Learn and develop skills while you work

WS Training has been delivering bespoke apprenticeship programmes since 1996. That is almost 30 years of helping employers source new talent and upskill their workforce. From our positive employer collaborations to our supportive learning environment, we are here to support both employers and apprentices every step of the way.

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Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a type of training programme that combines both masterclass sessions and learning on the job in a specific trade or profession, while being paid. Apprentices are required to spend on average, six hours per week gaining new knowledge, skills, and behaviours through off-the-job training. This style of learning allows you to gain work experience while developing the skills, attitudes, and competencies needed to progress in your career.

All apprenticeships have an End-Point Assessment (EPA), taken after the apprentice has completed their practical learning and entered the gateway (final 3 months). The End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment, which determines the grade achieved (Pass, Merit or Distinction) by the apprentice.

Find out about our onboarding process

Who is eligible to become an apprentice?

You are eligible to become an apprentice if you…

Are over 16 years old (there is no upper age limit)
Are not in full-time education
Have GCSEs in English or mathematics at Grades C/4 or above, or a functional skills Level 2. If you do not already hold these qualifications, you will be expected to achieve them before your End-Point Assessment (EPA) and the apprenticeship can be awarded.

You might find an apprenticeship could be right for you if you’re ready to…

Work in a specific industry
Dive into your next career change
Upskill in your existing job

View all apprenticeship vacancies

Engaging. Memorable. Effective.

Become an apprentice

It’s not too late to start! With WS Training, you can enrol onto an apprenticeship at any time during the year. Our flexible learning solutions, including both online and in-person training, allow apprentices to balance their work and study commitments effectively. Join a WS Training apprenticeship and take the first step to a successful career.

Make an enquiry

Reach out to us and let us know that you’d like to find out more about an apprenticeship. We'll have an initial conversation, where we can answer your questions and talk you through the process.

Apply for an apprenticeship

When you’re ready to proceed, head over to our Find an Apprenticeship page and apply for an apprenticeship that feels right for you. The application form you will be required to complete will ask you for details such as qualifications, experience, and interest in the programme.

Interview/ assessment

You may be invited for an interview to determine suitability for the job role. During this interview, you may be asked to complete a relevant assessment and answer interview style questions.

Acceptance

Should you be successful, you will receive a formal offer. If you choose to accept the offer, you will officially have an apprenticeship placement!

Onboarding induction

Before studies or workplace duties commence, apprentices undergo an onboarding process to familiarise themselves with the programme structure, expectations, and available support.

Proposal meeting

As a new apprentice, you will meet with your designated mentor and tutor to run through the curriculum plan and your skills scan to ensure the apprenticeship is right for you.

First day of learning

Apprentices typically begin their studies by meeting their tutor, preparing their setup with any necessary materials or platforms and an introduction to the curriculum.

What support is on offer with our apprenticeships?

1-2-1 Tutor support

Regular meetings and one-on-one tutoring sessions can be scheduled. These sessions provide tutors and apprentices the opportunity to discuss their progress, challenges, and any specific areas where help is needed.

Inductions

All apprentices are provided with a high-quality induction to help them understand the expectations of the apprenticeship, expected attendance, commitment to their employer and personal success.

Mentorship

In addition to tutor support, apprentices will be assigned a designated workplace mentor. Their mentor will provide practical guidance and support within their new or existing working environment.

Workplace visits

Apprentices won’t just see their tutors during study time! Tutors will conduct regular workplace visits to observe the apprentice in their work environment, offering guidance and feedback regarding their job performance.

Milestones

Every 12 weeks, a mandatory progress review is done to measure learning impact. Apprentices and their mentors will meet with the tutor to discuss personal progression and next steps.

Online resources

Apprentices typically have access to a wealth of online resources, including learning materials, forums, and masterclasses that can further support their learning.

Apprentices with additional learning needs

Having an additional learning need should not hinder your success! WS Training works with apprentices to write a support plan, put in place any special considerations and reasonable adjustments.

Information, advice and guidance (including careers)

Apprentices can expect to have the best advice from their tutor. They work with apprentices to support their personal ambition and aspirations to excel in their careers.

British values

Apprentices are provided with learning on how to be better citizens in today’s modern world.

If you are employed

If you’ve found a new employer or your current employer is looking to recruit an apprentice, but needs a training provider, we would love to hear from you!

Testimonials

What our Apprentices have to say…

“

Christine, has been brilliant with me, ensuring on every check-up that I am well looked after both in and out of work. It has been a regular point at every meeting or observation that I am in good health, and that there is a sufficient amount of opportunity to stretch myself in the course. Whenever I have found myself in a position of stagnation, I am fully aware that Christine has only been an email or phone call away and has always been happy to help me in any way I need.
Jacob WoolmerTROX UK

“

I have learnt an abundance regarding business administration and the reasoning behind why certain processes are done. For instance, the project on environmental factors was an eye opener as I was able to understand more about how certain things such as war, climate change and even whether can affect things such as prices due to availability.
Rhys HodgkissPoundfield

“

Since starting my training with WS Training, I have gained so much knowledge about business administration. I feel confident when completing my coursework, as due to my tutor I have a good understanding of the content, as it gets taught so well. The support and tutoring I receive from my tutor and WS Training is excellent and of brilliant quality.
Millie TylerCF Social Care

“

I am on track to get my first qualification in the customer service industry and now interested in staying with WS for a further year once I have completed my end point assessment in September to receive further qualification. I know that WS will be right by my side to support me every step of the way through my journey with them.
Kai HallSoler and Palau

“

I have learnt a variety of skills within my Business Administration level 3 course which I implement in my day-to-day work and has increased my opportunity of career progression with my current Organisation, which has led to a Team Leader position. I would also like to mention the great support and flexibility throughout the entirety of the course by my brilliant tutor, particularly when faced with unforeseen circumstances within the workplace.
Robin JacksonOrwell Housing

“

I can’t thank Lou & Karla enough for everything they’ve done for us girls here at cargo secure. Anytime I need anything or any worries I have they’re always at the end of the phone. They’ve both helped us gain so much more confidence & achieve our goals. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be where we are now. Two amazing ladies!
Charley MayhewCargo Secure

“

As a teenager I wasn't the most focused student for one reason or another and left school without the GSCE grades that I wanted so have had to re-take both Maths and English which I was absolutely dreading, Lou being the excellent tutor she is could clearly see I was struggling with Maths and arranged for some extra tuition with the incredible Karla, this has made things much simpler for me and has helped me to overcome a lot of the anxiety that I had built up over the years through my fear of Maths.
Dan AllenOrwell Housing

“

During April and May in 2023, I had my application process for my Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship and diploma and I was kindly supported by Grace who was my co-ordinating me through the onboarding process for my apprenticeship and diploma. This has resulted me to go onto pass my apprenticeship, access and establish a high-profile network within the Law industry in East Anglia and acquire invaluable practical experience.

“

There were times when I felt like giving up, but you helped me to stay motivated and confident. The knowledge and skills I acquired about leadership are invaluable for my professional role, and I look forward to putting the knowledge I gained into best practice. I am excited about the future and the opportunities to apply what I have learned and I hope to keep in touch with you as I continue my professional development.
Joko Ristanto

Meet the team

Jane Barber

Senior Apprenticeship Practitioner

Anthony Fryatt

National Apprenticeship Business Development Lead

Hattie Clarke

Team Leader & Management Tutor

Christine Knight

Trainer/Assessor

Louise Ellis

Assessor/IV/Trainer

Bret Andrews

Tutor

Name

IT Tutor

FAQs

Which apprenticeship is right for me?

If you’re unsure which apprenticeship is the right one for you, we would always recommend you get in touch. We’ll have a call and talk through the different options, this way you will gain clarity and support with deciding.

How much will I be paid as an apprentice?

It depends on your employer; however, the national apprenticeship minimum wage is £7.55 per hour. If you are over 19 years old, then this is only relevant for the first year of the apprenticeship and after this, all apprentices must be paid according to the national minimum wage for their age bracket. Please note this is the minimum amount an apprentice can be paid, there is no upper limit.

What qualifications do I need before starting an apprenticeship?

Some apprenticeships may require qualifications, such as GCSE Mathematics or English. If you do not have these, you may be encouraged to study functional skills Level 2 in English and mathematics alongside your apprenticeship. Other relevant qualifications and work experience may be beneficial but are not a requirement.

What are the off-the-job training requirements?

Once you have enrolled on your training programme, you will be required to spend a minimum of 20% of your working week to complete your off-the-job training. For a full time position the recommended time is 6 hours per week. We understand it can be tricky, which is why we’re here to help you manage this along the way. Also, don’t forget any learning that takes place within the workplace, as it all counts towards the goal amount of time.

Do I need to complete English and maths as part of my apprenticeship?

If you are aged 16-18, in order to complete your apprenticeship you will need to achieve a Level 2 in mathematics and English. There’s no need to worry as our specialised tutors will support you every step of the way. If you have already achieved the Level 2 grade, you will not need to sit these again, but you may be asked to provide your certificate.

For anyone aged 19+, although you should still have a good level of understanding in mathematics and English before enrolling, you will have the option to choose whether you would like to complete them.

How long will my apprenticeship last?

The duration will depend on the apprenticeship, but the minimum duration that any apprenticeship can last is 12 months. Contact our team to find out specifically how long your apprenticeship will last.

What happens if I fail my End-Point Assessment (EPA)?

Apprentices that fail the EPA will have the opportunity to re-sit/re-take the assessment. Re-sits/retakes are not to be offered to apprentices wishing to move from pass to merit/distinction or merit to distinction. A re-sit does not require further learning, whereas a re-take does. The conditions relating to re-sits/re-takes are outlined below.

Apprentices who fail any one EPA method will be offered the opportunity to take a re-sit/re-take for that one method. The re-sit/re-take must be taken within 3 months of notification of the result of the original EPA, otherwise the entire EPA must be retaken. The re-sit/re-take will be graded pass/merit/distinction and combined with the grades for the other 2 assessment methods to determine the EPA grade. If an apprentice fails the re-sit/re-take they will be required to re-take the EPA in full after a period of further learning.

Apprentices who fail more than one of the EPA methods or who have re-take the EPA in full due to conditions described above will be required to re-take the entire EPA after a period of further learning and the maximum grade awarded will be ‘pass’, unless the EPAO establishes that the reason for the original fail was for reasons beyond the apprentice’s control. In all cases, the apprentices employer must agree that a re-sit or re-take is an appropriate course of action.

Does my apprenticeship qualify for any UCAS points?

You can enter the name of the qualifications you have achieved to work out how much the qualification is worth in UCAS Points. Calculate your UCAS Tariff points | Undergraduate, Conservatoires | UCAS

How long do I have to wait for my certificate after I have been successful?

Usually, results are provided to WS Training by email, ten working days after the End-Point Assessment (EPA). As soon as we get the results, we will let you know, and your certificate will be sent out to your home address.