Who can become an apprentice
If you are aged 16 or over, live in England and are not in full time education, you can apply for an apprenticeship and earn while you learn.
Why you should become an apprentice
An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines real work with practical training and study. As an apprentice with us, you will:
- earn a competitive wage, well above the apprentice national minimum rate of pay
- have the same rights and benefits as other employees, such as sick pay and annual leave
- get an opportunity to work with a mentor
- learn job specific skills
- get paid time for training and study related to your role
- work towards a range of qualifications with high quality training providers
- learn skills and gain experience that will help you find employment after your apprenticeship
We can give you a mentor from within the organisation to support your development while you're with us. If there is a permanent position available at the end of your apprenticeship and you meet the requirements, you'll have our full support to apply for it.
What types of apprenticeship are available
The different levels of apprenticeships available are:
- Intermediate (Level 2) which usually takes a year and equivalent to 5 GCSEs (Grades A*- C)
- Advanced (Level 3) which usually takes 18 months and equivalent to 2 A Levels
- Higher (Levels 4 and 5) which takes up to four years and equivalent to a BTEC, HND or Foundation Degree
- Degree and Masters (Levels 6 and 7) which takes up to four years and equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s
A full list can be found on the Skills England website.
How much will I get paid as an apprentice
As an apprentice, you are paid at 80% of the substantive salary.
Annual increments and pay awards will apply in line with our performance policies.
If you turn 21 or older during your apprenticeship and qualify for the National Living Wage, and this wage is higher than 80% of your current salary, you will be moved to the nearest Spinal Column Point (SCP) on our pay scale that matches the National Living Wage.
Contact us
You can find our current available apprenticeship roles here on our recruitment website.
For general help and advice please email: recruitment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Social work apprenticeships
We are committed to developing and growing our social care workforce. We currently support social work degree apprenticeships as a development pathway for existing employees working in relevant social care roles. This enables colleagues to gain a recognised social work qualification while continuing to work and develop their practice.
We do not offer social work degree apprenticeships as a direct entry route for external applicants or school leavers. If you are interested in becoming a social worker, the usual route is to complete an approved social work degree and register with Social Work England on qualification. You can find out more about the role of a social worker on the National Careers Service Social Worker profile.
For those looking to gain experience in social care, we offer a range of Alternatively Qualified Practitioner (AQP) and support roles across both Children's and Adult Social Care. These roles provide valuable opportunities to work alongside social workers, develop knowledge and skills, and gain experience supporting children, young people, adults and families. Many colleagues begin their careers in support or practitioner roles before progressing through further study or workforce development opportunities, including social work degree apprenticeships where eligible.
If you are considering a career in social work, we encourage you to explore opportunities in social care, volunteering, education, youth work, community services and health settings to build relevant experience and develop your understanding of the profession. Find out how to qualify as a social worker from the Department of Education, including degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.