Apprenticeships

Higher and degree level apprenticeships

Students who are considering the apprenticeship route when they finish sixth form are provided with 1:1 support and guidance from The Connexions Service. This includes help finding and applying for an apprenticeship, completing application forms, compiling a CV and practice interviews. Eleanor Willett is our Connexions Adviser, and she is in school on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

All students seeking an apprenticeship will have a 1:1 meeting in Year 12, followed by further meetings in Year 13.

Previous students have gained apprenticeships at companies such as the BBC, Network Rail, Barclays and Mott MacDonald:

Case Study:

Kaitlyn

Subjects Studied:

A Level English Language (A*)

A Level Sociology (A)

BTEC in Creative Digital Media (D*)

Destination:

BBC Degree Apprenticeship in Journalism

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you will:

Work alongside experienced staff
Gain job-specific skills
Earn a wage and get holiday pay
Get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)

Levels of apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Name	Level	Equivalent Educational Level
Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A Level
Higher	4,5,6,7	Foundation degree and above
Degree	6, 7	Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

Higher and degree apprenticeships are available at levels 4 to 7. They combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry.

Higher apprenticeships go from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above e.g. a professional qualification. Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 (full bachelor’s and Master’s).

Higher and degree apprenticeships are likely to be very competitive and should not be seen as an 'easier' alternative to university. However, students are provided with support throughout the Sixth Form to ensure that they are informed and prepared for apprenticeship opportunities and vacancies when they arise. This includes:

Ask Apprenticeships Talk: The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges programme (ASK) is funded by the National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Department for Education. They provide up-to-date impartial advice and information on apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship Training providers including The Growth Company, SETA & Apprentibuild, are invited to school to speak to students.
Employers are invited into school to offer talks and lunchtime drop in sessions & help with practice interviews.
Post 18 Options Evening for parents takes place at the start of the summer term and includes advice and information on Higher Education and Apprenticeships, with talks from external providers.
Parents have the opportunity to speak to one of our Careers Advisers about apprenticeships during Sixth Form Parents' Evening.

Useful websites:

Looking for more information? Please see the attachments below:

Higher and degree level apprenticeships

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