Miss Hasselby is the Apprenticeship Lead within the Careers, Progression and Aspiration team. If you would like any further information about apprenticeship opportunities, please drop in and see her in the Careers Learning Hub (at the back of the Resource Centre) or contact her to arrange a meeting.
Watch the video to find out how to choose and apply for apprenticeships.
*the current apprenticeship wage is £5.38 and may continue to increase
Each level has it's own entry requirements. You need to pay close attention to what each of them means...
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships:
These qualifications are also known as Level 2's, and generally require grade 5 in Maths and English to secure the role. To be competent in some trades, you must complete this level before progressing onto an advanced apprenticeship.
Advanced Level Apprenticeships:
These qualifications are also known as Level 3's, and are generally equal to two A-Levels. Entry requirements for these apprenticeships are normally 5 GCSE's grade 4 or higher including maths and English. Check with the training provider that you're eligible if you have already gained an A level in the subject.
Higher Level Apprenticeships:
These apprenticeships are classed as Level 4 or 5, which are a progression for year 13 leavers. This qualification is equivalent to a Foundation Degree, or HNC/HND. Entry requirements differ depending on the company, some expect GCSE's and others require A levels.
Degree Apprenticeships:
These apprenticeships can last between 3 - 5 years, through which you will achieve an Honours or Masters degree when you complete. You will require A levels, or a set number of UCAS points to be eligible for these programmes. Additionally, although all apprenticeships are paid, these roles, have a greater competitive salary and your employer pays the university fees.
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HOW COMPETITIVE DEGREE AND HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS ARE!
In 2020-21 recruitment, there were 3,600 degree apprenticeship starts compared to 50,000 applicants!
Timing is everything...
Apprenticeships start being advertised across the Winter and Spring terms, but there is not a definitive time scale, and some will be released as late as August. You must engage with Miss Hasselby to be up to date with what is available at any given time!
A lot of apprenticeships ran by training providers, such as colleges and independent companies, upload their vacancies onto a government website.
This is a central location where you can find the key details of the apprenticeships, their closing dates and what the job will involve. The search feature also allows you to optimise your search so you only see what you are looking for.