This week marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships are genuine jobs that allow you to earn whilst you learn by combining practical training with study. An apprentice will work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, earn a wage and be given time for study related to their role.
If you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship after your GCSEs or A levels, there is a wealth of information out there but a good place to start is having a look is www.amazingapprenticeships.com.
All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice`s ability and competence in their job role. The levels range from Intermediate (Level 2) through to Degree apprenticeships (Level 7) equivalent to a Master’s Degree.
During National Apprenticeship Week, UCAS are hosting a series of dedicated live sessions, information and advice about everything to do with apprenticeships. This is aimed at post-16 students and gives guidance about choosing an apprenticeship as a possible alternative to university. Their experts and apprentices will guide you through the process covering areas such as how to select from all of the options, what it takes to make a winning application and what it’s like to study and learn as an apprentice. You will also get to meet employers and providers in their virtual exhibition hall, join their live Q&A session on Facebook and take part in workshops such as CV writing.
You can book your place using this link; https://www.ucas.com/events/discover-apprenticeships-387366. You will then receive an email from UCAS with details on how to get involved and if you are unable to attend the sessions because for example, you are completing school work or are on Teams calls with teachers, you will have access to it all on-demand for 30 days after the event.
There are many exciting opportunities to explore but it is essential you do your research so you can make an informed decision. To get you started, we have given you some links to PowerPoints that explain all about the different levels of apprenticeship available to you and how to search for them.
We can also offer the following resources to support your research:
How to Search for an Apprenticeships ?
Higher & Degree Apprenticeships
However, if you need any further help or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Carrie Cain, Assistant Headteacher and Careers Lead, via office@friaryschool.co.uk.
Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “We think it is so important to push the apprenticeship route with our students and make it a high priority in our careers and aspiration guidance. The high costs of university fees and the quality of many schemes are such that this route can be a real blessing for establishing a long and fruitful career.”
