Where can I find apprenticeships in Shrewsbury?

Shropshire is known for its hills, its bridges and for being on the border with Wales. As it is predominantly a rural county, with no large towns or cities, you might think that apprenticeship opportunities are hard to come by here. However, nothing could be further from the truth.  

If you live in the county, search on Talentview for the latest apprenticeship vacancies in Shropshire. 

Top apprenticeship locations in Shropshire

Apprenticeships in Shrewsbury 

The Shrewsbury Colleges Group (SCG) is the main provider of apprenticeships in Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire. Working with employers in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and the surrounding areas, SCG offers apprenticeships in sectors such as Accounting, Construction, Engineering, Childcare, Plumbing and Motor Vehicle Maintenance. Applications should be made on the Shrewsbury Colleges Group website, ideally a few months in advance of the September start dates.  

Apprenticeships in Telford 

Telford is named after Thomas Telford, the civil engineer who built some of the most famous bridges and aqueducts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Perhaps appropriately then, Telford College offers a wide range of apprenticeships in construction and engineering, alongside programmes in computing, health and social care, business and management. The college has modern, well-equipped training centres, several of which have been built specifically to deliver these on-the-job training courses.  

Apprenticeships in Oswestry 

The North Shropshire College at Oswestry is a partner college of Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College (HLNSC). Level 2, Level 3, Higher and Degree apprenticeships are available. Not far from Oswestry, and part of HLNSC, is Walford College, a rural campus which offers courses on animal and equestrian care, including Level 2 apprenticeships in farm working, animal care and welfare, and farriery.  

Apprenticeships in Ludlow 

The poet John Betjeman was a fan of Ludlow. He called it ‘the loveliest town in England’. Apprentices will like Ludlow too because there are opportunities here to earn a qualification in hospitality, childcare, warehouse operations and marketing. Being able to earn as you learn is one of the great benefits of taking an apprenticeship, but doing so in such a tranquil and charming town as Ludlow is another unexpected apprentice benefit.  

Types of apprenticeships in Shropshire

Industries offering apprenticeships 

The following sectors are well served by apprenticeships in Shropshire, so if you are interested in starting a new career in any of these industries you should be able to find a programme for you:  

• Construction  
• Automotive 
• Farming, Countryside Work & Animal Care  

Popular apprenticeship schemes in Shropshire 

SBC Training, which has two facilities in Shrewsbury and another in Oswestry, is the leading deliverer of apprenticeship programmes in the county. It offers highly regarded Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships in areas such as Accountancy, Business Administration, Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing, or Health and Social Care. SBC Training prides itself on very high levels of customer satisfaction, success rates above the national average and a track record of 98% of apprentices finding permanent employment.  

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship? 

Gain hands-on experience 

There is no substitute for the work-based experience apprentices gain. As part of an apprenticeship, you spend 80% of your time working for an employer, learning from colleagues and responding to challenges and real-life situations on a day-to-day basis.  

Gain industry-recognised qualifications 

As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, so you can gain an industry-specific qualification without needing a student loan. You’ll be employed full-time (usually between 30-40 hours per week), which includes time spent with your training provider.  

Improve your employability 

For school leavers, an apprenticeship is an ideal alternative to A-Levels or university. If you aren’t suited to full-time study, an apprenticeship gets you into the world of work while allowing you to gain practical skills in a job. An apprentice of any age will find that employers value the practical skills that you can bring from your on-the-job training. An apprenticeship of any level is widely respected by businesses.   

How to find an apprenticeship in Shropshire 

Steps to find suitable apprenticeships 

There are several ways you can find employers in Shropshire that offer apprenticeships. You can use websites like Talentview, apply directly to employers, contact local colleges or ask friends or family members if they know of apprenticeships available at companies.   

Tips for applying for apprenticeships 

If you are applying for apprenticeships, it is always a good idea to:   

• Research the organisation/company fully beforehand  
• Learn the basics of writing a covering letter  
• Prepare fully for interviews