Apprenticeships
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are jobs with training, which allow trainees to earn while they learn, as well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification. They take between one and five years to complete and include jobs in a wide range of industries. There are four levels of apprenticeship available, depending on applicants’ skills and qualifications: Intermediate (level 2), Advanced (level 3), Higher (level 4 or 5) and Degree (6 or 7). They are available to anyone who has reached the legal school leaving age, and have different entry requirements depending on the sector and the job.
The core components for level 2 and level 3 apprenticeships are: a nationally recognised vocational qualification, functional skills (e.g. literacy, numeracy and ICT), a technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (relevant to the specific Apprenticeship), and other professional qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular job. The core components for Higher Apprenticeships are as above but exclude the functional skills element.
For further information about apprenticeships, visit these websites:
Amazing apprenticeships: Apprenticeships explained
How can students apply?
Apprenticeships are advertised by the companies seeking to employ them. Schools can support students by directing them to these portals, which are regularly updated:
Apprenticeships: Find an apprenticeship
Gov.UK: Find an apprenticeship
UCAS: How to find apprenticeships in England
Twin-Track Apprenticeship Toolkit
The Twin-Track Apprenticeship Toolkit, produced in conjunction with the Hertfordshire Careers Hub and the Careers and Enterprise Company, has been designed to help teachers and school leaders support post-16 students to apply simultaneously for both an apprenticeship and a degree. In putting the toolkit together, the Post-16 team at HFL Education worked with 15 schools across Hertfordshire to gather examples of best practice, practical resources and student experiences.