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National Apprenticeship Week

Apprenticeships: earn whilst you learn

The theme of the 2021 National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February 2021) is ‘Build The Future’.

All young people have to remain in some form of education until they are 18. You may for example

  • stay in full-time education, for example at a college or school sixth form
  • start an  apprenticeship or traineeship
  • spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.

Many of our pupils go on to study A levels or a BTEC, or the new T levels, at a school sixth form or college. At 16 not everyone is cut out for full-time education and some of our pupils embark on an apprenticeship, where they can start building their skills and knowledge, whilst getting paid. The fact that there are different levels of apprenticeship means that some pupils may do both, by studying A levels and then looking at a higher or degree level apprenticeship for example.

Each apprenticeship has a level and an equivalent education level. Some apprenticeships may require previous qualifications such as an English or Maths GCSE or give extra training in the English or Maths skills needed so you’re at the right level. No matter which level, an apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. 80% of an apprentice's time will be spent on-the-job, whilst 20% is spent studying or training.

 

Level

Equivalent education level

Intermediate

2

GCSE

Advanced

3

A level

Higher

4,5,6 and 7

Foundation degree and above

Degree

6 and 7

Bachelor’s or master’s degree

You may think of apprenticeships as inherently practical and trades-based, such as a plumber, carpenter or electrician, and of course some of them are, but there are apprenticeship opportunities in a wide range of industries and job roles, from software developer to paramedic. Increasingly too universities are offering degree apprenticeships, from product design and development engineer to registered nurse. How does the idea of being paid a salary whilst gaining a debt-free degree sound?

Example apprenticeships by sector:

  • Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
  • Business and Administration
  • Care Services
  • Catering and Hospitality
  • Construction
  • Creative and Design
  • Digital
  • Education and Childcare
  • Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Health and Science
  • Legal, Finance and Accounting
  • Protective Services
  • Sales, Marketing and Procurement
  • Transport and Logistics

The Government Apprenticeships website has the tag line ‘Connecting people with ambition to businesses with vision’ and this year’s National Apprenticeship Week can help you look to the future and see what might be out there for you. So whether you want to learn a trade, work in digital marketing or be an aerospace engineer, have a look at the upcoming events and information below.

national apprenticeship week

National Apprenticeship Week Events

From virtual career fairs through to factory tours, National Apprenticeship Week has something for everyone, including personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences. Find out about working in the NHS, discover more about jobs in the digital sector, look at opportunities available with well-known international companies, check what is out there locally ... there's SO much to learn!

The week will be virtual - you may need to register in advance for some events. We recommend checking:


Deer Park pupils, if you want to talk with someone in school about apprenticeships, please contact Mrs Burfoot in the first instance.


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