledge, as well as your skills, with off-the-job learning of around 6 hours a week 
  • You will be employed from the first day – receiving a contract, salary, holiday allowance and all other employee benefits
  • You will gain valuable practical experience working in your chosen industry, giving you the skills and knowledge that employers seek
  • We provide a diverse and vibrant learning environment which inspires life-changing opportunities. We pride ourselves on our excellent facilities which include professional kitchens, laboratories, engineering workshops, salons and childcare facilities

What sort of apprenticeships can I do with Harrogate College?

We work with fantastic employers, offering apprenticeships in a wide range of industries and roles.

Our vacancies are advertised on a regular basis. Typically we offer apprenticeships in the following areas:

  • Adult care

    • Level 2 Adult Care Worker | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker | Course duration 18 months
  • Auto-mechanic

    • Level 2 Autocare Technician | Course duration 48 months
    • Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) | Course duration 36 months
  • Business Administration

    • Level 3 Business Administrator | Course duration 18 months
  • Construction

    • Level 2 Bricklayer | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative | Course duration 24 months
  • Early Years Education

    • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Early Years Educator | Course duration 21 months
  • Electrical

    • Level 3 Installation Electrician/Maintenance Electrician | Course duration 48 months
  • Hair & Beauty

    • Level 2 Hair Professional (Hairdressing) | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Creative Hair Professional | Course duration 12 months
  • Hospitality

    • Level 2 Commis Chef | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Chef de Partie | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 2 Production Chef | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Senior Production Chef | Course duration 12 months
    • Level 2 Hospitality Team Member | Course duration 12 months
    • Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 4 Hospitality Manager | Course duration 18 months
  • Science & Pharmaceutical

    • Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) | Course duration 24 months

I’m already working, can I do an apprenticeship?

Absolutely – an apprenticeship is an ideal form of professional development, allowing you to retain an income as you study, progress in your current role, and develop your understanding of your industry.

  1. Speak with your employer: if they are happy to support you through an apprenticeship progress to step 2:
  2. Complete our enquiry form.
  3. One of our Business Development Advisors will contact your employer to explain how we can assist them in the process of setting up the apprenticeship.
Two Harrogate College students wearing white college overalls sat at a desk in a classroom working on a laptop together smiling

Levels of apprenticeships

  • Intermediate apprenticeships

    Level: 2

    Equivalent to: 5 GCSEs 4-9*

    Suitable for: Junior roles and anyone new to the industry

    Purpose: Intermediate Apprenticeships offer an entrance to an industry, teaching apprentices the basic skills and knowledge needed to progress within a chosen career path

    Job Roles: Engineering Operative, Accounts Assistant, Butcher, Adult Care Worker, Leisure Team Member

  • Advanced apprenticeships

    Level: 3

    Equivalent to: 2 A levels

    Suitable for: Existing staff members and those who have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship

    Purpose: Advanced Apprenticeships begin specialising, deepening existing knowledge of the industry, and developing skills and knowledge further

    Job Roles: Software Developers, Chef de Parties, Electrical Engineers

  • Higher apprenticeships

    Level: 4 and 5

    Equivalent to: Foundation degree

    Suitable for: Senior roles and employees looking to progress

    Purpose: Higher Apprenticeships provide more advanced knowledge and skill development that specialise and refine towards senior roles and industry applications

    Job Roles: Apprentice Teachers, Lab Technicians, Project Managers

  • Degree apprenticeships

    Level: 6 and 7

    Equivalent to: Bachelors or Masters degree

    Suitable for: Specialist careers and senior roles

    Purpose: Degree Apprenticeships usually involve undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification to gain senior positions with specialist skill sets

    Job Roles: Accountant, Finance Analyst, Product Development Manager, Event Manager

How do I apply?

Whether you have an idea of the industry in which you want to work, or whether you have no idea at all and want to know more about the apprenticeships out there, we can help. If you are currently employed and want to start an apprenticeship, we can help with that too.

  • Explore our apprenticeship vacancies
  • Complete the application form for your chosen vacancy
  • Attend an interview with your potential employer
  • Once successful, you will be inducted into your apprenticeship
Top Tips

  • You can proactively search for your own apprenticeship opportunity. Update your CV and contact the companies you are interested in working with as an apprentice. If they are interested in taking you on, let us know and we can take it from here!
  • Did you know that you can transition onto an apprenticeship at any time of the year? If you are currently studying a course with us, you can speak to your tutor about transferring to an apprenticeship.

Don’t see a vacancy for you?

We can help – we will invite you to an information session where we can discuss your options

What if I don’t know what I want to do?

If you don’t see a vacancy that catches your eye, complete an enquiry form and we’ll give you a call to discuss options.

Frequently asked questions:

We have put together some information which we hope you will find useful. If your question isn’t answered below, please contact us and we will be happy to help.



Email: apprenticeships@harrogate.ac.uk
Call: 01423 879 466

How many hours will I be working?

Apprentices are typically employed for at least 30 hours, up to a maximum of 40 hours a week, including a minimum of six hours of study time – meaning they benefit from the best of both worlds: work and education.

How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?

Apprenticeships last a minimum of one year and can take between one and four years to complete, depending on the level of apprenticeship and the model of delivery.

Do I have to pay?

Apprentices do not pay for their training.

How much can I earn?

Rates of pay for apprentices differ depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in. Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay. See here for more details.

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