Apprenticeships FAQs
Your questions answered
Find an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are a government funded programme. You can find an Apprenticeship place in a number of ways, such as:
- By contacting a college or provider who offers apprenticeships in IT, Telecoms or Contact Centre.
- Or contacting:
- England - a local Learning and Skills Council (LSC); local Connexions / Careers Office who can provide advice on local colleges and providers who offer apprenticeships and may also help with finding a local employer.
- Scotland - local Enterprise Company (LEC); Careers Scotland www. carreers-scotland.org.uk who can provide advice on local colleges and providers who offer apprenticeships and may also help with finding a local employer.
- Wales - Education Learning Wales (ELWA); Careers Wales Advisers who can provide advice on local colleges and providers who offer apprenticeships and may also help with finding a local employer.
- Or contact an employer and ask if they will train you via the apprenticeship programme.
There are a number of National Organisations that have opportunities for apprentices. Each employer's requirements and training programmes will vary and you can contact the employer to discuss their Apprenticeship programme in more detail. A few IT / Telecommunication organisations are listed below:
Opportunities with employers
BT (British Telecom)
"There's never been a better time to apply for an apprenticeship at BT. We're in the middle of a digital revolution - creating a new world of information communications technology with the power to transform people's lives. It's just about the most exciting business to be in right now.
And, at BT, you can rise as high and as fast as your talent and hard work deserves.
Our apprenticeships aren't just jobs, they're a chance to develop skills that will be useful throughout your career and can lead to formal qualifications marking real achievement in your chosen work area."
To apply and find out more visit the BT Apprenticeships website.
Cable & Wireless
Be better than good, become GR8!
We're looking for eight bright, talented and focussed people to join us on our new Apprentice Scheme across our offices in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London. The programme will be intense, exciting and rewarding for the right individual willing to apply themselves. But don't worry, we'll give you all the training, development, work shadowing and field-based work you need to succeed. You'll be working with the very latest Network and Data Telecomms hardware and software, responsible for the installation and maintenance of our International Network providing voice and data solutions to our corporate customer base.
All we ask is that you have a good standard of secondary/further education with GCSE grades C or above in Maths, Science and English preferred.
To find out more, visit our Apprenticeships website at www.becomegr8.co.uk.
EDS (Electronic Data Systems)
EDS say: "an apprenticeship programme gives you the chance to earn good money and carry on your learning, without compromising any of your options for the future. EDS advertise apprenticeship vacancies as and when they arise (regionally/locally). The entry requirement is 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English. The IT Practitioner/Professional candidates will be required to undergo a technical aptitude test and IT User candidates complete a screening profile. All candidates are subject to an interview if successfully passing the screening tests. The job roles they are offer a many and varied and the website will have a full list of the vacancies including role description and location.
The recruitment web site is: www.mas.eds.co.uk
Orange
Offer 2 types of apprenticeships in Technical Systems. The recruitment process is divided into a number of steps with the recruitment process beginning in January.
Area Operations Scheme - based both in the field and at Orange regional offices. This 4 year development programme will see you working alongside various operations teams in the maintenance and support of the entire Orange network. On the completion of your training, you’ll receive engineer status, a certificate of Advanced apprenticeship, ONC/HNC in Communications, NVQ Level III in Telecommunications and Key Skills Level II
Central Operations Scheme - based at the head office in Bristol. This is a 2 year development programme, which will involve working with other office-based central business functions to monitor, maintain and deliver Orange products and services. On completion of your training, you’ll receive technician status, a certificate of apprenticeship, ONC in Communications, NVQ Level II in IT User and Key Skills Level II.
Visit the Orange website for more information.
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force (RAF) employs approx 3000 Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Specialists who work on equipment from tactical satellite systems and local area networks to airfield navigation and communication systems – the kit that enables the RAF to undertake effective air operations on a global scale. As a CIS Specialist Apprentice you'll be trained to the highest standards to operate, enable, and maintain the RAF’s many different communications and information systems. The RAF recruits all year round.
If you would like to join the RAF and undertake a Telecommunications Apprenticeship then visit your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office or download details from www.rafcareers.com
Strategic Systems Solutions
20 IT Professional Advanced Apprentices - Leeds
Strategic Systems Solutions is a global IT consultancy focused on the Financial Services sector, with offices across the UK and in the US, China, Singapore and the Philippines. SSS is responsible for the development, maintenance, testing and support of computer systems for the world's leading Investment Banks.
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Maths and English, and be studying for, or already obtained, two 'A/S', 'A' levels or their equivalent. More importantly you will be confident, enthusiastic and hardworking.
Visit the SSS Apprenticeships website to find out more and to apply.
Last modified: 02 Jul 2008