Apprenticeships · 7 min read
BTC and UCS explained: the Taunton college routes for apprentices and degrees
How Bridgwater & Taunton College and University Centre Somerset fit together, and which route suits apprentices, school leavers and career changers in Somerset.
By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 1 August 2026
Two names come up constantly in Somerset education and almost nobody outside the sector can explain the difference. Here is the short version, with the links you need.
Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC)
Bridgwater & Taunton College delivers further education and the bulk of apprenticeship training across the county, from Level 2 through Level 5. If you sign an apprenticeship contract with a Somerset employer, there is a good chance your off-the-job training runs through BTC apprenticeships.
University Centre Somerset (UCS)
University Centre Somerset (UCS) is the higher education arm - foundation degrees, honours top-ups and higher and degree apprenticeships delivered in county. UCS degree-level courses is where to check whether the qualification you want exists locally before assuming you have to move.
Which route suits you
- Leaving school at 16 with a sector in mind: employer plus BTC-delivered apprenticeship.
- Wanting a degree without the debt or the move: degree apprenticeship through UCS.
- Undecided: sixth form first, such as Queen's College Sixth Form, then decide with better information.
How schools and colleges work together
The old assumption that independent schools push university and colleges push apprenticeships is out of date. Queen's College, Taunton hosts the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening precisely so employers, Bridgwater & Taunton College and University Centre Somerset (UCS) sit in the same hall as families. register for the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening if you want to attend.
Getting help
Vacancies live on Find an Apprenticeship (GOV.UK). If you want a human, email jsf@queenscollege.org.uk or message Jack Frampton on LinkedIn.
Frequently asked questions
- Are BTC and UCS the same organisation?
- UCS is the higher education provision associated with Bridgwater & Taunton College, covering degree-level study and higher apprenticeships in Somerset.
- Can I do a degree apprenticeship in Somerset?
- Yes. Higher and degree apprenticeships are delivered locally through University Centre Somerset with employer partners.
- Do I apply to the college or the employer first?
- The employer. You need the job before the training place, and the employer nominates the provider.