Starting an apprenticeship
Unlock your next opportunity
An apprenticeship is a genuine job with accompanying training and assessment.
It offers the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’, gaining valuable skills, knowledge and experience in a specific job role. We know that 93% of apprentices in Oxfordshire transition to sustained employment and 100% of higher (level 4+) apprenticeship courses lead to sustained employment.
Case Study: Melissa Chigubu
Melissa Chigubu is a degree apprentice specialising in automotive electric drive systems. Over the next four years she will combine her work at the GKN Innovation Centre at Abingdon, south of Oxford, with studying at the University of Warwick.
She grew her interest in engineering during a B-Tec engineering course in school and went on to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship, which led to a placement at GKN Automotive, a leader in drive system technologies.
Named in 2019 as one of the UK’s top 50 women in engineering, Melissa has been a ground-breaker from the start. She was the first woman to complete the foundation course at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and was one of the first wave of apprentices at the at the GKN Innovation Centre.
Passionate about engineering, she is an OxLEP Apprenticeship Ambassador, visiting schools in the county and inspiring more young people – girls in particular – to consider a career in engineering.
How we can help you
OxLEP Skills focuses on supporting the economic growth of businesses and communities, and as such doesn’t work with individuals directly. The following organisations might be of interest if you are looking for education, employment or training.
Support for Young People (16-18 Years)
Find your Future
Find Your Future is our online careers platform, where you can find information and inspiration about your future under one ‘virtual roof’. Explore the different employment sectors available in Oxfordshire, connect with local and national employers, research post 16/18 options including colleges, apprenticeships, T Levels and universities and discover tips on the skills employers are looking for, CV writing and how to succeed at interviews.
National Apprenticeship Scheme
The National Apprenticeship Service provides information about apprenticeships and links to current vacancies.
OxME
OxME is the young people’s website from Oxfordshire County Council. It contains information about learning, jobs for young people, work experience.
Apprenticeship Guide
The Apprenticeship Guide is a great way to link your skills, interests and academic subjects to apprenticeship choices.
Support for Jobseekers
OxGROW
The OxGROW virtual mentoring platform helps people aged 18+ who are looking for support and guidance from a mentor on how to successfully navigate the challenging world of job seeking or looking to change career direction. Mentees can choose the mentor/s they would like to engage with, communicating with them via a chat facility as often as required and for free:
Oxfordshire Skills and Labour Market Information
We aim to broaden knowledge and understanding of the local labour market for jobseekers and those looking to reskill and upskill to help them to understand where current and future job opportunities are. We have created a local skills dashboard, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, to enable people to access up-to-date and locally relevant key information about Oxfordshire’s economy and local skills landscape. The dashboard includes data such as workforce trends, skill requirements and job vacancies.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service can help with career, learning and training choices. They also offer a Skills Assessment and free help from an adviser.
Job Help from Jobcentre Plus
Get help finding a new job in different sectors with job search advice, CV & interview tips and support from employers and work coaches.
Support for Parents and Carers
Amazing Apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships are experts on apprenticeships and vocational education, driving forward innovative and creative work in England and internationally. The organisation produces inspirational and informative packs for parents and carers that are full of ideas and top tips to help you advise your young person.
Find an apprenticeship
Start your apprenticeship journey below and apply to roles in your area by accessing the government’s apprenticeship search service.
Unlock the Door to More
We are dedicated to supporting the government’s agenda to increase the number of apprenticeships and vocational pathways, particularly within small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
Discover the other apprenticeship opportunities available to SMEs and large businesses by unlocking the doors below.
Large businesses & levy payers
SMEs
Learn more about the work we are doing to support apprenticeships in Oxfordshire below.