Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship allows you to gain valuable skills in the workplace whilst taking part in formal off-the-job training through an external provider

Over the years, we’ve recruited a number of apprentices in Plymouth from admin and customer services to electrical and gas engineering, and many have gone on to secure permanent roles with us once they’ve completed their framework.

Growing our future talent
Get valuable work experience
Gain a recognised apprenticeship certificate
Pay above the standard apprenticeship wage
Investors in People Gold employer
Contributions towards driving lessons*

*if required for permanent roles.

On-going training and support

On average, 20% of the apprentices’ time will be spent off-the-job training (one day per week with their training provider). This may be the same day each week or may vary depending on the provider. Any corporate training undertaken will also count toward the 20% as well as any shadowing and mentoring.

Apprentices are also required to have monthly meetings with their line manager and will also be visited by their training provider on a regular basis.

Apprenticeship levels

Apprentices can work towards different levels:

Intermediate, Level 2: equivalent education level of 5 GCSE passes
Advanced, Level 3: equivalent education level of 2 A level passes
Higher, Level 4, 5, 6 and 7: equivalent education level of a Foundation degree and above
Degree, Level 6 and 7: equivalent education level of a bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Age limits

Apprentices must be 16 or over when they start their employment with us and cannot be undertaking any other formal education. There’s no upper age limit to an apprenticeship.

Applying for an apprenticeship

We normally advertise all our current apprenticeship positions for two weeks.

If shortlisted, formal interviews will be held with apprentices. Depending on the framework, additional assessments such as literacy, numeracy, tools assessments and IT may need to be put in place by the training provider or with us.

We will offer apprenticeship roles subject to referencing.

Apprentices are provided with a learning agreement for the duration of their apprenticeship although this is not a permanent contract. We encourage our apprentices to apply for permanent roles as they are advertised.

"I was over the moon when I secured an apprenticeship with Plymouth Community Homes. I felt like I was walking into a career, rather than a job."

Ryan, Apprentice Painter & Decorator

How many hours do apprentices work?

Apprentices are usually employed for 37 hours per week. Please see individual vacancies for further information.

What is the pay?

We pay our apprentices the National Living Wage for those aged 23 and over and the National Minimum Wage for those of least school leaving age.

How long are apprenticeships?

The length of an apprenticeship can be anything from 12 to 48 months depending on the standard being undertaken and the level of apprenticeship. Each training provider will also deliver an apprenticeship over different time frames.

What is the levy?

As our wage bill is over £3 million per year, they are required to pay an apprenticeship levy. The levy will pay for the apprenticeship programme to be undertaken by the apprentice. This is all funded by Plymouth Community Homes.

Where are PCH apprentices based?

We may require you to work in different locations within the city. Our Head Office is at Plumer House, Crownhill, Plymouth for office-based jobs. Those apprentices undertaking trade-based standards will be required to work within the city.

Who would be the training provider?

We work with several training providers across the city. You will be provided with information regarding the provider at interview.

PCH Website Apprenticeship Card 796X670px 230316 Carpentry

Carpenter

Apprenticeship Title: Carpentry and Joinery, Level 2 (Standard)

Requirements: Apprentices must have achieved level 1 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 3 to 1 or D to G) before taking their end-point assessment.

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 24 months.

Contact Centre Advisor

Apprenticeship Title: Customer Service Practitioner, Level 2 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment apprentices must achieve Level 1 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 3 to 1 or D to G).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 15-18 months.

Electrician

Apprenticeship Title: Installation Electrician / Maintenance Electrician, Level 3 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment, apprentices must achieve Level 2 English and Math (equivalent to GCSE grades 4 to 9 or A* to C).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 47 months.

Administrator

Apprenticeship Title: Business & Administration, Level 3 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment, apprentices must achieve Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 4 to 9 or A* to C).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 18 months.

Painter

Apprenticeship Title: Painter and Decorator, Level 2 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment, apprentices must achieve Level 1 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 3 to 1 or D to G).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 24-36 months.

PCH Website Apprenticeship Card 796X670px 230316 IT Service Desk

IT Service Desk Analyst

Apprenticeship Title: Infrastructure technician, Level 3 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment, apprentices must achieve Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 4 to 9 or A* to C).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 18 months.

Gas Engineer

Apprenticeship Title: Gas engineering, Level 3 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment, apprentices must achieve Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 4 to 9 or A* to C).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 30 months.

Plumber

Apprenticeship Title: Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician, Level 3 (Standard)

Requirements: Before taking their end-point assessment, apprentices must achieve Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades 4 to 9 or A* to C).

Length of Apprenticeship: PCH will typically deliver the apprenticeship over 48 months.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship allows you to gain valuable skills in the workplace whilst taking part in formal off-the-job training through an external provider