Apprenticeships give you the best of both worlds — real work experience and valuable study. As an Apprentice, you’ll earn a wage while developing practical skills in a professional environment that matches your career goals.
At HSDC, we offer a wide range of Apprenticeships in Hampshire, with dedicated support to help you find the right opportunity and start an exciting, rewarding career.
How do I get started?
We regularly advertise new apprenticeship vacancies through our website and the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship service, making it easier to discover opportunities close to home.
An Apprenticeship is your opportunity to earn while you learn. It’s a full‑time job combined with structured training, giving you the chance to develop industry‑level skills while working towards accredited qualifications.
Most Apprentices work a minimum of 30 hours per week, gaining real experience in a professional environment. Programmes typically last between one and six years, depending on the level, your existing experience, and the industry you choose.
As an Apprentice, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen field — all while receiving a salary from your employer. Wages vary depending on your age and the sector you work in, but you’ll always be earning as you train.
We encourage all employers to offer competitive pay rates, above the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage, to reflect the value Apprentices bring to their teams.
All Apprentices complete 20% off‑the‑job training, which usually means spending one day a week at college. This is your time to build knowledge, practise new skills, and get support from expert tutors.
For the other 80% of your time, you’ll be fully involved in a real working environment — learning on the job, gaining hands-on experience, and being supported by qualified colleagues who want to see you succeed. It’s the perfect blend of learning, earning and doing.
At HSDC, we know you want to build a future you’re proud of and stand out in a competitive world. That’s why our Apprenticeships are designed to help you grow, achieve and thrive from day one.
Here’s why an Apprenticeship with HSDC is the right choice for you:
Kick‑start your professional journey with real responsibilities, real experience and real opportunities.
From creative industries to engineering, business, digital, health and more – there’s a pathway that’s perfect for your goals.
You’ll receive a salary while developing skills that employers value.
Our specialist assessors bring real‑world knowledge straight to your training.
You’ll benefit from top‑tier learning, personalised guidance and a supportive college environment.
Gain practical skills and workplace confidence through training that matches what employers are looking for right now.
Take part in live projects, competitions and opportunities with our trusted industry partners.
Become part of a friendly, inclusive college where you’ll feel supported academically, professionally and socially.
Our campuses are well-connected, making travel simple for students looking for apprenticeships in Havant, Alton, the South Downs and across Hampshire.
At HSDC, we offer a wide range of Apprenticeships across Hampshire, designed to suit different interests, career goals and starting points. Our partner employers will outline the skills, qualities and qualifications they look for, helping you understand what’s needed to succeed in each role.
Explore the entry requirements for each level below:
Intermediate (GCSE equivalent) & Advanced (A Level equivalent)
For Levels 2 and 3, employers typically prefer applicants to have:
These levels give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress onto higher study, including foundation and degree‑level qualifications in your chosen sector.
Higher & Degree Level (Foundation Degree and above)
Entry requirements for these Apprenticeships often include:
These Apprenticeships are a great way to take your skills to the next level. Many employers also use Level 4 – 7 programmes to upskill existing staff, helping them progress into more advanced roles.
It is essential you prepare before submitting your application. Our Apprenticeship Team can support you to get ‘work ready’ by giving you CV and application guidance and even a mock interview. We can also help you find the right programme and employer to suit you.
All HSDC Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on our website and through the ‘Find an Apprenticeship Service’.
The .GOV website enables you to build an application form, following the step-by-step instructions to apply for a role and will allow you to save and update your application as often as you like. Once the right job comes up, you can submit an application directly to the advertisement through the service and track the progress of your application.
Why not approach some employers directly? Drop a CV in or pop in and ask to speak with the manager or recruitment team. Our Apprenticeship Team will support you each step of the way, enabling you to achieve your career aspirations.
If you are already employed and looking to upskill, or have managed to find an employer you want to work with yourself, advise the employer to reach out to us and we will ensure they receive the information and support they need throughout the programme.
Contact our Account Managers today to discuss the course and level that’s right for you!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will I secure full-time employment on completion of my Apprenticeship? | Statistically, 90% of Apprentices secure themselves a full time job at the end of their Apprenticeship. |
| Does an Apprenticeship allow me to progress within my career? | Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain a wide variety of skills, knowledge and experience which are often seen as an advantage and can be used to secure future opportunities. On completion of an Apprenticeship, you may look at further opportunities to broaden your skills, or even consider a higher-level Apprenticeship to continue your learning. |
| Do I need GCSEs / English & Maths to apply for an Apprenticeship? | Yes, most apprenticeships require GCSEs, but options exist if you do not have them. Entry requirements vary by the level of the apprenticeship you choose. Level 2 & 3 Apprenticeships (Intermediate & Advanced) Employers generally look for GCSE English and Maths at grades 9-4 (A*-C). If you do not have these grades, you will need to complete an initial assessment. HSDC provides tailored support to help you achieve these functional skills alongside your employment. Explore our Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship options to find the right fit. Level 4-7 Apprenticeships (Higher & Degree Level) GCSEs: At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English and Maths. Further Qualifications: Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, T Levels, or a BTEC. Experience: Relevant industry experience demonstrating your readiness for higher-level workplace responsibilities. |
| Can I do an Apprenticeship if I have a degree? | If your degree is significantly different to the Apprenticeship that you wish to study, you are still eligible for an Apprenticeship. |
| Do I have to pay to complete an Apprenticeship? | No. All Apprenticeships are funded by your employer or the Government, meaning you graduate completely debt-free! Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to professionally develop, earn an income, gain vital work experience and give you a head start in your career – all at no personal cost! |
| Can I do an Apprenticeship at any age? | Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. There is no upper age limit; we have HSDC Apprentices at school leaver age and people who have been in the working world for a number of years. Here at HSDC, we have had Apprentices aged from 16-45! |
| What duties will I be expected to do during an Apprenticeship? | All Apprenticeships are completely different and depend on what industry you are in, but businesses will have guidelines to follow to ensure an Apprentice is gaining the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to complete the qualification. |
| What skills will I gain from an Apprenticeship? | The skills you will learn during your Apprenticeship will be dependent on what industry you are in and what programme you are studying. All skills, knowledge and behaviours learnt during your Apprenticeship will be transferable and allow you to move into a different job or sector if you wish to. |
| How does an Apprenticeship compare to going to college? | The main difference is that an apprenticeship is a paid job with integrated training, whereas traditional college focuses primarily on classroom study. Apprenticeships split your time between the workplace and academic study: 80% Workplace: Four days a week spent working in a professional environment, gaining hands-on industry experience. 20% Off-the-Job Training: One day a week dedicated to classroom learning and training at an HSDC campus. This structure allows you to build industry contacts and real-world skills much faster than full-time classroom study. |
| Can I still get into university with an Apprenticeship qualification? | Apprenticeships offer a ladder of opportunity, so learners can progress from intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeships right up to Higher Degree Apprenticeships. Meaning the same qualifications can be achieved as completing a full time college or university course. |
| Can I earn while I learn on an apprenticeship? | Yes. Apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while you train. As an apprentice, you will be employed and receive a salary from your employer while gaining experience and developing the skills needed for your chosen career. Pay levels can vary depending on your age and the industry, but apprentices are paid while completing their training. |
| How long is an Apprenticeship? | Apprenticeships usually last between one and six years, depending on:
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| What qualifications will I earn during an Apprenticeship? | During an apprenticeship, you work towards accredited qualifications related to your job role and industry. These qualifications help you develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress in your chosen career, and can lead to higher-level study or further qualifications in the same sector. |