Apprenticeship courses, programs and schemes in London
There are a huge number of apprenticeship courses, programmes and schemes available in London. There are also a wide range of institutions across Greater London that offer apprenticeship programmes at all levels. The best place to search for apprenticeship opportunities in the capital is with Talentview.
Find out more with our guide below.
What makes London good for apprentices?
London is one of the most diverse, exciting and well-connected cities in the UK and the world. For apprentices, it can be a fantastic environment in which to learn at the same time as you are earning – outside of work hours you can have a great social life, take advantage of London’s cultural attractions, theatres, museums, concerts and sporting events.
As an apprentice, you will be paid a salary and apprentices in London receive a higher wage than elsewhere in the UK because of the increased living costs. If you are lucky enough to already live close to where your apprenticeship is based, London could be the perfect place to do an apprenticeship. With so many businesses and different organisations in and around London, there will be ample opportunities to further your career here after your apprenticeship ends.
What apprenticeship courses are there in the capital?
The following colleges are just some of the many educational institutions where you can take an apprenticeship programme in London.
West Thames College
A variety of apprenticeships are available at West Thames College, which is based on two sites in West London: Isleworth and Feltham. The college works closely with the London Borough of Hounslow, Aramark Catering, Nissan and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and specialises in construction, business and logistics apprenticeships.
Barking & Dagenham College
Located in Romford, Barking & Dagenham College offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities at all levels, in sectors such as construction, healthcare and engineering. Individual apprenticeship programmes include cyber security technicians, rail engineering technicians, carpentry, plastering and bricklaying.
The Mayor’s Construction Academy
The London Mayor set up the Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) in response to the shortage of construction skills in the capital. The MCA offers a wide range of opportunities to Londoners, connecting them to the skills they need. It does this through a series of hubs supported by employers and training providers, investment in equipment and facilities, and provides a quality mark which identifies and recognises high-quality construction skills.
West London College
West London College has four campuses - Ealing Green College, Hammersmith and Fulham College, Park Royal Construction College and Southall Community College. Construction is a major focus of West London College, but a variety of distinct roles and levels are available, including, amongst others, cultural heritage conservation, accounting, library and information archiving.
Newham College
Newham College’s apprenticeship programmes are of a universally high standard, enabling people of all ages (apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers!) to start a new career and achieve their ambitions. Apprenticeships at the college’s East Ham campus develop the skills you need to work in a whole host of sectors, including Digital, Construction, Business & Management, Civil Engineering and Teaching.
Apprenticeship schemes in London
There are also other organisations and bodies in London that run apprenticeship schemes.
City of London Corporation
The City of London self-administers its apprenticeship programme, based in the heart of the capital’s financial district. But this is not a scheme for prospective bankers or fund managers, although City companies do offer support and advice. The apprenticeships on offer include roles in Animal Care, Business Administration, Digital Marketing, Event Management, Horticulture, Human Resources and Transport Planning.
Transport for London
Transport for London runs a popular apprenticeship scheme at all levels, giving apprentices the chance to gain nationally-recognised qualifications and the opportunity to apply for roles within TfL. These include Transport Planners, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Civil Engineers and HR Professionals. Training is provided at TfL offices in Southwark, North Greenwich and Stratford.
Greater London Authority
The Greater London Authority is the regional government body for Greater London. It manages an apprenticeship programme for apprentices, leading towards a Business Administrator apprenticeship with the authority. Apprentices work within a department in City Hall in Newham as well as alongside other teams at the organisation, giving a solid grounding in all the many and varied aspects of local government in one of the world’s great cities, from facilities management to regeneration.
How to find an apprenticeship in London
To search for apprenticeships, you can use websites like Talentview, apply directly to employers or contact local colleges like those above.