Award-winning apprenticeships in Greater Manchester
“Apprenticeships are not just about training, they’re about building the industry’s future. Partner with Salford City College and invest in talent that grows with your business.”
Apprenticeships with Salford City College
Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective, sustainable way to grow your workforce and bring new talent into your business.
Whether you’re looking for site-ready trade apprentices, professional construction technicians, or essential business support roles, Apprenticeships at Salford City College deliver high-quality training designed around your needs and shaped by industry experts who understand what employers like you require from day one.
This brochure sets out everything you need to know; from the basics of taking on an apprentice and how funding works, to the full range of programmes available across construction trades, professional technical roles, and business support functions.
Our specialist team is here to guide you at every step — from your first enquiry to your apprentice’s achievement.
The Basics of Taking on an Apprentice
What is an Apprenticeship?
A paid job role that combines on-the-job experience with structured off-the-job training, leading to a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification. Programmes range from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) through to Level 5 (equivalent to a Foundation Degree), meaning apprenticeships are suitable for new starters and existing employees alike.
Your Responsibilities as an Employer
Employ the apprentice, usually for a minimum of 30 hours per week
Allocate off-the-job training time within contracted hours
Ensure a safe working environment that meets all relevant health and safety standards
Pay at least the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage
Provide appropriate supervision and mentoring throughout the programme
Meeting these requirements is straightforward, and our team will work with you to ensure everything is in place before your apprentice starts. We’ll help you understand your obligations, set up the right agreements, and ensure your apprentice has the best possible experience from the very beginning of their programme.
Construction Trades
Site-ready apprentices across bricklaying, carpentry, groundworks, plastering and building services engineering.
Professional & Technical
Civil engineering technicians, site supervisors and BSE senior technicians for your technical teams.
Business Support
Project managers, HR, data, digital and operations apprentices to strengthen your office functions.
Construction Trades Apprenticeships
Our construction trades apprenticeships are delivered at our purpose-built City Skills Campus in Salford, providing apprentices with access to industry-standard workshops, specialist equipment, and expert tutors with genuine site experience. These programmes develop practical, site-ready apprentices who can contribute quickly and meaningfully to your workforce from the very early stages of their training.
Core Trade Apprenticeships
Bricklayer (L2)
Carpentry & Joinery (L2)
Groundworker (L2)
Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative (L2)
Painter and Decorator (L2)
Plasterer (L2)
Building Services Engineering (BSE)
BSE Craftsperson (L3)
BSE Installer (L2)
Day release — one day per week
Day release — one day per week
Block release
Block release
Day release — one day per week
Day release — one day per week
Block release
Block release
BSE Service & Maintenance (L3) Day release
Domestic Plumbing & Heating (L3) Day release
Installation / Maintenance Electrician (L3) Day release
Day release programmes minimise disruption to your operations — your apprentice attends college one day per week while working productively on site for the remaining four days. Block release programmes are structured to keep absence manageable and predictable.
Professional Construction Apprenticeships
As your business grows, so does the need for technically skilled professionals who can manage projects, oversee site operations, and deliver engineering solutions to the highest standards. Our professional construction apprenticeships are delivered at our modern facilities at Salford Quays and are designed to develop your future engineers, supervisors, planners and technical specialists — all while they remain productive, employed members of your team.
These programmes carry greater academic and technical depth, aligned to industry professional body standards and nationally recognised qualifications. They are equally suited to new graduate-level recruits and to experienced team members seeking formal professional development and career progression. Apprenticeships at this level are a strategic investment in leadership and technical capability.
Civil Engineering Technician (L3) Day release — one day per week
Civil Engineering Senior Technician (L4) Day release — one day per week
Construction Site Supervisor (L4) Day release — one day per week
Construction Support Technician (L3) Day release — one day per month
BSE Technician (L3) Day release — one day per week
BSE Senior Technician (L4) Day release — one day per week
All professional construction programmes are delivered by tutors with substantial industry backgrounds, ensuring your apprentice receives training that is directly relevant to real-world practice.
Business Support Apprenticeships for Construction Firms
Construction companies rely on much more than on-site roles. Behind every successful project is a team of skilled administrators, project coordinators, HR professionals, finance leads and operations managers working hard to keep the business running efficiently. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to develop this critical talent — and many construction employers are surprised to discover just how broad the available programmes are.
Our Business & Professional apprenticeship programmes are delivered through a flexible model combining one-to-one workplace visits, group workshops, and optional monthly masterclasses — minimising time away from the office whilst maximising learning impact. Programmes are available from Level 2 through to Level 5, covering entry-level roles right through to senior management development.
Associate Project Manager (L4)
Data Technician (L3)
Digital Support Technician (L3)
ICT Technician (L3)
Business Administrator (L3)
Administration Assistant (L2) (from Aug 2026)
Customer Service Practitioner (L2)
Customer Service Specialist (L3)
HR Support (L3)
Our team can help you identify which programmes best match your current staffing gaps and business objectives.
Our Full Programme Offer
The table below provides a quick reference to all apprenticeship programmes currently available through Salford City College, organised by programme area, level, and delivery model. Use this to identify opportunities across your business — from on-site trades to office and management functions.
At Salford City College, we are committed to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes that support both employers and apprentices to succeed.
Our provision is built around a strong partnership approach, ensuring that businesses receive the support they need to develop a skilled and confident workforce.
High Quality Training
Our apprenticeships are delivered by experienced, industry-qualified staff using modern facilities and up-to-date equipment, ensuring apprentices develop the skills required by today’s construction sector.
Excellent Pass Rates
We are proud of our strong achievement rates, reflecting the quality of our teaching, support, and employer engagement.
Dedicated Recruitment Support
Our specialist recruitment team supports employers at every stage of the process — from identifying suitable candidates to onboarding apprentices — making it straightforward to take on an apprentice.
Award-Winning Provision
Apprenticeships at Salford City College is nationally recognised for our employer engagement, providing you with confidence in the training your apprentices will receive.
Pastoral Support – #WELLAPPRENTICE
We provide dedicated pastoral and wellbeing support to ensure apprentices remain engaged, supported, and able to perform to their full potential in both their training and workplace.
Why Partner with Salford City College?
Salford City College has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality vocational and technical education across Greater Manchester and the wider North West. Our construction and business apprenticeship programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry employers to reflect real workplace needs, not just theoretical frameworks. When you partner with us, you gain a training provider that understands your sector and is invested in your success.
Industry-Expert Tutors
All our construction tutors bring genuine site and industry experience, ensuring apprentices receive training that is immediately applicable to your workplace. Assessors visit your site regularly to observe real work and support progress.
Industry-Standard Facilities
Our City Skills Campus features purpose-built trade workshops equipped to professional standard. Future Skills and Frontier House at Salford Quays provide modern, professional environments for technical and business programmes.
Dedicated Employer Support
We will work with you throughout the apprenticeship journey — from initial enquiry and funding confirmation through to end-point assessment and completion. You will always receive dedicated, consistent support.
Employer Support Overview
We make hiring and managing apprentices straightforward by supporting you at every stage.
Getting started
Help with registration, legal requirements, and setting up your apprenticeship account.
Recruitment
Support finding and selecting the right apprentice, or working with a candidate you already have.
Funding guidance
Clear advice on costs, funding, and available grants.
Onboarding
Help with contracts, compliance, and getting everything in place before the apprentice starts.
We take care of the process so you can focus on running your business while successfully bringing in new talent.
Get Started Today!
Taking on an apprentice is one of the most effective investments you can make in the long-term health of your business. Whether you’re a sole-trader taking on your first apprentice or a regional contractor looking to build a structured talent pipeline across multiple roles, our team is ready to help you make it happen — quickly, simply, and with full funding support.
Call our team
Speak directly with our Apprenticeship Employer Services team to discuss your requirements, confirm funding eligibility and explore the right programmes for
Book a Consultation
Arrange a no-obligation meeting with your dedicated account manager — on-site at your premises or at one of our campuses — to walk through the full process from enrolment to completion.
Don’t delay — contact us now to reserve your place and secure the right apprentice for your business. Our team will handle everything from vacancy advertising and candidate screening through to DAS account setup and ongoing programme support. Your next great team member is waiting.