19TH MAR 2026
10 sectors that can upskill employees with Gloucestershire College apprenticeships
Offering a broad range of funded apprenticeship training in sectors spanning automotive and engineering to professional services and cyber security, we are helping businesses all over the county train and upskill staff at all levels of seniority and experience.
From addressing skills shortages to facilitating moves into management, here is a round up of 10 sectors that can benefit from our apprenticeship courses, with many enrolling now for September 2026.
To find out how we could help your business grow and upskill the team, request a call back to discuss your needs at gloscol.ac.uk/employers/apprenticeship-programmes.
1. Engineering
From opening up new career pathways for new starters to upskilling experienced workers, our portfolio of engineering apprenticeships spans Level 3 to degree – with degree programmes delivered in partnership with UWE Bristol – covering subjects from electronics and electrical engineering to mechanical and manufacturing specialisms. Responding to industry demands, we have recently expanded our offer with the introduction of a Level 3 mechatronics maintenance technician and a Level 6 manufacturing engineer degree apprenticeship.
With apprenticeships designed to meet the needs of the sector, learners spend only one or two days in college per week, with the rest of their time out in the workplace learning on-the-job.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/engineering-apprenticeships.
2. IT & Cyber Security
This regionally-important and ever-growing sector requires an ever-growing skillset – and as the AAC National Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2024, with its own purpose-built, state-of-the-art Advanced Digital Academy, we are well-equipped to give apprentices the technical skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to succeed in the fast-paced world of IT and cyber security.
Apprenticeships span entry-level roles to degree programmes with expert teaching and specialist facilities – including an Attack and Defence room – with its cyber security degree apprenticeship holding NCSC certifications. We are proud of our fantastic professional links to the county's cyber businesses, too, including CyNam, Plexal, Hub8 and the Golden Valley.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/tech-apprenticeships.
3. Recruitment
Attracting and retaining top candidates is essential for business success and longevity – and our Level 3 Recruiter apprenticeship gives recruiters the opportunity to master a wide range of skills, including talent sourcing, candidate management and compliance through this remotely-delivered course.
The apprenticeship is aligned with The British Institute of Recruiters for Certified Agency Recruiter, Specialist in Talent Acquisition and Retention for In-House Recruiters (STAR) and The Recruitment and Employment Confederation for Affiliate Members, ensuring best practice for both in-house and agency recruiters.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/recruitment-apprenticeships.
4. Construction & Trades
With almost 100 years of technical training heritage and purpose-built facilities that replicate real site conditions, we offer a wide variety of trades apprenticeships, including building services engineering, bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, groundworks, plumbing, property maintenance and surveying, taught by staff with real industry experience.
This year we are delighted to be able to offer a Level 2 Onsite Trades foundation apprenticeship for those at the very start of their careers as well as a Level 4 Construction Management apprenticeship, ideal for construction workers looking to take up supervisory, managerial or technical roles.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/construction-apprenticeships.
5. Hairdressing
Addressing a sector-wide skills shortage, our Level 2 and 3 hairdressing apprenticeships ensure that valuable professional expertise is passed on to the next generation of stylists.
With learning that's easy to integrate into a busy salon environment, apprentices benefit from high quality training delivered entirely within the workplace – with many going on to achieve industry recognition and accolades, like reaching the Top 100 in the National Hair and Beauty Competition.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/hair-dressing-apprenticeships.
6. Education & Early Years
With opportunities to start training at any time and learning that's delivered entirely in the workplace, we are supporting local nurseries and schools to grow their own talent with apprenticeships for Early Years practitioners and teaching assistants.
Ideal for upskilling those interested in moving into more senior roles, our portfolio also includes a Level 4 schools business professional apprenticeship, too.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/early-year-apprenticeships.
7. Catering & Hospitality
Our catering and hospitality apprenticeships support businesses by training apprentices in food safety, service excellence and operational efficiency.
Ideal for organisations wanting to develop reliable skilled teams, both in the kitchen and front-of-house, training can be delivered remotely with no need to attend college – and can start at any time.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/catering-apprenticeships.
8. Dental Nursing
Ideal for dental practices looking to upskill their staff, our Level 3 dental nurse practitioner qualification combines clinical and regulatory knowledge, as well as practical skills to support safe patient care.
This course can start any time and is delivered entirely through workplace-based learning, so no college attendance is required, with a blend of face-to-face and remote sessions tailored to each practice's needs.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/dental-apprenticeships.
9. Business & Professional Services
Business and professional services is one of the largest sectors in our apprenticeship portfolio, supporting companies of all sizes to train new staff and upskill existing employees to ensure operations run effectively.
Our expansive offering encompasses multiple business functions including accountancy, business administration, customer service, HR, marketing, leadership and management – with flexible start dates and remote learning to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/professional-training-apprenticeships.
10. Automotive
Supporting Gloucestershire garages to train the next generation of automotive technicians, our apprenticeships offer hands-on, workshop-based learning in skills including diagnostics, maintenance and repair.
Level 2 and 3 qualifications available – and classes starting in September.
For more information visit gloscol.ac.uk/motor-vehicle-apprenticeships.
This article was originally published in SoGlos.
