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apprenticeships
Truro and Penwith College is Cornwall and Devon's top College for apprenticeship achievement. We are also Cornwall's only 'Expert Apprenticeship Provider' and one of only five FE Colleges in the UK to have been awarded this status by the Department for Education.
To start your journey as a Truro and Penwith College apprentice, complete a College application form now.
Quality Apprenticeships with top employers
Truro and Penwith College offers quality apprenticeship programmes in over 30 exciting job roles in partnership with Cornwall's top employers. Our continually expanding range of training is designed in partnership with employers to address the skills needed and career routes available at local businesses.
Apprenticeships are a key part of Cornwall's Economic Strategy to provide a skilled workforce and sustainable, high-quality employment and career opportunities.
Programmes provide learners with a unique opportunity to earn while they learn and are suitable for anyone over the age of 16, with no upper age limit.
Truro and Penwith College Apprenticeships are the ideal option for anyone looking to start a quality career for the first time and those who are already employed and seeking professional development.
Click above to watch our film and discover the difference of studying apprenticeships at Truro and Penwith College.
Apprenticeship Courses
Apprenticeships: For Employers
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Help and advice
Click above to watch our latest film following Harrison on his Apprenticeship Journey with Truro and Penwith College.
Apprenticeship Journeys
Catch up on the latest episodes of our original documentary series; Apprenticeship Journeys. The series of shorts follow the journeys of both orgainisations and successful professionals, focusing on the positive impact apprenticeships have had economically and on life chances in Cornwall.
Watch all of the latest episodes through the link below and discover helpful support and advice from our learners and employers on their apprenticeship journey.
Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards
Truro and Penwith College's focus on quality led us to establish the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards in 2015.
The event is now a huge part of the South West's professional events calendar with over 200 attendees and 50 nominees coming together annually to celebrate excellence across Cornwall.
The Awards are open to all apprentices and apprenticeship employers across the county regardless of their College or learning provider.
Read about the 2024 event which took place at the Eden Project and view the full list of winners using the button below.
Nominations for the 2025 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards will open in Autumn 2024.
Programmes and levels
The College offers over 30 apprenticeship programmes that support quality careers with some of Cornwall's top employers in a wide range of sectors from Business, Marketing, Computing & IT and Nursing to Engineering, Construction, Automotive, Hospitality, Hair & Beauty and more. Your study will take place at our Truro, Bodmin or Penwith campus, depending on your programme.
Time spent at college and the workplace
As an apprentice the majority of your time will be spent learning in the workplace while earning a real wage, supported by regular days at College. Learners will typically spend 80% of their time in the workplace and 20% at College. In addition to specialist subject tutors, every apprentice has a Training Advisor who visits them and their employer in the workplace to support with their role and any assessment work.
Entry level programmes
Entry requirements vary by programme and take practical experience into account as well as previous academic qualifications. Entry level programmes at Level 2 (equivalent to five GCSEs at Grades 4-9) or Level 3 (equivalent to two A Level passes) are usually the best option for the majority of learners who are entering a sector for the first time.
Higher level programmes
The College offers a range of higher level apprenticeships from levels 4 - 6 that are University level qualifications. These programmes are often suited to those that have already completed an entry-level apprenticeship, or have previous qualifications and work experience that allow them to start their apprenticeship journey at a higher level.
Click above to watch our film and find out how the College's REAAL programme can support adult and apprenticeship learners during their studies.
Rounded Education for Adult and Apprenticeship Learners (REAAL)
We want to ensure that you succeed on your chosen course but we also want to provide you with additional rounded educational resources to support your personal development, help you to achieve your goals and decide on your next steps. This includes safeguarding, prevent, support for stress and anxiety, wellbeing, labour market information and other supportive materials.
our stories
Sarah’s Story
Hospitality apprentice Sarah became a double award winner at the 2024 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards in recognition of her determination and perseverance throughout her journey.
Paige’s Story
Paige's Apprenticeship Success at Hiyield: A Symbiotic Blend of Education, Business, and Ambition.
Matt’s Story
Meet Matt, who has recently been crowned as the Management Apprentice of the Year at this year’s Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
Luke’s Story
Meet Luke, a former Marketing Apprentice turned Training Advisor for Marketing and Business at Truro and Penwith College.
frequently asked questions
The first step on your apprenticeship journey is to complete a College application online, specifying the apprenticeship programme that you are interested in.Â
You will receive support at a College interview to find out more about the apprenticeship and whether it's the right option for you, before being supported to apply for an apprenticeship job.
If you already know an employer who is willing to offer you an apprenticeship job, that is a fantastic way to start and the College will be more than happy to facilitate this.
Yes! Apprenticeships are also for existing employees. If your workplace is happy to support you with an Apprenticeship, email the apprenticeship team at apprenticeships@truro-penwith.ac.uk and we can support you and your employer to make an informed decision about what type of apprenticeship would be suitable.
No. There are no tuition or course fees to be an apprentice. You earn while you learn!
The experience you gain from an Apprenticeship will certainly help you find another job when the time comes. In fact, employers think that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications because they have work experience in the industry.
Yes, graduates can become apprentices if your degree is unrelated to the apprenticeship.
Yes, of course! Your employer may wish for you to complete other courses alongside your apprenticeship that are relevant to your role.
However, you would not be able to complete a full-time college course such as A Levels alongside an Apprenticeship, as it is an alternative to full-time Further Education. An apprenticeship is a real job and you will be working the hours set by your employer.
At the end of your apprenticeship you will have gained a qualification in your industry. You can add this to your CV to support you to find employment. This may be with the employer you completed your apprenticeship with or another employer that you would like to work for, depending on the circumstances at the time.
There is no guarantee that your employer will be able to take you on as a permanent member of staff at the end of your apprenticeship. However, 96% of Cornish apprentices are in employment after completing their apprenticeship and 77% are working with their original employer.
apprenticeship resource links
Download resources from our Apprenticeship experts to help you understand how to apply and prepare for the application process.
