Post-18 Options: Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship can be a good route if you want to get training for a specific job sector and be earning at the same time. There are all sorts of opportunities for fantastic apprenticeships developing all the time.
However, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Apprenticeship vacancies for the summer after you finish your A Levels/other Level 3 qualifications are advertised throughout the year and the closing dates can vary. Therefore, if you are undecided about whether to choose an apprenticeship or higher-education path it is probably best to apply for higher education as well as look for apprenticeship vacancies. If you get an apprenticeship you can always decline your university offer.
- There are 70+ different job areas now offering Higher Apprenticeships, which are higher-education-level qualifications (Level 4+). Employers are asking for A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications as entry requirements. Search for vacancies online and register for alerts about vacancies on gov.uk. You can also look at company websites or make speculative applications.
- If you do not have the relevant job-specific experience you might have to complete an Advanced Apprenticeship, even though these are the same level qualifications (Level 3) as A Levels - although you might be able to complete it quicker than a 16-year-old.
- Not all sectors offer Higher Apprenticeship qualifications so make sure you check if they are available in your chosen sector.
- For some jobs there is no apprenticeship pathway and a university degree is the only way in e.g. vet, doctor, etc.
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship opportunities are likely to be highly competitive!