University and Careers

Apprenticeships

Uni or Apprenticeships or Uni or Apprenticeships: How do you decide?

There are some traditional careers where University study is a must; Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry ..... However, now, there are many more apprenticeship opportunities for Intermediate or Higher to Degree apprenticeships. It's not an 'easier' route by any means and you would need to think and talk about 'why' you would prefer this route:

• Are you eager to get into the workplace, to get 'hands on' practical experience?

• Do you want to gain practical experience directly from people within the company?

• Do you want to get started on earning money?

• Are you worried about too much debt from a Uni degree? (Although this shouldn't be your main reason for applying to apprenticeships)

• Do you have a clear idea of the industry or career that you wish to pursue?

Where to look

There are several websites that you can use to research apprenticeships. However - We would also recommend that you look directly on company websites.

How to apply

How you apply is absolutely key to progressing further in the recruitment process. Take time with your application, have all the necessary information to hand - your CV is a great document to have open because it will have all your academic qualifications, achievements and any work experience. Be enthusiastic and motivated in your use of language in an application. Research the company or organisation thoroughly.

Make sure you know exactly what they are looking for and go through the application systematically so that you can give evidence and examples. Make sure you know the closing date, take time to read and re-read your application and double check the requirements before you press send.

What companies or organisations offer Degree Apprenticeships?

It is very likely that you will have to look outside Worcester for Degree Apprenticeships - however Qinetiq, GE Aviation, Jacobs and GCHQ are a few of the more local companies. The big banks and car companies such as Jaguar, BMW, along with PwC, Deloite, EY, are examples of companies currently offering Degree Apprenticeships, plus there is currently a recruitment drive for Police Officer Degree Apprenticeships.

The Recruitment process

This can differ - you may be asked to attend an Assessment Centre, or complete online psychometric tests. Most interviews will initially take place online with, on occasions, group work to take part in. The big banks tend to contract out their recruitment, so for Degree Apprenticeships, you could go through several stages before you speak to anyone at the company. You also have to be quite patient; to coordinate all the stages for several applicants can take time and for some companies or organisations, they 'vet' applicants. The Police Officer Degree Apprenticeship, for example, takes 9 months to get through the process.

Mrs Watmore

CWLC Careers Adviser