Invest in your workforce

Hire an apprentice, or upskill your employees with an apprenticeship

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Two students in the School of Applied Science sat in science lab looking down at something together wearing lab coats

Why choose apprenticeships for your business?

The benefits, in brief:

  • Diversify your team and bring in fresh ideas
  • Cultivate new talent with more attractive opportunities to progress
  • Fill skill gaps and expand your workforce
  • Retrain and upskill your current team
  • Save on training costs – the government will pay for up to 100% of apprenticeship costs (dependent on business size)
  • Receive dedicated support from our Business Development teams
  • Become part of Luminate’s extensive local and regional networks

Apprenticeships allow individuals to gain qualifications and experience while working alongside employees. They are a great choice for people who benefit from more hands-on learning, have identified their ideal career or who want to change industries.

Apprenticeships also enable your current employees to progress and stay in your company for longer by providing them with the right training and qualifications. There are different levels of apprenticeships, each offering a qualification equivalent to GCSEs, A levels, degrees and masters.

For the duration of their apprenticeship, an apprentice will be employed with a salary, undertaking a mixture of practical training at your location with off-the-job training at one of our campuses or remotely.

BRS Limited |

Ian Dawson

Apprentices from Leeds City College have been of a high standard, enthusiastic and willing to learn to maintain our high customer service requirements. As a small company the apprentices reap rewards and fit in quickly.

Early Years Education and Training apprentice learning how to put a nappy on a baby-sized doll

NHS York & Scarborough Teaching hospitals |

We have established a fantastic collaborative partnership with Leeds City College.Our Apprentices are extremely well supported and are embedding and living our Trust Values in both theory and practice, of being Kind, Open and striving for Excellence!

Enserve |

Darren Hanncock

Leeds City College Apprenticeships is the best recruitment decision I’ve ever made. Apprentices are hungry to grow and continue to strive. I wish all the people I interviewed were as well rounded as the calibre of apprentice I’ve received.

Why choose Leeds City College?

  • We are one of the largest further education institutions in the country, with over 20,000 students
  • We pride ourselves on our good relationships with local, regional and national employers
  • We are one of the biggest apprenticeship providers in the region
  • We have excellent facilities which includes professional kitchens, laboratories, engineering workshops, salons and childcare facilities
  • We will allocate you an account manager who will help identify any training needs for current members of staff and new recruits
  • We are funding experts and can help you get the maximum benefit of government funding available to you
  • We have ex-industry expert teachers to mentor your apprentice We have a dedicated and specialist recruitment team
  • We will help you write the job description and advertise this through the National Apprenticeship website, the Leeds City College website and on our social media pages
  • We will support you as an employer and your apprentice throughout the apprenticeship journey

Our partners

We are proud to work with a wide range of leading employers across the region. We build strong relationships with our providers, assisting them in finding the best new talent. We value confidentiality and only publish details of our partners if given permission to do so. 

Featured partners include:

Leeds City Council logo

NHS The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust logo

NHS County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust logo

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital logo

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust logo

St Gemma's University Teaching Hospice logo

Ross Charles logo

Our apprenticeship areas

  • Animal Care
    • Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Dog Groomer | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Animal Technologist | Course duration 29 months
  • Barbering, Hairdressing & Beauty
    • Level 2 Beauty Therapist | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 2 Barbering Professional | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 2 Hairdressing Professional | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Creative Hair Professional | Course duration 16 months
  • Business, Customer Service, Law & Leadership
    • Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant | Course duration 16 months
    • Level 3 Customer Service Specialist | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Assistant Accountant | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Business Administrator | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 HR Support | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Paralegal | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 4 Associate Project Management | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 5 People Professional | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 5 Operations/ Departmental Manager | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree | Course duration 51 months
  • Digital & IT
    • Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 IT Solutions | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Digital Support Technician | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Information Communication Technician | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 IT Technical Salesperson | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 4 Data Analyst | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 4 Network Engineer | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 4 Software Developer | Course duration 27 months
  • Education
    • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 3 Early Years Educator | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Teaching Assistant | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher | Course duration 27 months
  • Engineering & Manufacturing
    • Level 2 Engineering Operative (Fabrication and Welding) | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative | Course duration 13 months
    • Level 3 Engineering Fitter | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 3 Machining Technician | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 3 Metal Fabricator | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician | Course duration 45 months
    • Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician | Course duration 45 months
  • Food, Drink & Hospitality
    • Level 2 Baker | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Butcher | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Commis Chef | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 2 Hospitality Team Member | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Food and Drink Process Operator | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Production Chef | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 3 Advanced Butcher | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor | Course duration 15 months
  • Health & Social Care
    • Level 2 Adult Care Worker | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker | Course duration 15 months
    • Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker | Course duration 21 months
    • Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 5 Leader in Adult Care | Course duration 24 months
    • Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner | Course duration 27 months
    • Level 5 Health Play Specialist | Course duration 27 months
  • Marketing & Events
    • Level 3 Events Assistant | Course duration 18 months
    • Level 4 Marketing Executive | Course duration 20 months
  • Motor Vehicle
    • Level 2 Auto Care Technician | Course duration 33 months
    • Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician – Light Vehicle | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 3 Vehicle Damage Paint Technician | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 3 Vehicle Damage, Mechanical, Electrical & Trim | Course duration 39 months
  • Print
    • Level 3 Print Technician (Pre Press/Press/Post Press Route) | Course duration 18 months
  • Science
    • Level 3 Laboratory Technician – Foundation Degree | Course duration 28 months
    • Level 5 Technician Scientist | Course duration 39 months
    • Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree | Course duration 66 months
    • Level 7 Research Scientist | Course duration 33 months
Leeds City College School of Digital and IT students sat at desk working together on a laptop
Two Leeds City College students wearing sports kit walking past the Power League pitches smiling and talking

Levels of apprenticeships

  • Intermediate apprenticeships
    Level: 2

    Equivalent to: 5 GCSEs 4-9*

    Suitable for: Junior roles and anyone new to the industry

    Purpose: Intermediate Apprenticeships offer an entrance to an industry, teaching apprentices the basic skills and knowledge needed to progress within a chosen career path

    Example Job Roles: Engineering Operative, Accounts Assistant, Butcher, Adult Care Worker, Leisure Team Member

  • Advanced apprenticeships
    Level: 3

    Equivalent to: 2 A levels

    Suitable for: Existing staff members and those who have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship

    Purpose: Advanced Apprenticeships begin specialising, deepening existing knowledge of the industry, and developing skills and knowledge further

    Example Job Roles: Software Developers, Chef de Parties, Electrical Engineers

  • Higher apprenticeships
    Level: 4 and 5

    Equivalent to: Foundation degree

    Suitable for: Senior roles and employees looking to progress

    Purpose: Higher Apprenticeships provide more advanced knowledge and skill development that specialise and refine towards senior roles and industry applications

    Example Job Roles: Apprentice Teachers, Lab Technicians, Project Managers

  • Degree apprenticeships
    Level: 6 and 7

    Equivalent to: Bachelors or Masters degree

    Suitable for: Specialist careers and senior roles

    Purpose: Degree Apprenticeships usually involve undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification to gain senior positions with specialist skill sets

    Example Job Roles: Accountant, Finance Analyst, Product Development Manager, Event Manager

Ongoing support

You and your apprentice will be introduced to an industry skilled assessor. They will keep in contact with your apprentice on a regular basis throughout the apprenticeship, including monthly visits to your place of work. There will be an element of blended learning and they will support and guide your apprentice through the 20% off the job training and monitor their progress.

Leeds Marriott Hotel |

Annabel Shuttleworth

We have had a fantastic experience working with Leeds City College over the years. [One student hired for the hotel reception] made a great first impression and he now has a casual contract working for us, outside of his unique studies. The careers team is informative and knowledgeable about the students and their abilities

Department of Public Services apprentice and staff sat at table smiling

Next steps: how to start your apprenticeship journey

  1. Contact our specialist business advisors to book your free Skills Planning review
  2. We can help identify skills gaps, vacancies and staff development opportunities that could be boosted by apprenticeships and flexible training & development
  3. Create an apprenticeship service account and reserve your apprenticeships funds

Leeds City Council |

Libby Megson

Our relationship with the apprenticeship team at Leeds City College has flourished over the last two years. We truly value their experience and guidance in the education and skills sector. The team’s commitment to get the best for the business shows good innovative solutions and bespoke opportunities.

School of Applied Science student doing a science experiment in science lab wearing lab coat, glasses and gloves

Frequently asked questions

We have put together some information which we hope you will find useful. If your question isn’t answered below, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Do I have to pay the wages for the apprentice?

Yes, you will need to pay an apprentice like any other member of your staff. The current national apprenticeship minimum wage is £4.15 per hour. Certain grants are available to some employers taking on an apprentice to help support with the payment of their wages. Details of these grants will be discussed with you prior to your recruitment of an apprentice.

Can you help write a job description?

Absolutely. Once you have sent an enquiry to the college, you will be allocated a business development advisor. They will have experience in your sector and will be there to support you through the full recruitment process of your apprentice, including job descriptions.

What if my apprentice leaves?

We hope to find you the right match for your job role but if the apprentice we place leaves, simply contact your allocated business development advisor to discuss options for a replacement. If you can’t find the details of your executive, you can contact the main team on 0113 284 6464.