January 2026

Happy New Year and welcome to the latest edition of the Year 11 careers newsletter which has been designed to help students with their post 16 option choices and enrichment opportunities.

Apprenticeships

What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are real jobs with real employers, allowing you to work, earn a salary and gain valuable qualifications and experience.

There are different levels of apprenticeships. The level of apprenticeship undertaken will depend on the needs of the employer and the job role, as well as the apprentice, their previous experience and qualifications held. Your training provider will also be able to guide you to the most appropriate level for you.

L2 - Foundation
L2 - Intermediate
L3 - Advanced
L4+ - Higher
L6/7 – Degree

The link HERE will give you more information regarding the new levels:

National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 will run from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026.

The theme for this year is ‘Skills for Life’, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. Amazing Apprenticeships have a section on their website called ‘Student Zone’. This area will provide you with everything you need to know about apprenticeships and technical education.

Do make sure to have a go at some of the quizzes as well by clicking HERE.

Unifrog Virtual Apprenticeships Fair

You can also join Unifrog’s popular virtual apprenticeship fair on Wednesday 11 February 2026 from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Here, you can meet a diverse range of employers. There will be live sessions to help you understand apprenticeships and the application process.

This fair is a great opportunity for you to explore your future options. Click on the link HERE for more information and to register.

Skills

Transferable Skills and the Universal Framework

Transferable skills can be applied in any industry, in almost any job role, and transferred between the many jobs that young people today are likely to have throughout their working lives. New jobs will also emerge over the coming years as evolving technology and consumer requirements change in all aspects of the workplace.

It is important to recognise and develop transferable skills as they will continue to serve you in future roles which may not yet exist. You are already building your skills in subject lessons.

Skills Builder have created a framework of eight essential skills needed to succeed. Make sure to take a look at the link HERE for the Universal Framework to see what skills you have.

To summarise transferable skills are skills and abilities that are relevant and helpful across different areas of life: socially, professionally and at school.

NHS

NHS National Allied Healthcare Professionals Work Experience Sessions

Students are invited to this upcoming session on Sunday 1 February 2026 from 9.30am to 5.00pm, focusing on Geriatrics & Recovery.

Learn more about Allied Healthcare Work Experience by clicking HERE. Once registered, students will receive access to their virtual work experience portals. Every complete session comes with a Work Experience Certificate, and for those who complete the full 6-month programme, there is a Highly Commended Reference – a golden ticket for their apprenticeship and UCAS applications.

Registration will start at 9.30am. There will be plenty of breaks scheduled throughout and students can ask questions throughout the day via the live chat function.

Places cost £10 per session to cover administrative and technological costs, or £50 for the full 6 months. Students can register at any time throughout the 6-month programme using the link HERE.

Healthcare Horizons

Healthcare Horizons is a free virtual work experience platform created by a group of London NHS organisations and NHS England to inspire young people to explore the wide range of careers available in healthcare.

It offers podcasts, videos, webinars and interactive activities that highlight lesser-known NHS roles. For more information, click HERE.

Not Just Lab Coats - Science Careers Website

'Not Just Lab Coats' is the ultimate Science careers website for young people aged 14 to 25.

Their ambition is to reach these aspiring innovators early and showcase exciting pathways into science, manufacturing, and technology.

Follow this link to visit the website.

Industry Sector Spotlight

Technicians

While some technicians work in a laboratory, most do not. They are making a difference across society doing exciting and interesting jobs in a wide range of industries including engineering, food and drink, film and TV, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, agriculture and more.

Technicians are people who use their expert skills and knowledge to solve problems, fix things, and make things work. They are hands-on problem-solvers mixing practical skills with an understanding of Science, Engineering, Technology or Math’s to do important jobs that keep the world running.

Try their Technician Careers Quiz to discover your ideal roles, or for more information, click HERE.

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