Can I do an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are open to everyone living in England, and not currently in full time education. Entry requirements are flexible because apprenticeships aren't just based on academic achievement. Practical skills count as does your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen. There are no fixed entry requirements for most apprenticeships. Employers value keenness to work and learn. However, for some more technical apprenticeships you may need GCSE grades A*– C in maths, English and science.

If you’ve got a good idea of where you want to go with your career, and like the idea of learning while you earn, an apprenticeship could be what you’re looking for.

It’s a good idea to try to get some work experience first to see what the job you’re interested in would entail. As well as giving you the opportunity to find out more about your chosen industry, work experience could improve your chances of being successful when you apply for your chosen apprenticeship.

Young Apprenticeships

If you’re aged 14 to 16, a Young Apprenticeship can be a good way of gaining experience of real work while you learn. Young Apprenticeships are a type of extended work placement programme, which are now being offered by a growing number of schools. You study the normal subjects at school, and over years 10 and 11, spend 50 days gaining experience with an employer, training company or college. This will usually involve spending one day every week in the workplace over a number of months, during which you’ll work towards work-related qualifications such as NVQ’s. If you complete the programme, you may be able to move more quickly towards a full-time apprenticeship in your chosen area. However, you could also decide to stay in full-time education, either at school or college.

What do I need to do?

Talk to a careers teacher or advisor, or someone at your local Connexions office. They’ll be able to give you some advice about your options and help you decide if an Apprenticeship is right for you. They’ll have links with local companies, and if you decide to apply, they’ll help you organise a placement and make sure all the paperwork is filled out correctly.

You can find further information online at www.apprenticeships.org.uk

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