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APPRENTICESHIPS The Parents' Guide to - www.theparentsguideto.co.uk | 1 2022
The Parents’ Guide to

APPRENTICESHIPS
2021-2022               www.theparentsguideto.co.uk | 1
APPRENTICESHIPS The Parents' Guide to - www.theparentsguideto.co.uk | 1 2022
The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships     2021 - 2022                                    The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                                                                         Contents
                                                                                                                                                               I’
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    How to get the most out of this guide

        Useful links                             Key terms
        If you want to delve deeper and find     Easy to understand definitions are
        out more, we’ve included useful links    provided throughout this guide
        to other reliable sources. Simply        in the key terms boxes. Don’t let
        click on the picture icons to be taken   tricky terminology stop you from
        to our recommended websites.             supporting your child.                  05- Introduction                                60 - The application
        Call out boxes                           Interactive                                                                                 process
        Information we think is particularly     To make moving around this guide
        important has been highlighted           easier, the contents and chapter
        throughout this guide; pay special       headings are interactive. Simply
        attention to these!                      click on a heading to be taken to the
                                                 chapter or page you would like to
        Summaries                                read.
        To help save you time, we have           This guide does not need to be read
        provided useful summaries at the         sequentially – browse what interests
        end of each chapter containing the
        key points.
                                                 you most.                               08 - Apprenticeships                            80 - Next steps
                                                                                              explained

    This guide has been produced by The Parents Guide to and is licensed to Haygrove
     School to share with parents and others connected with Haygrove School free of
        charge throughout the 2021/2022 academic year. Click here to learn more.

      Wherever we refer to ‘parents’ we mean ‘parents and carers.’ This includes
    grandparents, older siblings or any other person with significant caring respon-
                                 sibilities for children.
                                                                                         40 - Finding the right                          91 - Final words
                                                                                              apprenticeship

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                     Introduction
                                     As a parent, you’re more likely to              child had attended university full time,
                                     know about the university route to              the difference is that they will not have
                                     careers rather than the apprenticeship          incurred any debt in tuition fees and
                                     route. You may not have personal                will finish their degree with robust and
                                     experience of apprenticeships or even           transferable workplace skills.
                                     know anyone who has taken one. This
                                     could sway you towards dismissing               There are also options to take short
                                     apprenticeships as a second-rate                term apprenticeships. If your child is
                                     option rather than a first choice career        not comfortable with committing to
                                     plan. Don’t rule out the fact that an           several years of further study, they
                                     apprenticeship could be the right               can take one or two year options
                                     choice for your child. They offer the           and still gain recognised, valuable
                                     opportunity to combine study with paid          qualifications. Better still, if they
                                     employment resulting in a professional          change their mind and decide they
                                     qualification. There are no tuition fees        wish to extend the apprenticeship to
                                     (these are covered by the employer and          gain higher level qualifications, this is
                                     the government) and the salary can              often possible.
                                     cover living expenses.
                                                                                     Taking an apprenticeship is not an easy
                                     Apprenticeships used to be associated           option and competition can be fierce.
                                     with trade industries (such as                  It takes organisation and dedication
                                     electricians, mechanics or plumbers).           to balance work, where your child will
                                     Nowadays, apprenticeships can be                be expected to contribute to the same
                                     taken in a wide range of industry               standards as everyone else, and study.
                                     sectors and provide entry to all types of       Holidays are far fewer than at college or
                                     careers, including accounting, banking,         university. However, if they learn more
                                     IT, law, management and television.             easily through practical application, the
                                     Relatively new to the apprenticeship            work based nature of apprenticeships
                                     suite are “degree apprenticeships”,             will suit them well and they will obtain
                                     offering an “earn while you learn” route        valuable experience which will strengthen
                                     to BSc or BA status. In other words, the        opportunities in finding rewarding work
                                     end qualification is the same as if your        when the apprenticeship is over.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                    Providing the information
                                    you need
                                    With different levels, qualifications and       mean to how you can help them make
                                    length of study, apprenticeships can seem       the best impression at interview and
                                    like a complicated option, especially           everything in between.
                                    if you don’t know anyone that’s been
                                    an apprentice. The recent introduction          This includes step-by-step information on:
                                    of degree apprenticeship, offering the          • Deciding which level is the best fit;
                                    chance to qualify with a Bachelor of Arts
                                    or Science, which had previously only           • Finding the most suitable
                                    been available by going to university,            apprenticeship;
                                    can also seem confusing. There’s some           • What’s involved in the application
                                    good information online, but very little          process and how to prepare.
                                    designed specifically for parents, so it
                                    can be quite complicated to track down
                                    exactly what you need to help your child        Our aim is to help you eliminate doubt
                                    make the right decision.                        and anxiety, so you can provide calm
                                                                                    and informed support. This will enable
                                    That’s why we’ve created this straight-         you to offer clear and helpful guidance
                                    forward guide covering the options              to your child, with the ultimate goal of
                                    available. We’ll explain everything from        putting them on the right path to create
                                    what the different apprenticeship levels        a future to fulfil their potential and make
                                                                                    themselves (and you!) happy.

                                                                               Join us
                                             If you’re interested in regular updates about other ways you can help your
                                                     teenage children, click here and join our online community.

                                                                            Sign up here

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APPRENTICESHIPS The Parents' Guide to - www.theparentsguideto.co.uk | 1 2022
The Parents’
    Parents’Guide
             Guideto to Apprenticeships
                     Apprenticeships 2020 2021
                                          - 2021- 2022   The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                                         Apprenticeships explained
                                                                                                          10
                                                                                                          Understanding apprenticeships
                                                                                                          What are the different types of
                                                                                                          apprenticeships and what do the
                                                                                                          levels mean?

                                                                                                          18
                                                                                                          Non-degree apprenticeships
                                                                                                          What does a non-degree
                                                                                                          apprenticeship entail and is it right for
                                                                                                          my child?

                                                                                                          22
                                                                                                          Degree apprenticeships
                                                                                                          How does a degree apprenticeship

“
                                                                                                          work and how is this different from
                                                                                                          going to university?

                                                                                                          36
      I always enjoyed practical subjects at school.                                                      Summary
      Applying for an apprenticeship in digital
      marketing felt like the right choice.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                             The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

Understanding apprenticeships
Apprenticeships were developed                  Apprenticeship levels                           Flexibility                                     Study at university
to help address the skills shortage             Apprenticeships range between Level 2
in UK businesses. They provide a                                                                Apprenticeships are designed to be              There is usually an element of academic
                                                and Level 7. There is no “Level 1” – that’s     flexible. An employer may offer a level 6       learning during an apprenticeship, but
way of combining learning with on
the job training, which helps build             because enrolling in an apprenticeship          or 7 apprenticeship without it resulting        degree apprenticeships are a specific
solid, professional skills transferable         requires demonstrating a certain                in a degree – although the qualification        type of apprenticeship (Level 6 and
from one organisation to another.               aptitude. Apprenticeship levels 4-6 are         earned would be considered equivalent           above) that include study at university
Apprenticeships can last from one               aimed at sixth form leavers with levels         to a degree. It’s important your child          resulting in a degree level qualification
to five years – and may be longer if            6-7 offering degree or equivalent level         checks the qualifications on offer              (BA or BSc). Be warned! Not all
undertaken part-time. They result               qualifications. A full list of the levels and   before applying for an apprenticeship.          apprenticeships that include study at
in a professional qualification.                what they mean can be found on pages                                                            university result in obtaining a degree.
Employers pay a salary and tuition              12 and 13 of this guide.
fees are covered by the employer
and the government.
                                                                                                APPRENTICESHIPS
Who can become an                                                                               COMBINE LEARNING WITH
apprentice?                                                                                     ON THE JOB TRAINING
Apprenticeships are aimed at candidates
between 16 and 25 years old. However,
they are now open to anyone age 16 or
over looking to improve their expertise.
This means there’s plenty of competition
from more experienced applicants, but
organisations are often keen to take on
school-leavers in order to train them
both in the job and the organisation’s
values. Very often the relationship
between employer and apprentice
continues long after the apprenticeship
is over, creating long-term work
opportunities.

Useful links

   GOV. UK
   Overview
                            UCAS

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Apprenticeship levels

                                     LEVEL 2                                   LEVEL 4/5
                                     Intermediate apprenticeships              Higher apprenticeships

                                     Typical length                            Typical length
                                     12-18 months                              3-5 years

                                     Entry requirements:                       Entry requirements:
                                     None or few                               A levels or equivalent

                                     Qualifications obtained:                  Qualifications obtained:
                                     GCSE, BTEC or equivalent                  Higher national diploma / foundation degree

                                     Who’s it for?                             Who’s it for?
                                     Mostly for 16-year-olds with limited or   Mostly for those who want to qualify for
                                     no academic qualifications.               professional career paths without attending
                                                                               university / college. Sometimes referred to as
                                                                               ‘school leaver’ or ‘non-graduate’ Programmes.

                                     LEVEL 3                                   LEVEL 6/7
                                     Advanced apprenticeships                  Degree apprenticeship
                                     Typical length                            Typical length
                                     12-24 months                              3-7 years

                                     Entry requirements:                       Entry requirements:
                                     Usually 5 GCSEs                           At least 2 A levels or equivalent

                                     Qualifications obtained:                  Qualifications obtained:
                                     A levels or equivalent                    A BA or BSc degree or higher

                                     Who’s it for?                             Who’s it for?
                                     Mostly for 16-year-olds with reasonable   Mostly for those with excellent sixth form
                                     academic achievements but who don’t       results that want to study for a degree or
                                     want to study in sixth form.              similar whilst working. Aimed at attracting
                                                                               high-calibre candidates to bridge professional
                                                                               skills gaps.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                      The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

History of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships date back as far as             Mid to late 1900s                        Keep an open mind                               However, despite such significant chang­
the 14th century and were closely                                                        Apprenticeships may have been around            es, there are still some misconceptions
                                                By the 1960s, a large number
related to medieval trades of the                                                        for centuries, but there have been              and preconceived ideas. Keep in mind
                                                of initiatives were introduced
time. Skilled artisans taught their                                                      significant changes in recent years.            that apprenticeships are available across
                                                to modernise the traditional
                                                                                                                                         a wide range of industries, can provide a
craft to apprentices who, eventually,           apprenticeship. Industrial Training      Historically, apprenticeships supported
                                                                                         trade careers such as carpentry, building       route into professional occupations and,
became masters themselves and                   Boards were set up to improve and
                                                                                         and needlework, without offering a              with the introduction of degree appren­
employed their own apprentices.                 monitor the delivery and quality of
                                                                                                                                         ticeships, offer a credible alternative
                                                apprenticeship training schemes.         route into professional careers such as
                                                                                         law, accountancy and management. In             to university. Degree apprenticeships
Origins                                         Despite such efforts, by the 1980s and
                                                                                         addition, earlier apprenticeships didn’t        have also created routes into jobs which
                                                1990s, apprenticeship recruitment
Early apprenticeships were not                                                           provide the opportunity of obtaining            previously could only be entered by
                                                slowed. This was largely attributed
regulated; parents paid a master                                                         higher qualifications such as degrees or        obtaining a degree through university,
                                                to the decline in manufacturing
craftsman to teach their child a skill and                                               masters. This has now changed.                  such as nursing.
                                                and crafts-based industries and the
the child was legally bound to the master       increased accessibility to further
for the duration of the apprenticeship          education.
which usually lasted six to eight years.
Children started work when they were                                                      APPRENTICESHIPS MAY HAVE BEEN
                                                Recent developments                       AROUND FOR CENTURIES BUT THERE HAVE
around 10-12 years old and the master
was expected to provide moral guidance          Since then, successive governments        BEEN MANY CHANGES IN RECENT YEARS
as well as food and shelter.                    have continued to reform and
                                                modernise apprenticeships to
Regulation                                      reflect the demands of a changing
                                                economy. For example, in 2015,
In 1563, during the time of Elizabeth I,        degree apprenticeships were
a more formal system was introduced             introduced offering a credible
to prevent crafts being practised by            alternative to university education.
non-skilled workers including some              This enabled apprentices to
terms and conditions of work for                obtain a degree qualification on
apprenticeships. In the following               the successful completion of their
centuries, the rights and entitlements          apprenticeship. In 2018, over 210,000
of the apprentice gradually improved            students successfully completed an
and, by the mid-17th century, some              apprenticeship with 7,000 completing
apprentices started to receive a small          the degree apprenticeship – only three
wage for their work.                            years after its introduction in 2015.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                             The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

Is an apprenticeship the right
choice over full-time education?
               ADVANTAGES                                  CONSIDERATIONS
 .                                             .

     ▷▷ Apprenticeships provide focused            ▷▷ Apprenticeships may narrow options
        and applied training for those who            early on. Your child will need to
        already have a strong interest in a           have a fairly clear idea of the type of
        job or industry.                              career they wish to pursue.

     ▷▷ Not everyone is suited to academic         ▷▷ It may be difficult for your child to
        learning and apprenticeships                  combine studying with working.
        provide a practical approach to
                                                   ▷▷ The salary of an apprentice can
        obtaining qualifications.
                                                      be quite low and your child will
     ▷▷ Apprenticeships provide paid                  also need to consider financing
        employment with a structured                  their travel and living expenses
        approach to learning.                         if they are not living at home.
                                                      Furthermore, your child may
     ▷▷ Apprenticeships develop key                   need to pay back their course                   Questions to ask:
        transferable skills which are                 fees if they choose to leave their
        considered lacking in the labour              apprenticeship early.                           ☐     Does your child have a clear idea of the type of career or job they
        market.                                                                                             want to pursue?
                                                   ▷▷ Your child may feel that they are
     ▷▷ Apprenticeships may provide                   missing out on the ‘student life’ if            ☐     Is your child more suited to an applied and hands-on working
        future employment within the                  taking a degree apprenticeship.                       environment?
        company and working within an                 However, some universities still                ☐     Is your child organised and able to balance work with academic
        organisation may reveal job roles             offer their degree apprentices a                      study?
        they did not know existed.                    strong student experience.
                                                                                                      ☐     Will your child perform better under the guidance of a supervisor
     ▷▷ Gaining work experience and on             ▷▷ Many companies provide graduate                       in a work environment?
        the job training may provide your             schemes for university leavers on
        child with a competitive advantage            completion of their degree.                     ☐     Will your child enjoy the combination of different learning
        when applying for full-time                                                                         environments?
        employment.                                ▷▷ Entering the work place at an early
                                                      age may lead to fatigue.                        ☐     Does your child enjoy practical / active homework assignments?
     ▷▷ Degree apprenticeships offer the                                                              ☐     Has your child undertaken any paid or voluntary work and did
        chance to gain a BA or BSc without         ▷▷ Degree apprenticeships are still
                                                                                                            they enjoy it?
        incurring the debts associated with           quite new so there is a limited
        studying at university.                       number of vacancies at the moment.

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Non degree apprenticeships
If your child wants to continue                  include National Certificates, National
their education after sixth form but             Diplomas or NVQs, suitable as a post 16
doesn’t want to undertake three or               or post 18 option.
four years of study, apprenticeships
offer the opportunity to commit to               Higher apprenticeships (level
just one or two years and obtain a               4/5) provide a higher education
recognised higher qualification.                 qualification equivalent to the first
                                                 or second year of university. Level 4
                                                 and 5 qualifications include Higher
Qualifications                                   National Certificates (equivalent to
Most apprenticeships work towards                the first year of university), Higher
one or more qualifications. These                National Diplomas (equivalent to the
qualifications correspond to the                 second year of university) or foundation
level of apprenticeship. Intermediate            degrees.
apprenticeships (level 2) is equivalent
to gaining five GCSEs at grade 4 and             Flexibility
above. Most apprenticeships at this
level will cover basic numeracy and              Apprenticeships are often flexible in
literacy skills as well as providing             that it may be possible to extend the
level 2 qualifications, such as awards,          apprenticeship period and obtain a
certificates, diplomas or NVQs                   higher qualification. For example, some
depending on the length and difficulty           apprenticeships will allow your child to
of the work and training provided.               continue on to a higher apprenticeship
                                                 (level 4/5) once the advanced
Advanced apprenticeships (level 3)               apprenticeship is complete. Always
provide qualifications equivalent to             check with their employer whether such
2 A levels. Level 3 qualifications may           progression is possible.

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What’s on offer                                                                               Examples of non-degree apprenticeships
Non-degree apprenticeships offer a              • Long and successful career
                                                                                                                                                                      I’m in
practical, staged approach to learning            opportunities;                                                                                                     Click teractive
through experiencing the job first-hand.                                                                                                                                  me to      !
                                                • Personal and professional growth.                                                                                             learn
There may be some separate study at                                                                                                                                        more
a training centre or college, but most          It’s worth remembering that this
of the coaching will be provided by the         investment provides benefits for the
employer as work experience. They are           company too:
an ideal choice for students that prefer
learning in real-life situations and who        • A workforce trained to their unique
are practical learners. There are short-          professional needs;
term options which offer a useful solution      • Chance to reinforce their values with
for those who do not want to commit               new employees;
to many years of study, but still want to
obtain recognized further qualifications        • Long-term commitment of staff,
on leaving school, whether after GCSE or          avoiding recruitment and re-training
sixth form.                                       costs;
                                                • Flexible, mobile workforce to help fill
Apprenticeships are a significant                 any unexpected gaps.
investment for companies, in staff time,
finance and other resources. Companies          One of the great advantages about an
are keen to nurture talent because it           apprenticeship is that it works well for
demonstrates that they offer:                   both employer and apprentice. As a
• Investment in people (not just                result, it can often be the start of a long
  products or services);                        and rewarding professional relationship.

    Typical entry requirements for non-degree apprenticeships

  • Must live in the region where they         • Must have a Grade C / 4 GCSE (or
    are applying for the apprenticeship          equivalent) in English and Maths or be
    (i.e. England, Wales, Scotland or            studying towards it;
    Northern Ireland) except for degree        • Should commit to the full term of their
    apprenticeships (level 6);                   apprenticeship;
  • Must work at least 30 hours per week –     • Additional apprenticeships (i.e. higher
    which includes teaching time (though         levels) can be added on at a later
    additional study time will be needed);       date if desired (i.e. one year initial
                                                 commitment, followed by another year).

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                           The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2020 - 2021

Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships (levels 6                as accommodation, food, travel and
and 7), developed by universities,              entertainment) way beyond what their
professional bodies and employers,              university peers can achieve through
offer the chance to qualify with a              part-time work.
bachelors or masters degree whilst
working. Time is split between work
and study. This can be an attractive            Links to universities
alternative to attending university.            Degree apprenticeships were launched
                                                in September 2015 (2019 for graduate
Fees                                            apprenticeships in Scotland). As they
                                                are relatively new, places are limited,
There are no tuition fees to pay (these         but due to their popularity and success,
are covered by the employer and the             new apprenticeships are being created
government) and the apprentice will             regularly. Most organisations partner
receive a salary to cover living expenses,      with a small number of universities so the
paid holiday and sick leave. Salaries           choice of apprenticeship must be driven by
usually range between £7k-18k p/a,              the apprenticeship type (and reputation of
although some employers offer more.             the company offering it) and not location
                                                or university. Applications for degree
This should significantly contribute, if        apprenticeships are via the company
not totally cover, living expenses (such        offering the apprenticeships, not via UCAS.

   Typical entry requirements for degree apprenticeships

  • Applicants for degree apprenticeships       (minimum two A level passes or
    can live anywhere in the UK;                equivalent). Sometimes more is
  • Must work at least 30 hours per week –      required;
    which includes teaching time;              • Some employers have specific entry
  • Must have a Grade 4 “GCSE” (or               requests;
    equivalent) in English and Maths or be     • Should commit to the full term of their
    studying towards it;                         apprenticeship (which may be three to
  • Must have Level 3 qualifications             four years, or longer if part time).

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What’s on offer?
Degree apprenticeships are a very               There’s no guarantee that a job offer
significant investment for companies, in        will follow an apprenticeship, but           On the successful completion of the             A top ten apprentice employer, BT offers
staff time, finance and other resources.        a company’s objective in investing           Chartered Management Degree                     an impressive array of apprenticeships
Employers promise to fund (or part-fund)        in the apprenticeship is to create a         Apprenticeship offered by the BBC,              including degree apprenticeships in
three or four years’ tuition costs, salary      top-pool of talent from which they           apprentices will gain a BSc Honours             Technology, IT, Cyber Security, Business
(and all the related additional costs, such     can select the very best employees.          degree in Business Management and               Management, Engineering, Logistics and
as holiday/sick leave), a job opportunity       Because apprenticeships include the          have the option to apply for professional       Digital Development. Apprenticeships
for three or four years, mentoring and on       development of many transferable skills      recognition as Chartered Managers.              are likely to be highly competitive.
the job training.                               (emailing, meetings, problem-solving,
                                                strategy, implementation, project
Such a commitment is not undertaken             management and team building to name
lightly and, for the most part, companies       but a few) as well as company specific
do this because they aim to develop             skills training, it’s not problematic to
talented individuals, skilled to fulfil         obtain a degree from an apprenticeship
the companies’ unique needs, who will           with one company but subsequently
continue working for them long into the         move to another. However, quite often an
future.                                         apprenticeship is the start of a long and    Offering apprenticeships in Digital             Alongside its five year degree
                                                rewarding professional relationship.         Technology and Business, apprentices            apprenticeship in Software Engineering,
                                                                                             have the opportunity to gain degrees            KPMG also offer its 360 degrees
                                                                                             in Software Development, Digital and            Digital Apprenticeship, providing
                                                                                             Technology Solutions or IT Management           their apprentices with the flexibility to
                                                                                             at one of CGI’s four partner universities.      specialise and pursue a career route of
Examples of degree apprenticeships                                           I’m
                                                                                 in
                                                                              Clic teract
                                                                                                                                             their choice in years 3 and 4.

                                                                            lea k me ive!
                                                                                rn m to
                                                                                     ore

As a top 100 employer, Accenture                 Airbus currently offer two level 6          In partnership with Sheffield Hallam            Santander offer degree apprenticeships
currently provide a Technology degree           degree apprenticeships in Engineering        University, the Nestle Academy offers           in Digital Engineering, Data Science and
Apprenticeship in five locations including      ( BEng Honours Degree in Aerospace           three degree apprenticeships in Chartered       Corporate and Commercial Banking and
London, Edinburgh and Manchester. The           Engineering) and Digital and Technology      Management, Digital Marketing and               are designed to lead to permanent roles
apprenticeship lasts for 3 or 4 years and       Solutions (BSc). Apprenticeships last for    Operations. Apprenticeships last for three      within the business. Entry requirements
enables its apprentices to obtain a BSc         3 or 4 years and are based at one of their   years and entry requirements start from         range from 104 to 112 UCAS points and a
degree in Digital and Technology Solutions.     four partner universities.                   104 UCAS points.                                 grade 4 or above is required in maths.

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Degree level apprenticeships:                                                           Cultural Heritage Conservator
                                                                                        Outside broadcasting engineer
                                                                                                                                                              7
                                                                                                                                                              7
                                                                                        Digital
Since their introduction in 2015, degree apprenticeships have continued to grow in      Cyber security technical professional                                 6
both the number of firms choosing to offer them and the range of industries and jobs    Data scientist                                                        6
available.                                                                              Digital and technology solutions professional                         6
                                                                                        Digital and technology solutions Specialist                           7
                                                                                        Engineering and manufacturing
 Industry / Job title                                             Level                 Aerospace engineer                                                    6
 Business and Administration                                                            Aerospace software development engineer                               6
 Career Development Professional                                    6                   Airworthiness maintenance engineer                                    6
 Chartered manager                                                  6                   Control / technical support engineer                                  6
 Improvement Leader                                                 6                   Electrical technical support engineer                                 6
 Project manager                                                    6                   Electronic systems principal engineer                                 7
 Senior leader master’s degree apprenticeship                       7                   Embedded electronic systems design and development                    6
 Childcare and Education                                                                engineer
 Academic professional                                              7                   Food and drink advanced engineer                                      6
                                                                                        Infrastructure asset management leader                                6
 Teacher                                                            7
                                                                                        Manufacturing engineer                                                6
 Construction                                                                           Manufacturing manager                                                 6
 Architect                                                          7                   Marine surveyor                                                       6
 Architectural assistant                                            6                   Marine technical superintendent                                       7
 Building control surveyor                                          6                   Materials process engineer                                            7
 Building services design engineer                                  6                   Materials science technologist                                        6
 Building services engineering site management                      6                   Non-destructive testing engineer                                      6
 Chartered surveyor                                                 6                   Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer                                6
 Chartered town planner                                             7                   Ordnance, munitions and explosives (OME)                              6
 Civil engineer                                                     6                   professional
 Civil engineering site management                                  6                   Project controls engineering professional                             6
 Construction quantity surveyor                                     6                   Packaging professional                                                6
 Construction site manager                                          6                   Postgraduate engineer                                                 7
 Design and construction manager                                    6                   Power engineer                                                        7
 Geospatial mapping and science                                     6                   Process automation engineer                                           7
 Senior / head of facilities management                             6                   Product design and development engineer                               6
 Creative and Design                                                                    Rail & rail systems principal engineer                                7
 Archaelogical specialist                                           7                   Rail & rail systems senior engineer                                   6
 Broadcast and media systems engineer                               6                   Risk and safety management professional                               7
                                                                                        Science industry process/plant engineer                               6

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022       The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

  Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer             6    Internal audit professional                                              7
  Through life engineering services specialist        7    Licensed conveyancer                                                     6
  Health and Science                                       Professional economist                                                   6
  Advanced clinical practitioner                      7    Relationship manager (banking)                                           6
  Advanced Forensic Practitioner                      7    Senior compliance / risk specialist                                      6
  Arts therapist                                      7    Senior insurance professional                                            6
  Bioformatics scientist                              7    Senior investment / commercial banking professional                      7
  Clinical trials specialist                          6    Solicitor                                                                7
  Diagnostic radiographer                             6    Public Sector
  Dietitian                                           6    Police constable (degree)                                                6
  District nurse                                      7    Probation officer                                                        7
  Environmental health practitioner                   7
  Food industry technical professional                6                                                                    Data as at 15 May 2021
                                                                                                                National Apprenticeships Services
  Healthcare science practitioner                     6
  Laboratory scientist                                6
  Midwife                                             6
  Nursing                                             6
  Occupational therapist                              6
  Operating department practitioner                   6
  Paramedic                                           6
  Pharmacist                                          7
  Physician associate                                 7
  Physiotherapist                                     6
  Podiatrist                                          6
  Prosthetist / orthotist                             6
  Psychological wellbeing practitioner                6
  Public health practitioner                          6
  Regulatory affairs specialist                       7
  Research scientist                                  7
  Sonographer                                         6
  Speech and language therapist                       6
  Therapeutic Radiographer                            6
  Legal, Finance and Accounting
  Accountancy / Taxation Professional                 7
  Actuary                                             7
  Chartered legal executive                           6
  Financial Services Professional                     6

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships     2021 - 2022                                        The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

University or apprenticeship?
With the introduction of degree                   will experience some aspects of
apprenticeships in 2015,                          campus life, it will be different to
apprenticeships now provide a                     those students fully immersed / living
viable alternative to university in               on campus. Most university degrees
gaining a full degree qualification.              offer plenty of flexibility with how
Degree apprenticeships are a                      students manage their study time, but
relatively new addition to the                    times for study will be limited when
                                                  also working. Holiday periods are a
range of options available for
                                                  significant differentiator. University
school leavers and it’s important
                                                  students will have around 14 weeks’
to understand the pros and cons of                holiday each year, but apprentices will
opting for one route over another:                have only four or five. Some university
there are benefits and drawbacks.                 apprenticeships offer the opportunity
                                                  of full-time academic study during
Choice                                            university term time, and full time work
Traditional degrees offer far greater             during the holiday periods.
variety in the range of courses, subjects
and modules available:- choose from               Employability
over 1,500 different titles. Traditional          One of the biggest advantages
degrees enable students to study                  apprentices achieve over their peers
subject areas that interest them and to           who have similar level qualifications
tailor their degree during their study            obtained through university is that
by opting for certain modules as their            they will have developed many
interests evolve. In contrast, degree             commercially desirable soft skills.
apprenticeships are far more focused              First-hand experience of meeting
and industry-specific and the university          work deadlines, forming professional
and location of study is limited to the           relationships with colleagues at many
universities working with the employer.           different levels, building rapport and
                                                  trust with external stakeholders, and
The student experience                            corresponding (whether by email,
‘Student life’ will be different for an           phone call or in meetings) in a work
apprentice compared to a full-time                environment is highly valuable to
student. Whilst degree apprentices                future employers.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022   The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

 DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS OFFER
 THE CHANCE TO OBTAIN A FULL
 DEGREE WITHOUT INCURRING ANY
 TUITION FEES                                         Direction                                       excluding their living (“maintenance”)
                                                                                                      expenses. Low interest loans,
                                                      Degree apprenticeships enable
                                                                                                      scholarships and bursaries are provided
                                                      students to develop the skills and
                                                                                                      by the government, but it is likely that
                                                      knowledge needed for specific jobs and
                                                                                                      a full time student will graduate with
                                                      careers. They are an excellent choice
                                                                                                      a sizeable debt. However, repayment
                                                      for school leavers who have a clear idea
                                                                                                      terms are linked to pay levels, so it is
                                                      of the type of job role and career they
                                                                                                      possible for graduates not to have to
                                                      would like to do. In contrast, university
                                                                                                      repay loans if they don’t earn enough in
                                                      degree courses remain relatively open
                                                                                                      wages.
                                                      and provide a springboard to a range of
                                                      career prospects after graduation.
                                                                                                      Flexibility
                                                                                                      Don’t worry if your child is still unsure
                                                      Style of learning                               whether a university degree or degree
                                                      Although largely dependent on the type          apprenticeship is right for them.
                                                      of university and the chosen course,            Students can apply for degree and
                                                      full time students are likely to be better      higher apprenticeships at the same
                                                      suited to classroom and teacher led             time as applying to university through
                                                      learning. Degree apprenticeships offer          UCAS. Details on how to apply are
                                                      a more vocational and applied learning          covered in chapter 3.
                                                      environment where much of the
                                                      learning and training is done on the job.       Summary
                                                                                                      Apprenticeships have changed
                                                      Finances                                        considerably over the last few
                                                      Degree apprenticeships are fully                decades and both higher and degree
                                                      funded by the government and the                apprenticeships are now an attractive
                                                      employer and apprentices are paid               alternative to full-time university
                                                      a wage for their time. Apprentices              courses. Degree apprenticeships have
                                                      usually complete their apprenticeship           also opened up routes into jobs which
                                                      debt free. A traditional degree will            previously, could only be entered by
                                                      cost students around £9,000 a year              obtaining a degree through university.

                                                      Useful link

                                                         The Parents’
                                                                               Amazing
                                                           Guide to
                                                                             Apprenticeship
                                                          University

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022   The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                                      George Alonge

                                                      Why did you choose an                           What have you enjoyed the
                                                      apprenticeship?                                 most?
                                                      I really enjoyed economics and maths            I really enjoy working with the most
                                                      at school, so looking at career routes in       up-to-date technologies in this
                                                      finance seemed right. My careers advisor        industry. I had the chance to use tools
                                                      encouraged me to attend a student               such as predictive analytics - a type of
                                                      careers evening organised by Deloitte           artificial intelligence to help produce
                                                      and this was when I first heard about           quality audit outcomes. It didn’t take
                                                      apprenticeships. I really liked what they       long to feel like I was another colleague
                                                      had to say and discovered that KPMG, EY         as opposed to an apprentice.
                                                      and PwC were all offering the same thing.
                                                                                                      What are your future
                                                      How did you find your                           aspirations?
                                                      apprenticeship?
                                                                                                      I’m now working towards my level
                                                      I applied for three apprenticeships             7 ACA qualification to become a
                                                      directly through the company websites.          registered chartered accountant. Once
                                                      They provide a lot of information               I’m qualified there may be a chance to
                                                      on the different apprenticeships                work for my company full-time.
                                                      they offer, when and how to apply.
                                                      I wasn’t successful applying for the            Any tips to a student starting
                                                      apprenticeship in accounting, but
                                                      one of the companies encouraged me              their apprenticeship journey?
                                                      to apply for their apprenticeship in            Apprenticeships can be highly
                                                      auditing.                                       competitive, especially when applying
                                                                                                      for those offered by some of the bigger
                                                      What’s surprised you about                      and well known companies. If you have
                                                      being an apprentice?                            an early idea of what you might like to
                                                                                                      do after school, try to get some relevant
                                                      I was really surprised by just how much         work experience to help strengthen
                                                      responsibility is given to you in your          your application and provide you
                                                      first few years of the apprenticeship.          with things to talk about during the
                                                      In year 1, I was provided with                  interview. A lot of the big companies
                                                      regular training to help develop my             also offer presentation evenings about
                                                      professional skills such as presenting          the different programmes they offer -
                                                      and managing groups of people. By               use these as an opportunity to speak to
                                                      year 3, I was actually using some of            the right people.
                                                      these skills!

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                     The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

Summary                                                                                 Advice from parents

                                                                                                                                “
   Apprenticeships are not only about         a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of
   getting further qualifications, they’re    Science;
   about learning how to adapt to                                                                                               		The quality of qualifications
   the work place and learning key         4. Your child can apply for                                                          obtained through apprenticeships is as good
   transferable skills.                       apprenticeships / degree                                                          as those qualifications obtained through
                                              apprenticeships and degrees courses                                               universities and colleges. Don’t feel that
                                              at university at the same time;                                                   apprenticeships are inferior - they offer the
   1. Apprenticeships range from level
                                                                                                                                opportunity to learn through application
       2 to level 7, typically last 1-5 years   5. Apprenticeships are very                                                     rather than just theory.
       and offer different qualification           demanding with few holidays, a

                                                                                                                                “
       types upon successful completion;           challenging job role and the need
                                                   to study outside of working hours;
   2. Apprenticeships include paid work            however, they can be immensely
      with an element of study;                    rewarding and offer a very good
                                                   chance of post apprenticeship
   3. Degree apprenticeships result in
                                                   employment.
                                                                                                                                		Considerations for league
                                                                                                                                table placements are less relevant with
                                                                                                                                degree apprenticeships. Most companies
                                                                                                                                work with just two or three partner
                                                                                                                                universities and it is the reputation of the
                                                                                                                                company that drives the quality of the
                                                                                                                                apprenticeship.

                                                                                                                                “
                                                                                                                                		Further studies in the academic
                                                                                                                                environment are not for everyone. Students
                                                                                                                                who learn more successfully in practical
                                                                                                                                situations are likely to do better under an
                                                                                                                                apprenticeship structure.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

 The Parents’ Guide to
 Exam Revision
 We want our children to do well in           ✓✓ Providing the right homelife – why
 their exams and it’s not all down to            setting a routine is vital
 what happens at school or college,           ✓✓ Simple steps to create a helpful
 homelife plays a crucial role.                  study space
 Find out what you can do at home             ✓✓ Ways to help them revise – you can’t
 to give your child the best chance              revise for them, but you can help.
 of success, from setting up the                 We’ve provided different options to
 right routines to helping them cope             make facts easier to remember
 with exam nerves. The Parents’               ✓✓ How to build resilience and
 Guide to Study and Revision is full             manage stress to form lifelong
 of practical advice that’s easy to              good habits and protect their
 action:                                         mental health
                                              ✓✓ How to support them during exam
 ✓✓ Keeping them healthy – covering              time
   diet, caffeine, sleep and screen
   time                                       ✓✓ How to help them with exam
                                                 nerves

                                                                                              m e to
                                                                                            k       !
                                                                                        Clic y now
                                                                                          bu

                                                                                                        Buy now - GCSEs   Buy now - sixth form
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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2020 - 2021
The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2021 - 2022           The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                                            Finding the right apprenticeship
                                                                                                                  42
                                                                                                                  Researching apprenticeships
                                                                                                                  What should my child consider when
                                                                                                                  choosing an apprenticeship?

                                                                                                                  50
                                                                                                                  Where to find the right
                                                                                                                  apprenticeship
                                                                                                                  Where can my child find
                                                                                                                  apprenticeship opportunities?

                                                                                                                  52
                                                                                                                  Top 10 apprenticeship
                                                                                                                  employers

“
                                                                                                                  56
       I was never keen on school and I didn’t want to
       stay on for sixth-form. A level 3 apprenticeship                                                           Summary
       got me straight into work whilst also studying for
       an NVQ in Design and Technology.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                                                                                    RESEARCH STARTS BY DECIDING

Researching apprenticeships
                                                                                                    WHAT LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP
                                                                                                    YOUR CHILD WOULD LIKE TO TAKE

Apprenticeships vary in the                      be shorter (between one and two years
qualifications that can be achieved,             usually). Later they could choose to build
length of commitment and balance                 on their apprenticeship to gain further
between work and study. They may                 qualifications up to masters level.
involve moving away from home.
With so many variables, it might help            Degree apprenticeships offer an attractive
to think about the different elements            alternative to studying full time at university,
separately to work out which type of             whilst still obtaining a BA or BSc. Like
apprenticeship suits your child best.            university, this will mean committing to
                                                 three or four years study and – unlike
What level of apprenticeship                     university – it will mean working in a real job
                                                 too!
is appropriate?
First, your child needs to decide which
                                                 What sectors are they interested in?
level of apprenticeship they wish to take.
This will be determined by two things:           Next, they should decide on their area of
                                                 interest and see what apprenticeships are
• Having the necessary qualifications to
  be accepted;                                   available within that sector. If they don’t
                                                 know where their areas of interest lie,
• How long they intend to commit to 		           it’s time to do some research! Of course,
  their apprenticeship.                          careers advisers can help at school,
                                                 but they might want to jump online
For post-GCSE apprenticeships, your child        themselves. If they get bored reading
will need 5 GCSE passes to apply for Level       about a certain sector, chances are that’s
3 or a minimum standard of Maths and             an indication the sector isn’t for them.
English to apply for Level 2.                    Getting some work experience is also
                                                 a good way of deciding whether reality
To apply for a post-sixth form apprenticeship,   matches up to the theory of a dream job.
your child will need Level 3 status (two A
levels or equivalent) and in some cases (even    Will the apprenticeship help them
for lower level apprenticeships), they may       get the career they want?
need to have exceeded this.
                                                 There’s no need to be too specific about
Alternatively, they may opt to take a            the job or role they ultimately want, but it’s
different type of apprenticeship (i.e. higher    important that they can see a correlation
at Level 4 or 5). They will still obtain a       between their apprenticeship, the areas of
recognised professional qualification (but       study, the experience it will give them, and
not the equivalent of a degree) and their        where they want to be in the future (say five
commitment to the apprenticeship will            years’ time).

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Apprenticeship areas and careers

  Agriculture, horticulture           Suggested careers:                             Engineering and            Suggested careers:
      and animal care                 animal trainer, arborist, environment      manufacturing technologies     energy & resource management,
                                      consultant, golf course manager,                                          engineering supervisor, mechanic, new
                                      horticultural technician                                                  product development manager,
                                                                                                                operations manager, photo imaging,
                                                                                                                structural engineer

                                      Suggested careers:                           Health, public services      Suggested careers:
 Arts, media and publishing                                                               and care
                                      broadcasting engineer, culture and                                        army services, beauty therapist,
                                      heritage venue operations, games                                          dental nurse, healthcare consultant,
                                      testing, illustrator, visual effects                                      medical researcher, medical writers,
                                      technical director, journalist                                            nurse, physiotherapist, social worker,
                                                                                                                veterinary receptionist

  Business, administration            Suggested careers:                             Information and            Suggested careers:
          and law                     accountant, banking relationship           communication technology       digital and technology solutions
                                      manager, chartered manager, company                                       specialist, flight simulator instructor,
                                      secretary, economist, finance manager,                                    ICT network manager, IT manager, PR
                                      HR consultant, operations manager,                                        consultant, school technician, software
                                      project manager, solicitor                                                programmer, technical architect

 Construction, planning and           Suggested careers:                         Leisure, tourism, retail and   Suggested careers:
   the built environment              architect, civil engineer, conservations           commercial             cabin crew, casino director, hairdresser,
                                      officer, estates manager, town planner,                                   hotel manager, restaurateur,
                                      surveyor, sustainability consultant                                       retail buyer, retail leadership, travel
                                                                                                                agent

                                      Suggested careers:                                                        Suggested careers:
       Education and training                                                     Science and mathematics
                                      internal systems trainer, learning and                                    aerospace engineer, laboratory
                                      development consultant, lecturer,                                         assistant, medical adviser, pharmacist,
                                      playgroup leader, teacher, training and                                   research scientist, surveyor, teacher
                                      quality management expert

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                        The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

Apprenticeships and disability
In order to expand their pool of top            What financial support is
available talent and benefit from a             available?
workforce that reflects the diverse             Access to Work (“AtW”) funding is
range of customers they serve,                  available to support apprentices in the
many UK employers offer support                 workplace providing money towards
and equipment to help apprentices               extra costs, such as travel, specially
with special educational needs and              adapted equipment or support
disability (“SEND”) to do their jobs.           workers. The money does not have to
This includes making reasonable                 be paid back and is only available for
adjustments during the application              additional costs, not expenses that any
and interview process.                          apprentice incurs.

Look out for companies displaying               To enable employers and trainers
the “disability confident” logo on              to make reasonable adjustments to
job / apprenticeship adverts. These             provide a suitable training and work
companies have signed up to the                 environment, there is extra funding via
Government led scheme designed to               the Government and the Education and
recruit and retain disabled people and          Skills Funding Agency (“ESFA”) for those
people with long term health conditions         employing young people that previously
for their skills and talent. There are          were in care, had an education and
three levels of accreditation aligned           healthcare plan (“EHCP”), or require
with bronze, silver and gold standards:         adjustments under the Equality Act.
committed, employer and leader.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

Apprenticeships and disability
                                                                                                THE NUMBER OF UK DISABLED PEOPLE
                                                                                                IN APPRENTICESHIPS HAS MORE THAN
                                                                                                TRIPLED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS
Making reasonable                               Meeting minimum standards in
adjustments                                     English and Maths
Under the Equality Act (2010) all               If SEND prevents meeting the minimum
UK employers have a duty to make                standard in English and Maths
reasonable adjustments for their                needed to obtain the appropriate
disabled employees. Whilst it may be            apprenticeship qualification or entry
unreasonable to expect an employer to           requirements, there may be some
install a lift for a wheelchair user, it is     flexibility. Any concerns should be
reasonable to expect the employer to            discussed with the training provider
provide a ground floor office or work           who, if appropriate, can arrange an
space. Other reasonable adjustments             approved assessment.
may include providing additional time
during tests for employees with learning        Finding local opportunities
needs or by providing appropriate               Local authority websites, in “The
resources, such as voice-activated              Local Offer” section, include details
software, a laptop or a dictaphone.             about supporting young people with
                                                SEND to get into work, including
                                                apprenticeships.

Useful links                                                     I’m in
                                                                 and I teractive
                                                                      ’ll tak      !C
                                                                             e you lick me
                                                                          webs      to th
   GOV. UK                                                                     ite        eir
                           Disability
   Access to                                          BASE
                           Rights UK
     work

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                         The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2021 - 2022

Where to find the right
apprenticeship
There’s a wide range of ways to                 Companies direct                            School careers advisor                         Reviews
seek out apprenticeships and we                 Another alternative is for them             If your child is still at school or college,   To find out what other students have
recommend using a selection of                  to identify companies that are of           then getting them to speak with
options rather than relying on one.             interest and check those websites for       their careers adviser is a good move.          thought about an apprenticeship and
                                                apprenticeships.                            Careers advisors are often the first to        how they rate them, there are reviews
Government website                                                                          hear from companies advertising new            on Rate my Apprenticeship.
Most apprenticeships are posted on the          Be warned! Applications to well-known       apprenticeships
Government’s website. By creating an            international companies (such as Amazon,
account, your child can set up alerts           Coca-Cola, Facebook, Google, Virgin) will
and filters to see opportunities that           be highly competitive; however, it might
are of most interest to them and to be          be a good starting point for identifying        Apprenticeship checklist                   ❒❒ Does the provider have a quality
emailed when new opportunities arise.           what’s included in the apprenticeship and                                                     statement?
However, not all apprenticeships will           seeking out other companies that provide        ❒❒ How long does your child want           ❒❒ Is the provider’s reputation
appear.                                         similar content. The descriptor names can          to commit to studying?                     solid? (i.e. knowledge/skills/
                                                then be used in search functions on the                                                       behaviours)
Industry sector                                 government website or job boards. Not all       ❒❒ Is there a valuable role at
                                                companies offer apprenticeships.                   workplace?                              ❒❒ Degree level apprenticeship or
It’s smart to check apprenticeships
directly on company, university or                                                              ❒❒ What skills and subjects will be           other apprenticeship?
college websites. If your child doesn’t
                                                Job boards
                                                                                                   learned?                                ❒❒ With or without a university
know which of these sites to select,            National job agencies will also                                                               component?
then they should first do some research         advertise apprenticeships and options           ❒❒ What types of career will be
on which industry sector may be of              can be narrowed to review within local             available afterwards?                   ❒❒ What do current apprentices
interest, and then find companies               distances from home or specific job                                                           think of the training?
within this sector.                             types. This might be a particularly good
                                                way to seek out apprenticeships in
                                                level 3-5 range.

Useful links

    GOV. UK              Apprenticeship                                   Not going to
    Search                  Search                    UCAS                    Uni

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                                                                 APPRENTICESHIPS WITH
Top 10 apprenticeship employers: 2021                                            THE TOP 10 EMPLOYERS
                                                                                 WILL BE VERY COMPETITIVE

1.                                              6.

2.                                              7.

3.                                              8.

4.                                              9.

5.                                            10.

Based on 4,000 reviews - statistics compiled by www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk
For a list of the top 100 apprenticeship employers click here.

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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

                                      Jamal Springer

                                      Why did you choose an                            Were there any difficult
                                      apprenticeship?                                  moments?
                                      I really like the work element of doing an       It has been hard balancing work with
                                      apprenticeship. I feel this will give me a       study. I have now started my third year
                                      headstart when applying for a job next           of the apprenticeship and I have some
                                      year.                                            big assessments coming up in order to
                                                                                       pass my NVQ. I find myself having to
                                      How did you find your                            revise at the weekends.
                                      apprenticeship?
                                      I saw a poster in my school’s careers            What are your future
                                      department about apprenticeships at              aspirations?
                                      Aldi. I was intrigued and started to do
                                                                                       In the second and third year of
                                      my own research when I eventually
                                                                                       my apprenticeship I get to do six
                                      came across the Government
                                                                                       four-month placements in different
                                      search engine for apprenticeships.
                                                                                       departments of the company. I really
                                      I was surprised by just how many
                                                                                       enjoyed my time in operations and will
                                      apprenticeships there were.
                                                                                       look to find a job in something similar.

                                                                                       Any tips to a student
                                      What has been your most                          considering an apprenticeship?
                                      enjoyable moment?
                                                                                       Make sure you research carefully about
                                      I have really enjoyed working as part of a       the apprenticeships you apply for. I
                                      team. There are three other apprentices          have really enjoyed my apprenticeship
                                      working in the same department as me             and I am excited about my future.
                                      and we have become good friends. My              However, I have one friend who didn’t
                                      mentor and work supervisor have also             realise that their apprenticeship would
                                      been great and we regularly go out for           involve a three month placement in the
                                      team dinners and drinks. At first I was          company’s auditing department - they
                                      concerned about not experiencing the             hated maths at school!
                                      ‘student life’ some of my friends would
                                      have at university, but all I hear from
                                      them is how they have no money to go
                                      out. Being an apprentice has been great
                                      socially.

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                                                                                                                           55
The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022                                   The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

Summary                                                                               Advice from parents

                                                                                                                              “
  Choosing the right apprenticeship    type;
  takes research.                                                                                                             		If you are doing a longer
                                    3. Read the apprenticeship offering
                                                                                                                              apprenticeship check to see if there is a
                                                in detail – what qualification will
  1. Decide which level of                                                                                                    buddy support system with apprentices
                                                be obtained, terms of study leave
     apprenticeship – this may be                                                                                             in the year above you. This really helped
                                                and job role;
     based on your child’s existing                                                                                           me settled in quickly, because they
                                             4. Check the apprenticeship is                                                   understood all the things I was worried
     qualifications and / or how long
                                                approved and accredited by the                                                about.
     they will commit to study;
                                                Government to ensure quality.

                                                                                                                              “
  2. Find out what interests them – is it
     a specific industry, company or job

                                                                                                                              		I initially started a level 4
                                                                                                                              apprenticeship after school, because I
                                                                                                                              only wanted to do one extra year of study.
                                                                                                                              I enjoyed it so much I went on to level 5
                                                                                                                              and was awarded a HND. Check whether
                                                                                                                              your company offers the opportunity to
                                                                                                                              extend your apprenticeship.

                                                                                                                              “
                                                                                                                              		Don’t use the financial motives
                                                                                                                              as the main reason for choosing an
                                                                                                                              apprenticeship. Working and studying
                                                                                                                              full-time is tough and unless you are
                                                                                                                              passionate about the job you are doing an
                                                                                                                              apprenticeship might not be for you.

56 |   www.theparentsguideto.co.uk                                                                                                          www.theparentsguideto.co.uk | 57
The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships   2021 - 2022

  The Parents’ Guide to
  Standing out
 Applying for jobs and university is           Put them onto the path to success:
 incredibly competitive, often with
                                               ✓✓ Self-development and increasing
 hundreds of applicants for just a few
                                                  confidence through reading,
 places. So how can your child stand
                                                  audiobooks and podcasts
 out from others? By demonstrating
 interests outside their academic              ✓✓ Getting work experience (including
 studies.                                         virtual placements)
                                               ✓✓ Benefits of research and how to
 In The Parents’ Guide to Standing out            take a different approach
 from the crowd, we explore different
 things your child can do to expand            ✓✓ How different hobbies impact
 their interests and find out more                mental and physical health – and
 about subjects they might like to                what transferable skills they
 study in future. This includes taking            develop with dedicated sections on
 up healthy habits, improving their               music and sports
 skillset and harnessing their personal        ✓✓ Recommendations for
 strengths.                                       non-curricular online courses
                                               ✓✓ Benefits of competitions

                                                                                             m e to
                                                                                           k       !
                                                                                       Clic y now
                                                                                         bu

                                                                                                       Buy now

58 |   www.theparentsguideto.co.uk
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