Apprenticeships

If you want to start working straight away after leaving school, you might want to consider an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are designed to give you the skills and experience you need and will help you to climb your chosen career ladder. You'll learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gain qualifications and earn money.

There are different types of apprenticeship. The one that is right for you will depend on your interests, experience, level of qualifications and what’s available locally.

However they all include:

• A work-related qualification to either Level 2 or 3
• Key skills qualifications such as problem solving, working in groups and using new technology
• A technical certificate like a BTEC or City and Guilds (in most cases)
• Other qualifications demanded by the job.

An apprenticeship generally takes between 12 and 36 months to complete. Some might take less, but others, such as engineering, can take four or five years.

An apprenticeship can lead to a course in higher education.

Speak to your Connexions personal adviser about this option and the other possible routes into your chosen career. They can help you explore all the options and help with applications.

Weblinks

Vacancies, apprenticeships and training places - Search for apprenticeships

MyPlan4Life – go to the Apprenticeships Online section for lots of information about what’s available in the local area. You can make applications from this site too. The Plan-it section will help you think about what you want from your future and how to get it. (You’ll need a password for Plan-it. If you don’t have one from school, get one from your Connexions centre).
External link: myplan4life.org