Top 5% in the country for apprentice achievement *
Hugh Baird College is proud to rank in the top 5% of general further education providers in England for apprentice achievement.
This distinction reflects our commitment to high-quality apprenticeship training that supports apprentices in reaching their full potential while delivering skilled talent to employers. Our success rate places us among the top-performing colleges nationally, reinforcing our role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow and empowering businesses with motivated, job-ready apprentices.
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships allow you to work, earn and gain a qualification in the area you are working in.
How you study can vary from apprenticeship to apprenticeship, some require you to attend college one day a week, others require you to do all of your studying at work, whilst some are a blend of the two.
Apprenticeships are available for level two to degree level; it typically takes one to two years to complete however some may take longer due to the nature of the programme.
Available Courses
If you are looking for an apprenticeship, get in touch today or send us your CV
Who can do an apprenticeship?
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you're still at school and they're also available for those who are already in work.
Aged 16 or over Anyone over the age of 16 can undertake an apprenticeship
Employed If you are an employee looking to upskill and boost your career prospects
Employed Your employer could offer to place you on an apprenticeship
What does an apprenticeship involve?
- A commitment from you to work hard and be passionate about your development.
- A commitment from your employer to support your development and learning.
- Regular meetings with your assessor and tutors.
- On completion, you will have achieved several qualifications and a full apprenticeship certificate.
Traineeships
If you feel you're not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a course designed to prepare you for one. A traineeship is a 26 week programme, which includes work experience, and focusses on providing the skills and experience employers are looking for.
Dispelling Myths
There are numerous myths around apprenticeships, we dispel the myths to give you the truth.
Myth 1
Apprenticeships are for people who don’t do well at school
Myth 2
Apprenticeships are only for people who have just left school
Myth 3
Employers don’t value apprenticeships as much as other qualifications
Myth 4
Apprenticeships are only available in manual industries
Myth 5
An apprenticeship
won’t lead to
a full time job
Myth 6
University graduates
earn more than
Apprentices
Ellie wins national Apprentice of the Year award
Hugh Baird College and Aintree University Hospital apprentice, Ellie Ferguson, has been named Apprentice of the Year at the national Association of Colleges, Student of the Year awards.
Emma Oakes, Electrical Apprentice with The Sovini Group
Emma Oakes, Electrical apprentice at The Sovini Group, shares her experience of her apprenticeship programme.
Daniel Harrison, Trade Counter Apprentice graduate with Johnsons Toyota
"During my apprenticeship I was getting the training as well as getting paid. It opens your eyes up to the working environment and gets you ready for your future."
Laura Jones, graduate Apprentice
Laura began her career in Beauty Therapy on an apprenticeship at Hugh Baird College. Having completed her NVQ Levels 2 and 3 whilst working in the industry, she enrolled on the UCLan validated Certificate in Education at the Hugh Baird University Centre. She is now proud to be passing on her experience to the next generation of therapists.
Lindsay Farrell, Housing Apprentice with One Vision Housing
"I was working in a bistro and I wanted a change of career. As a mature person, I think it's brilliant to have the opportunity to do an apprenticeship."
If you are looking for an apprenticeship, get in touch today or send us your CV
Employers we work with
Half price bus travel for apprentices
The Merseytravel Apprentice Travelcard allows those aged 19-24 years old and enrolled on an apprenticeship to receive half price unlimited bus travel across the Liverpool City Region when buying weekly and four-weekly Solo tickets. That means they could save more than £400 every year.
For apprentices aged 16-18 years old, they can access equivalent discounts on Young Person SOLO tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most apprenticeships take between 12 - 18 months to complete.
Yes, you will be paid by your employer for the duration of your apprenticeship. You will be paid at least the government’s minimum wage rate for apprentices, £3.70. A lot of employers pay their apprentices a higher hourly wage than the minimum rate.
This is ultimately up to your employers, but more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends.
We work with lots of employers to provide apprentice positions. Check out our live vacancies section above or call 0151 353 4444 to chat to our team.
Dylan Kaye, Electrical Apprentice
“It was nervous going for the interview, but I got the apprenticeship and I’m currently training on-the-job. Studying an apprenticeship is fantastic. It’s a great alternative way of learning as you are more hands on plus you get to deal with real life experiences. I’m developing all the time and I’m earning a wage.”
Emma Oakes, Electrical Apprentice with The Sovini Group
“I really enjoy being an apprentice with Hugh Baird College and The Sovini Group. I’m learning new skills everyday on the job, I get to go to College once a week to gain my qualifications and I’m being paid for it! The apprenticeship programme is really well organised and I am visited by an assessor to make sure I’m on track. My employer is also really supportive and we meet regularly to discuss my progress.”
Will Wilson, Chef Apprentice
“The apprenticeship programme I undertook provided me with superb support while I was developing as a chef. It was a great experience for me and meant that I was earning and learning at the same time. Deciding to do an apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made and my advice to anyone thinking about it would be to go for it! You won’t regret it.”
How much will this course cost me?
Entry and Level 1 courses may be free if you are:
- Aged 19 and over, and;
- A resident of the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral).
Entry and Level 1 courses are free to:
- Those aged 16-18.
- Those aged 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
These Programmes have been funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Adult Education Budget. Your course may be fully funded, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
Please contact our Student Services Finance team on 0151 353 4444 or email student.finance@hughbaird.ac.uk if you wish to check your eligibility or for any further details.
