Apprenticeships in Coventry

The most central city in England, Coventry is a hub of industry, particularly motor vehicle manufacturing, aerospace, energy and low carbon technologies, rail, and business, professional, and financial services

Prominent companies in Coventry include Tata Motors, Aston Martin, Dennis Eagle, London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) and Detroit Electric. 

Careers in Coventry

An attractive medieval walled city, Coventry is home to three cathedrals and two universities. 

It is also a centre for automotive manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, and energy solutions.

Advanced manufacturing and engineering is responsible for 40,000+ jobs in Coventry and Warwickshire. 

You will find centres of excellence in this field and others, such as The National Low Carbon Centre at Stoneleigh Park, the NAIC, the National Automotive Innovation Campus and The National Advanced Propulsion Centre. 

Other industries providing significant employment opportunities include rail, business, professional and financial services, and digital and IT

A Coventry-based apprenticeship could help you to kickstart an exciting career. Keep reading to find out more. 

Top employers in Coventry

BBC Careers
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Living and working in Coventry

While the phrase ‘sent to Coventry’ implies being in the city is a punishment, Coventry is a diverse and interesting place with a rich heritage, stunning architecture and scenic parks.

It is a place of myths and historic claims to fame, as well as modern achievements.

Legend says that Coventry was the birthplace of St. George – the dragon slayer who became the patron saint of England, and Lady Godiva – whose naked horse ride through the streets is commemorated by a stone statue.

It is also the setting for George Eliot’s classic novel Middlemarch and the birthplace of John Kemp Starley’s Rover safety cycle, from which all modern bikes are descended. The first dumper truck, tank and traffic indicators for cars were also built in Coventry.

Coventry Transport Museum houses the largest collection of British-made cars, motorbikes and bicycles in the world. 

The city still has excellent transport links to London, Birmingham and many other locations, plus several attractions within the city walls.

Warwick Arts Centre is one of the biggest multi-art venues in the UK, there’s the Coventry Music Museum, Belgrade Theatre, Midland Air Museum, and Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. 

You can visit the ruins of St. Mary’s, the ruins of St. Michael’s, and Sir Basil Spence’s popular ‘new’ cathedral, consecrated in 1962.

Green spaces include Coombe Abbey Park, War Memorial Park, and the nearby Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve. 

House prices in Coventry are cheaper than living in nearby cities such as London, Birmingham, Leicester and Northampton. Other costs may vary. 

There are also numerous opportunities for finding work. Besides the major industries already mentioned, Coventry has an emerging digital and creative sector, including gaming. You will also find jobs in education, rail, and construction

Degree apprenticeships in Coventry

Coventry is home to two highly-regarded universities – Coventry University and the University of Warwick

Both universities offer a large selection of apprenticeships at Levels 4-7.

Subjects include:

  • Business and Administration
  • Care Services
  • Construction and the Built Environment
  • Digital and Technology
  • Engineering and Manufacturing 
  • Health and Science
  • Legal, Finance and Accounting
  • Protective Services

Industry spotlight

There are several courses falling under the banner of vehicle manufacturing, including automotive engineer, car mechanic, motor vehicle maintenance technician, and automotive technician.

Typically starting at Level 3, these apprenticeships offer a practical education in motor vehicle manufacturing and maintenance, equipping you to work several roles in the industry.

BMW, Aston Martin, and Tata Motors are among the companies offering this type of apprenticeship in the Coventry area. 

Environment and Sustainability are big business in Coventry, with the city at the forefront of clean air technology development in the UK. 

The Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (LCHTA) was recently developed to train young people to become heat pump and heat network technicians.
Coventry companies offering this kind of apprenticeship include Nationalgrid, Jaguar Land Rover, and E.on.

Business and professional services encompass administration, finance, HR and recruitment. 

Coventry City Council offers apprenticeships from Level 2 to 5, including Business Administration, Leadership and Management, and Team Leading. 

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce Training Limited offer apprenticeship courses such as Assistant Accountant Level 3.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are Government initiatives that enable predominantly young people to combine 20% study with 80% hands-on work and earn a fair wage. 

Conceived as a way to get less academic students into meaningful work, apprenticeships have evolved to diversify and upskill the UK workforce. 

Funded by the Government and UK businesses, apprenticeships are run in conjunction with colleges and universities, with apprentices working towards nationally recognised qualifications from GCSEs to Masters degrees. 

Apprentices benefit by not having to take out student loans, earning a living wage and gaining the skills and qualifications required in their chosen field. 

Participating companies benefit from better-trained, more highly skilled staff. Financial incentives are also offered to companies taking on apprentices. 

Get a leg up

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Consistent Practical Application

As an apprentice in Coventry, you will work for a private company or public organisation, learning the ropes by performing day-to-day duties alongside more senior colleagues. You will be given responsibilities and support to upskill and achieve your full potential.

Fair Compensation

Unlike some internships and work experience placements, apprentices are guaranteed to earn at least the minimum living wage for their age group. Many apprenticeships are paid significantly more, as wages are at your employer’s discretion.

More Apprenticeships = More Opportunities 

Apprenticeships have always been competitive, being candidates advised to apply to several providers to avoid disappointment. 

However, with apprenticeship programmes officially on the rise again, (up 1.3% for 2024/2025 from the previous year) there are more opportunities for would-be apprentices.

This means you are more likely to be accepted onto a programme in a convenient location with a company you want to work for. 

Fast-track your Learning

Most UK apprenticeships last approximately 12 months to 3 years. As such, you can fully qualify for some positions significantly faster than was traditionally feasible, gaining the necessary experience and qualifications while working in the industry. 

UK apprenticeships are categorised as follows:

Level 2 (Intermediate) – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes

Level 3 (Advanced) – equivalent to 2 A Level passes

Levels 4- 5 (Higher) – equivalent to a foundation degree 

Levels 6-7 (Degree) – equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree

Some apprenticeships are also geared towards earning licenses and chartered status in industries such as architecture and accounting. 

Make Your Mark

Due to the hands-on nature of apprenticeships, young people are given more chances to shine and make a positive contribution than would be typical for a junior member of staff. 

An Apprenticeship For You

The first UK apprenticeships focused heavily on the trades, with limited options for other industries.

Other sectors quickly caught on to the benefits of apprenticeships and more and more programmes emerged each year.

Today, there is an apprenticeship for just about every job role you can think of. Even careers which traditionally required several years of university, on top of specific training, such as teachers, doctors, and police now have apprenticeships to speed up the process. 

Coventry offers a multitude of apprenticeships in everything from aerospace to accounting.

To start your working life in Coventry, apply for an apprenticeship today!

Find the latest apprenticeships in Coventry using our topic and location search filters, or check out our industry and school leaver pages.