16-18
Apprenticeships
University Level
Adult Learning
National Apprenticeship Week is back, and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of apprentices across the country, including those at Weymouth College.
This week we’ll be celebrating the vital role that Apprenticeships play in helping young people build successful careers, and we’re proud to share the success stories of our own apprentices.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a practical training programme that allows individuals to earn while they learn. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop key skills and achieve industry-recognised qualifications in fields ranging from business and finance to trades such as plumbing, carpentry and engineering.
Apprenticeships provide a great alternative to traditional academic routes, allowing learners to combine hands-on work with classroom learning.
Not only do apprentices gain relevant, on-the-job experience, but they also develop soft skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork, which are some of the most highly valued skills of employers.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
- Earn While You Learn – Apprentices receive a wage as they work and learn, making it a financially viable option for many
- Real-World Experience – Apprentices gain invaluable experience in the workplace, applying their skills to real-world situations
- Career Progression – Many apprenticeships offer a clear path to career advancement, with opportunities to build a long-term career in your chosen industry
- Industry Recognition – Apprenticeships lead to qualifications that are recognised by employers across the UK
Apprenticeships at Weymouth College
At Weymouth College, we offer a broad range of Apprenticeships designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in various industries.
Whether you’re interested in plumbing, business administration, engineering, health and social care or hairdressing, we have an Apprenticeship programme for you. Our apprenticeships are delivered in collaboration with local employers, ensuring that students gain the experience and qualifications that are in high demand by employers.
To learn more about our apprenticeship offerings, visit our Apprenticeships page.
Following the merger of Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, we’re also excited to announced that more land-based apprenticeship opportunities will soon be launching at the Kingston Maurward campus. Keep an eye out for more details!
What our current apprentices say…
Plumbing apprentice Harry Baker
Harry Baker, Plumbing Apprentice with Whites Plumbing and Heating:
“This Apprenticeship has helped me develop new skills within my work life by working with my mentors, who have years of experience. They have shown me new techniques and strategies that help me grow my skills.
“Skills like team building have also helped me massively outside of work and have helped me grow as a person. My Apprenticeship has given me the confidence to use my voice to help overcome problems and face challenges with a clear mind.
“Working alongside engineers with decades of experience has been invaluable, and my career aspirations are to provide the best possible service to my future clients and employers.”
Accounts/Finance Assistant apprentice Keira Lake
Keira Lake, Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprentice with Dorchester Town Council:
“At the beginning of this apprenticeship, I knew very little about finance or working in local government. Now, after over half a year, I’ve quickly progressed and learned about most of the ins and outs of local government finance. I’ve also been offered various training courses that have helped me develop my skills and knowledge.
“This Apprenticeship has truly helped me find my passion for working in local government and supporting my community. My future career aspirations are to stay in the local government sector and progress to become an RFO, and perhaps even a clerk one day.”
Tyler Harvey, Plumbing Apprentice with Whites Plumbing and Heating:
Plumbing apprentice Tyler Harvey (second right) at the HIP Learner of the Year competition with Weymouth College Apprenticeship Training Coordinator Anthony Cowburn (far right)
Tyler recently competed in the Learner of the Year competition hosted by HIP Magazine, the number one publication for plumbing and heating engineering students.
He was selected by Weymouth College to enter the regional competition, as he had shown all the knowledge, skills and behaviours recognised to enter this event, which is held in search of the best up-and-coming industry talent.
Tyler commented: “My Apprenticeship has had a massive impact on the way I approach certain situations. I used to flap about in stressful situations and get tunnel vision when I came across a stressful task, but this apprenticeship has shown me new ways of dealing with this.
“For example, when I attended HIP Learner of the Year Competition, I had some issues pulling a certain bend which I got frustrated about; this could have thrown me completely, but because of prior experience and having a positive conversation with my assessor, I was able to go back in with a clear head and manage to pull the bend.
“I also feel more confident facing daily challenges within my own personal life as my team of mentors and peers have always got my back and are always willing to help me out when required.”
Success stories from local employers
Manor Marine’s Carpentry and Joinery apprentice Oliver Lawrence passes his Level 2
Manor Marine UK
At Weymouth College, our apprentices benefit from the support of outstanding employers who are dedicated to nurturing local talent. One of those employers, Manor Marine UK Limited, has seen fantastic success with their apprentices.
They recently celebrated Weymouth student Oliver Lawrence’s achievement of completing his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. Oliver has worked closely with his mentors and tutors to develop skills that will serve him well throughout his career.
Nathan Cornwall, general manager at Manor Marine, shared his thoughts on Apprenticeships: “A significant percentage of Manor Marine’s workforce has progressed through our Apprenticeship scheme, and they are now passing their expertise on to the next generation of apprentices. Many of our employees have been with us for over 20 years, and this continuity has been a cornerstone of our success as an employer and a leading business in Dorset.”
Looking ahead, Manor Marine is excited to recruit apprentices across a wide range of trades in 2025, continuing their commitment to investing in the future workforce.
Moxom Joinery
Apprentices at Moxom Joinery in Dorchester
Moxom Joinery in Dorchester prides itself on the recognition and continual development of the artisan skills that are essential to its success as a company. With a deep commitment to investing in the next generation of joiners and carpenters, Moxom Joinery runs a successful Apprenticeship programme in collaboration with local providers, including Weymouth College.
Their carpentry, joinery and woodworking programme is designed to provide team members with a well-rounded skill set, making them invaluable assets to the company and contributing to the quality of its work.
Moxom Joinery has taken on several apprentices from Weymouth College, one of whom, Robbie, started his journey as an apprentice 10 years ago. Today, Robbie has worked his way up to become the workshop manager.
Reflecting on his Apprenticeship, Robbie shared: “I enjoyed the Apprenticeship route because it was more practical and set me up for life in the workplace. Now, in my role as workshop manager, I find it incredibly rewarding to train up new apprentices and pass on the knowledge and skills I gained.”
By investing in apprentices like Robbie, Moxom Joinery continues to cultivate local talent while ensuring that its skilled workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the industry for years to come.
Join us for National Apprenticeship Week 2025
National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration of the hard work, dedication and potential of apprentices. At Weymouth College, we are proud to offer a wide variety of apprenticeships that help individuals develop their skills, gain invaluable experience, and kickstart their careers.
If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice, or you want to learn more about the apprenticeship opportunities available at Weymouth College, come along to our Open Evening on Tuesday 11th February from 5pm to 7pm, or visit our Apprenticeships page.
Let us help you take the first step towards a successful career!