Apprenticeship in the UK: an opportunity for Ukrainians to get a job and education at the same time
- Moseley for Ukraine
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
An apprenticeship is a formal form of training in the UK that combines practical work, pay and professional education. It's a great option for those looking to learn a new skill or start a career from scratch - even without previous experience or perfect English.
1. How can Ukrainians take advantage of the apprenticeship opportunity?
Ukrainians who have:
Homes for Ukraine or Ukraine Family Scheme status ,
National Insurance Number ,
work permit (automatically included in the aforementioned statuses),
can apply for an apprenticeship on the same terms as British citizens.
An apprenticeship is a good choice if you:
want to work and earn money right away;
want to learn a new profession;
do not have a British education or experience, but are willing to learn.
2. What are the limitations and barriers?
🔞 Age restrictions
The program is available from the age of 16.
There is no upper age limit. Apprenticeships are available to people 30+ and even 50+.
Programs for 16–24 year olds often have more funding and easier entry requirements.
⚠️ Other difficulties
Language: Usually requires an English level of ESOL Entry 3 or Level 1 .
Educational requirements: Some programmes require GCSEs in Maths and English. If these are not available, equivalents ( Functional Skills ) can be gained during an apprenticeship .
Application preparation: you will need a tailored CV , a short motivation letter, and basic self-presentation skills.
Competition: Popular programs ( NHS , IT, construction ) have a lot of competition.
3. What opportunities does apprenticeship provide?
💷 Salary - an apprentice earns a minimum of £6.40/hour (2024), but often more.
📚 Free education - education is funded by the state.
🎓 Official qualification - upon completion you will receive a diploma, certificate or NVQ.
🚀 Career prospects - many companies leave apprentices after the contract ends.
Popular areas:
Health and Social Care ( care , NHS)
Business Administration
IT / Digital / Software Development
Engineering & Construction
Hospitality / Kitchen / Barista
Education (Teaching Assistant)
Hair & Beauty
Retail / Customer Service
4. Step-by-step instructions: how to apply
✅ Step 1. Assess your English level
If the level is below Entry 3 , start with ESOL courses .
If your ESOL level is Level 1 or higher, you can already look for an apprenticeship .
✅ Step 2. Prepare a CV and a short cover letter
Even without experience: add volunteering, training, hobbies, skills.
Indicate why you are interested in a specific field.
✅ Step 3. Find vacancies
Official platforms:
Through colleges - it is often more effective to apply directly (see below).
✅ Step 4. Submit an application
Online through the website or directly on the company or college website.
After applying, wait for an invitation to an interview or online test.
✅ Step 5. Start learning
Duration is usually from 12 to 36 months.
Work 4 days a week + 1 day of study (at college or online).
5. Colleges in Birmingham and up to 20+ miles around that offer apprenticeships
College | City / District | Website |
South & City College Birmingham | Birmingham | |
BMet (Birmingham Metropolitan College) | Birmingham | |
Sandwell College | West Bromwich | |
Solihull College & University Centre | Solihull / Shirley | |
Dudley College of Technology | Dudley | |
Walsall College | Walsall | |
Stratford-upon-Avon College | Stratford-upon-Avon |
📌 Most colleges have their own Apprenticeship Vacancy Boards or can refer you to partner companies.
6. Useful resources for finding an apprenticeship
Platform | What is there? |
government programs across the country | |
tips, job search | |
convenient search by industry and region | |
vacancies and training options for young people | |
additional portal with filters | |
Colleges directly | contact the apprenticeship coordinator |
Jobcentre Plus | local programs and support from work coach |
IT and business vacancies |
7. Tips
📧 Create a professional email (firstname.lastname@…).
📄 Adapt your CV to each field.
🗣️ Enroll in ESOL if your English is below Level 1.
📆 Attend job fairs and college open houses.
Conclusion
Apprenticeship is a real path to a profession, salary and legal employment in the UK. This is an option available to Ukrainians, regardless of age or previous experience. The main thing is to approach the search correctly, use official platforms and support from colleges. Additional information on job search is available on the website: Migrant Advice Portal: West Midlands.
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