We often get students telling us they are going to get an apprenticeship but when pressed it can emerge that it is more of a goal than a nailed on destination.
Our Sixth Form courses are Level 3 courses nationally so we always encourage departing Sixth Form students to get a Level 3 minimum post-Sixth Form apprenticeship, but ideally one going up to degree level (Level 6) can be the best option.
Students can often get part way through Year 13 and then start looking for an apprenticeship but this is often too late to get into full on application mode.
Better is to keep an eye on apprenticeships offers through Year 11 and Year 12, to gather information packs, to look for patterns of them coming out, and to build up a skill set and CV in advance so that the applications go in strong.
It is also important to note that apprenticeship do not always follow the school year pattern so they can come out any time – it may be that a student may leave Sixth Form and not get a great apprenticeship till later the following academic year. However, it is also a risk that the applicants stall, and a less progressive, job that was a temporary role beds in and becomes the long-term.
Even so, there are stunning ones that do dovetail and last year we saw students secure degree-level apprenticeships at Airbus and JLR.
Parents will also be aware that there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about apprenticeships at our Partnership Evenings where local companies and Ask Apprenticeships are regular attendees.
Currently there are 54 Level 3-6 apprenticeships on offer within 10miles of Lichfield – they can be viewed here.
Meanwhile, there 337 Level 3-6 apprenticeships on offer within 20miles of Lichfield – they can be viewed here.
Helen Barratt, Assistant Headteacher & Careers Leader, said: “There are a wide range of ways to build up a CV and a general industry awareness in advance of apprenticeship applications and we are are ready to support students and families in doing this. However, with the job market so competitive at the moment, it requires a lot of hard work and effort to be successful. Certainly, committing time, and being thoroughly prepared, are essential, and even just by following the links on this article will open up eyes to what is available in our locale.”
For more support and advice on securing an apprenticeship post-school Sixth Form, please contact Faye Bullock, our Careers and Aspiration Co-Ordinator, who is here to support you via fbullock@friaryschool.co.uk.
