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What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes leading to industry recognised qualifications. Because they're occupation-focused rather than qualification-led, they develop the skills and behaviours required within your chosen career as well as theoretical knowledge.

Apprentices are given a 20 percent off-the-job training allowance in order to complete their apprenticeship training.

What our apprenticeships offer

  • Opportunities across England and Wales
  • Apprenticeship levels ranging from Level two to Level seven (GCSE to Masters Degree)
  • And a wide range of benefits which you can learn more about on our benefits page.
Apprentice holding cat

Want to find out more?

Take a look at our FAQs below and read our apprenticeship booklet which tells you more about what you can expect from an apprenticeship at the RSPCA.

Read our apprenticeship booklet
Apprentice

FAQs

Apprenticeships are open to everybody who is:

  • over the age of 16
  • not in full-time education
  • eligible to work in the UK

Some of our apprenticeships ask for ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’ qualifications, skills or experience. These will be listed on the apprenticeship vacancy advert - so just take a look at what's on offer.

The RSPCA funds the full cost of apprenticeship training - so you can get useful qualifications and experience without paying tuition fees.

The application process in Wales is the same as in England. Welsh apprenticeship vacancies can be found on the RSPCA jobs site and on the Welsh Government website.

The application process

All RSPCA apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on our careers website as well as the find an apprenticeship in Wales website and find an apprenticeship in England website. To apply, just follow the instructions on the advert.

Contact your local RSPCA branch to find out what opportunities they have currently we don't list branch vacancies.

There are six steps in the recruitment process:

  1. Application deadline.
  2. Invitation for interview - You will be contacted by phone or email (sometimes both) to invite you for an interview. You will also be contacted by at least an email if your application is unsuccessful.
  3. Interview - These will be conducted face to face or via video call. We aim to have 2 people on the interview panel.
  4. Selection - To ensure consistency, we score all interviews for each role in the same way. Once a decision has been made we contact all interviewees, whether successful or not. We also aim to include feedback where possible.
  5. Employer checks - We check your right to work in the UK, identification (for example passport, driver’s licence or CitizenCard). We might also ask for certificates to check that you are eligible for the apprenticeship you have applied for.
  6. Start date and enrolment - The apprenticeship provider will explain what the apprenticeship looks like and what you can expect from them.

Our top three tips for your application:

  1. Try to show that you have - or think you could develop while working - the skills listed in the advert. And tell us about any experience you have.
  2. Share examples of how you demonstrate our vision and values.
  3. Tell us what you’re passionate about and why you’re interested in the role.
Apprentice feeding rabbit

250

apprenticeships enrolled since August 2017

25+

different apprenticeship qualifications offered to date

Apprentice experiences

Becky Slater

Becky Slater

Data Protection Support Assistant
Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship

“The skills, knowledge and experiences gained from my apprenticeship training have given me a solid foundation for whichever career path I choose.”

Chris Butler

Chris Butler

Animal Centre Manager
Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship

“The apprenticeship has developed my knowledge in my current role and has improved by chances of furthering my management career within the RSPCA.”

Mark Bowmer

Mark Bowmer

Senior Business Analyst
Level 4 Business Analyst Apprenticeship

“The support from both my line manager and the RSPCA was excellent. I had regular check-ins to assess my progress where I could raise any queries.”

Internships

We proudly offer internships across various fields to provide students and recent graduates with temporary, practical work experience related to their career interests. By sharing our expertise, we aim to help interns develop new skills and gain hands-on professional experience. Typically ranging from a few weeks to a year, internships offer valuable opportunities for interns to learn, grow, and hopefully feel inspired to consider us as an employer of choice.

HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR INTERNS...

Serena Cambridge

Serena Cambridge

Economics, Politics and International Relations undergraduate student at the University of Lancaster - 12 week Internship.

“I am really enjoying being a part of the finance team. I am grateful to the team for being so willing to help me gain a better understanding of the sector.”

Marcel Ferreira

Marcel Ferreira

Computer Science undergraduate student at the University of Essex - 12 week Internship.

“Undertaking an internship with the RSPCA's IT solutions team has been an enriching experience. I have learnt so much already.”

Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Member of The 5% Club
10000 Black Interns
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