What do I need?
It would be helpful to have GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English/Welsh or Technology so that you can do the necessary calculations, measurements and theory.
The level of apprenticeship you can do is dependent on your qualifications
Levels of apprenticeship
Foundation apprenticeships (Level 2)
A foundation apprenticeship is the first step on the apprenticeship ladder. It is equivalent to five good GCSE passes. They typically take 12 to 24 months to complete.
Apprenticeships (Level 3)
An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to two A Levels. Applicants for technical apprenticeships should ideally have five C’s in GCSEs Maths and English or Welsh first language or above.
Applicants for trade apprenticeships should two GCSEs Maths and English or Welsh first language at grade D and above, or have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 full time equivalent construction course.
They typically take 12 to 42 months to complete.
Apprentices can work towards Level 3 work-based qualifications, such as a NVQ or an apprenticeship qualification.
Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 - 5)
Higher apprenticeships are programmes designed to meet employers’ needs at advanced skill levels and include qualifications at a level equivalent to higher education (HE). Applicants should ideally have five C in GCSEs Maths and English or Welsh. They take two years to complete, and often specialise in management-based skills.
Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 – 7)
Degree apprenticeships typically last three to five years and are a popular training route in sectors such as quantity surveying and commercial management, building surveying, construction management and civil engineering. CITB are supporting a fully funded pathway in these areas at the following universities – University of South Wales, Wrexham University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids. The universities will have set entry requirements for candidates.
Am I eligible for funding?
All apprentices receive the minimum wage for apprentices, as set by the Government. As well as that most new-entrants to the construction industry are eligible for some form of funding for college and travel.
If you already have some knowledge, qualifications or experience you won't have to repeat the same things again, but we will need to check that you are eligible for government funding.
In Wales, you will be eligible for Welsh Government funding if you:
Have legally left school or are not of compulsory school age
Are not attending school or college full time or in full time higher education
Are ordinarily resident in Wales or your work is located in Wales
Are not an overseas national
Are not in custody or on remand
Are not in a receipt of an assembly learning grant or education maintenance allowance
Are not being supported by an employment zone activity
Not taking part in any other employment, learning or enterprise programme funded directly by UK Government or the Welsh Ministers
Are not taking part in any other EU funded vocational training programme.
Once you have applied you will also be assessed.
How will my application be assessed?
You will be assessed once you are ready to begin your apprenticeship.
This assessment is about seeing what you can do in case you need extra support or guidance. It will help you, CITB, your employer and college/training provider, see what qualifications and experience you have so your programme can be tailored to meet your needs.
Some apprenticeships also need you to be comfortable with working at height and outside in all weather conditions. You may also need to travel to sites and stay in lodgings whilst working or learning away.