Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in the UK are jobs that combine paid work with structured training and study, leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
Earn While You Learn: Apprentices are employees, earning a wage, getting holiday pay, and gaining valuable work experience.
Structured Training: At least 20% of an apprentice's time must be spent on formal "off-the-job training" related to their role.This can be at a college, university, or a dedicated training provider, or in-house, depending on the programme.
Levels: Apprenticeships are available at various levels, from intermediate (Level 2) up to Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 or 7), which result in a full Bachelor's or Master's degree, with tuition fees covered
by the employer and government funding.
Eligibility: To start, a person must be 16 or over, not in full-time education, and living in England.
Supporting Apprenticeships as a Student Pathway
We support apprenticeships as a valid and high-value pathway for students alongside traditional routes like university or employment. Our approach typically involves:
Careers Education & Guidance: Providing impartial careers advice to ensure students understand apprenticeships (including Degree Apprenticeships) as a post-16 and post-18 option, comparing them to A-Levels, BTECs and university degrees.
Employer Engagement: Organising Taster Days, Insight Events, and Career Fairs where local and national employers (especially those in the South East) can promote their apprenticeship vacancies and share their experiences.
Application Skills: Running workshops focused on the specific recruitment process for apprenticeships, including CV writing and interview techniques.
Curriculum Links: Highlighting the relevance of subject choices, like Maths and English, as they are often minimum requirements for many apprenticeships. For students without Grade 4/C in these subjects, the apprenticeship includes mandatory training to achieve them.
Targeted Support: For students interested in highly competitive sectors (like finance, law, or engineering), we can offer tailored support for their applications.
Useful Websites
For students and parents/carers, the following websites are the best starting points:
Find an Apprenticeship on GOV.UK
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/
The official, most comprehensive search tool for all live apprenticeship vacancies across England. You can search specifically by postcode, town, or region (like 'South East') to filter for local vacancies.
Apprenticeships from HM Gov
Provides general information, advice, and guidance for apprentices, employers, and parents/influencers.
Good for understanding the full process and the latest standards.
Amazing Apprenticeships
www.amazingapprenticeships.com
Amazing Apprenticeships is a leading organisation in the education sector.
Pathway CTM
Connecting students with top employers through live events, workshops, and real apprenticeship opportunities.
Careers & Education Platforms
UCAS Apprenticeships
https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
While known for university, the UCAS site now has a dedicated search engine for apprenticeships, often featuring Degree Apprenticeships from major employers.
Useful for finding higher-level apprenticeships.
National Careers Service
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Provides general careers advice, skills assessments, and links to training opportunities.
Helps students explore different careers before searching for an apprenticeship vacancy.
Regional and Employer Websites
Local Councils/Enterprise Partnerships: Check the Kent County Council,They often list local training providers and employers who regularly recruit apprentices.
Large South East Employers: Encourage students to check the careers pages of major companies in the area that are known for apprenticeships, such as those in aerospace, defence, finance, or construction.
Kent County Council ‘Be an Apprentice’
https://jobs.kent.gov.uk/working-here/starting-your-career-with-us/be-an-apprentice
Useful website for those interested in apprenticeships in Kent.