APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
BMet works with colleges across Birmingham and specialist sites throughout the UK to provide apprenticeship training on a regional and national basis.
APPRENTICESHIPS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
Every apprenticeship is co-designed with employers to meet the specific needs of the business.
Apprenticeships can start at any time of the year and last between 1 and 5 years, depending on the level and industry sector. Many apprenticeships are employer-led, meaning candidates are recruited directly by the company.
Programmes provide sector-based training before progression to interviews.
INCREASING STAFF RETENTION
The most effective apprenticeship programmes give employees a clear progression pathway they can own. Our experience shows that staff are more likely to stay with a business, feel motivated, engaged, and satisfied when supported through structured training and development.
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS
We understand the commercial pressures on organisations. Our training programmes are flexible and responsive to market changes, customer needs, and government legislation. Programmes are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet sector requirements.
APPRENTICESHIP LEVY
- Introduced in April 2017, businesses with payrolls of £3M or more contribute 0.5% of gross PAYE.
- Affected businesses have access to a £15,000 levy allowance for approved apprenticeship training.
- Businesses not required to pay the levy can access government funding for apprenticeships, including recycled levy funds for SMEs.
- Our team can help you understand the Levy and develop a strategy to maximise training and development benefits.
WHAT ARE APPRENTICESHIPS?
Apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes allowing people of all ages to earn nationally recognised qualifications while working. They can train new employees or upskill existing staff, increase productivity, reduce absence, and support workforce planning.
HOW DO APPRENTICESHIPS WORK?
- Learning is a mix of workplace experience and classroom-based training.
- Training may be at the workplace, off-site at college, or via e-learning.
- Apprentices typically work at least 30 hours per week.
TYPES OF APPRENTICESHIPS
- Intermediate (Level 2) – equivalent to five good GCSE passes
- Advanced (Level 3) – equivalent to two A Level passes
- Higher Apprenticeship (Levels 4-7)
- Degree Apprenticeship (Levels 6-7)
COSTS
Apprentices are paid employees and must receive at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage.
TYPES OF APPRENTICESHIPS
Industry: Broadcast, Media, Entertainment
Purpose: Ensure reliability and integrity of broadcast systems (TV, radio, online).
Key Responsibilities:
- Planned and corrective maintenance
- Maintaining test equipment
- Providing technical advice to users
- Supporting system modifications and upgrades
- Data management and reporting
Qualifications: None mandatory
Typical Job Titles: Maintenance Technician, Communications Technician
Professional Recognition: Engineering Council – Technician Level
Entry Requirements: 2 A levels (preferably Maths) or Level 3 BTEC
Delivery: Bespoke, usually block release, 27 months
Progression: Top-up degree in Electronics
Industry: Construction, Engineering
Purpose: Connect and maintain buildings, ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, maintain, and optimise building systems for safety, comfort, and efficiency
- Work on projects across residential, commercial, and public buildings
- Collaborate with clients, contractors, and suppliers
- Apply building services engineering principles on-site
- Ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards
Professional Qualification: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
Typical Job Titles: Assistant Technician, Building Services Engineering Technician
Professional Recognition: EngTech
Entry Requirements: GCSEs Grade C/4 in Maths and English
Duration: 35 months
Purpose: Install and service domestic/commercial equipment, including smart home technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Install, service, and maintain domestic/commercial electrical equipment
- Troubleshoot smart home, IP, and networked systems
- Ensure compliance with safety standards
- Provide excellent customer service
- Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge
Professional Qualification: Level 2/3 EAL Diploma in Engineering
Typical Job Titles: Installer, Service Engineer, Service Technician
Professional Recognition: ECS Card eligibility
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, Science
Duration: 24 months
Purpose: Provide specialist technical support for production, testing, and process improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical support to engineers
- Analyse data to improve product quality, cost, and delivery
- Liaise with colleagues, customers, and regulatory bodies
- Solve technical problems and maintain documentation
- Identify and implement process improvements
Professional Qualification: Level 4 HNC in Engineering/Manufacturing
Typical Job Titles: Process Engineer, Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Technician
Professional Recognition: EngTech, IMechE, Royal Aeronautical Society
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, Science + Level 3 Engineering
Duration: 24 months
Purpose: Maintain mechanical, electrical, and automated equipment in food production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain mechanical, electrical, and automated production systems
- Ensure compliance with food safety legislation
- Carry out routine maintenance, fault finding, and testing
- Work independently and within teams
- Optimise production efficiency and minimise downtime
Professional Qualification: Level 3 Diploma in Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance
Typical Job Titles: Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer, Multi-skilled Engineer
Professional Recognition: IET, IMechE (EngTech)
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, Science
Duration: 45 months
Purpose: Install, service, and maintain gas appliances in domestic or commercial settings.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Install, commission, maintain, and repair gas appliances
- Advise on energy efficiency
- Ensure customer service and safety compliance
Professional Qualification: Level 3 BPEC Diploma in Gas Engineering
Typical Job Titles: Gas Installation & Maintenance Engineer, Gas Service Engineer
Professional Recognition: Gas Safe® Register, Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (EngTech)
Entry Requirements: GCSE Grade C/4 in English and Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills
Delivery and Assessment: Set study days, workplace skills monitoring. Duration: 18 months
Progression: Employment with utility companies or self-employment
Purpose: Prepare construction sites for structural work and support construction trades.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare construction sites
- Install drainage and concrete systems
- Construct roads, pathways, and hard landscaping
Professional Qualification: None
Typical Job Titles: Bricklayers and Plant Operatives
Professional Recognition: None
Entry Requirements: GCSE Grade D/3 in Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 1
Delivery and Assessment: Classroom and workplace CPD. Duration: 21 months
Progression: Employment in construction or aligned trade areas, supervisory roles
Purpose: Develop foundational HR knowledge and skills.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver HR support and people management tasks
- Apply knowledge in recruitment, learning, and development
- Complete HR projects and assessments
Professional Qualification: Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Typical Job Titles: HR Assistant, HR Associate, HR Officer, HR Advisor
Professional Recognition: Associate membership of CIPD
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs Grade C/4+, prior experience considered
Delivery and Assessment: Online and on-campus learning with workplace application. Duration: 15 months
Progression: CIPD Level 5 qualifications, HR career roles
Purpose: Deliver and coach improvement activities across industries, applying Lean and Six Sigma methods.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver and coach improvement activity
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles
- Facilitate problem-solving and performance improvement
Professional Qualification: None
Typical Job Titles: Business Improvement Coordinator, Process Technician, Operational Excellence/Lean Engineer
Professional Recognition: None
Entry Requirements: 2 GCSEs Grade C/4 including Maths and English
Delivery and Assessment: Workplace portfolio with mentor support. Duration: 16 months
Progression: Level 5 Improvement Specialist
Purpose: Develop management skills for operational and departmental leadership.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Manage teams, projects, budgets, and resources
- Lead change, develop staff, and improve performance
- Oversee operational plans and deliver results
Professional Qualification: None
Typical Job Titles: Operations Manager, Department Manager, Divisional Manager
Professional Recognition: Chartered Management Institute
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs Grade C/4+, prior experience considered
Delivery and Assessment: Portfolio, knowledge test, work-based project, interview. Duration: 18-24 months
Progression: CMI higher-level courses
Purpose: Develop mid-level HR management expertise.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Apply HR knowledge to employment relationships, talent management, and workforce planning
- Conduct HR projects and assessments
- Support organisational HR strategy
Professional Qualification: Level 5 Diploma in People Management (CIPD Accredited)
Typical Job Titles: HR Consultant, HR Business Partner, HR Manager
Professional Recognition: Associate Membership of CIPD
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs Grade C/4+, Level 2 English & Maths
Delivery and Assessment: Online and on-campus blended learning. Duration: 18 months
Progression: Higher-level CIPD qualifications
Purpose: Support rail engineering in infrastructure, signalling, electrification, and rolling stock.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Construction, installation, maintenance, and renewal of rail systems
- Fault finding, diagnosis, and replacement of components
- Functional and operational testing and inspection
Professional Qualification: Level 3 Rail Engineering (Competence) & Technical Knowledge
Typical Job Titles: Track Technician, Overhead Line Technician, Electrification Technician
Professional Recognition: Engineering Technician registration via Professional Engineering Institutions
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs including Maths, English, Science
Delivery and Assessment: Block college-based delivery and workplace training. Duration: 36-45 months
Progression: HNC, Foundation Degree, Level 6 Apprenticeship
Purpose: Design and deliver coaching programmes across high-performance, community, and school sport.
Core Duties / Key Responsibilities:
- Design and deliver coaching programmes
- Motivate and develop participant skills
- Support talent, community, and school sport initiatives
Professional Qualification: None
Typical Job Titles: Club Coach, Community Coach, Performance Coach, School Coach
Professional Recognition: Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE
TEAM LEADER / SUPERVISOR APPRENTICESHIP
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team to achieve goals and deliver results.
- Plan and allocate work, monitor performance and productivity.
- Coach and develop team members and support their progression.
- Contribute to projects, process improvements and stakeholder communication.
- Manage resources, budgets and day-to-day operations.
Professional Qualification: CMI-aligned apprenticeship standard (CMI recognition available)
Typical Job Titles: Team Leader, Supervisor, Shift Manager, Project Officer
Professional Recognition: Chartered Management Institute membership options on completion
Entry Requirements: Employers set selection criteria. Most expect 5 GCSEs (grade 5/C) or equivalent and Level 2 English and maths. Prior experience may be considered.
Delivery and Assessment: Workplace learning with portfolio of evidence, externally set knowledge test, work-based project, and competency-based discussion as part of the end-point assessment.
Duration: Typically 18 months
Progression: Opportunity to study CMI Level 5 and move into higher management roles
BECOME A PARTNER EMPLOYER
Whether you’re looking to recruit an apprentice, upskill your existing team or create tailored training for your business, our team can help.
Complete the form and a member of our employer engagement team will be in touch to discuss your business challenges and the support available to you.
Or contact our teams directly via 0121 446 4545, workexperience@bmet.ac.uk or training@bmet.ac.uk
Bespoke training solutions
Student work placements
Apprenticeship programmes
Sector-based training
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