Alternatives to university

School-leaver training programmes Gap Years Apprenticeships Art Foundation School-leaver training programmes Work experience Employment

Gap Years Art Foundation Work experience

School-leaver training programmes Apprenticeships School-leaver training programmes Employment

What are apprenticeships? There is still a lot of confusion around apprenticeships, perhaps because they’ve been around for hundreds of years. However, apprenticeships have changed considerably over the last few decades and they are now being positioned as a really credible alternative to traditional full time university. An apprenticeship is a real job with a real employer, and often a very good salary. For example, Royal Mail offers a starting salary of £21,000 for their Project Management apprenticeship programme and this year the Civil Service will recruit 500 higher apprentices into roles throughout England. The employer will invest their time and money in helping their apprentices to gain qualifications and valuable new skills and experience. Apprentices are given real responsibilities, expected to work hard, and are given a contract of employment, holiday and sick pay - exactly the same as any other member of staff. Whilst working for their employer, apprentices also work towards qualifications throughout their apprenticeship. They are supported by a training provider, who will help them achieve their qualifications and make sure they complete their apprenticeship. An apprenticeship typically takes 1 to 4 years to complete, depending on the level and the subject being studied. Contrary to popular belief, apprenticeships aren’t the ‘easy option’. Holding down a full time job and studying takes commitment and hard work, and it won’t be right for everyone.

Some of the possibilities When we talk about apprenticeships, people often assume we’re referring to traditional apprenticeships like construction and engineering. There are many brilliant apprenticeships in these areas, but there are also hundreds of new apprenticeships in exciting areas that you might not know exist. This slide gives you an idea of the huge range of apprenticeships available. Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industry sectors with employers from large national companies such as the BBC, Barclays Bank, IBM, Airbus, ASOS, ITV and Royal Mail to smaller, local companies. There are many occupations where previously, the only career route was considered to be through full time, traditional university study, such as nursing and becoming a solicitor. But increasingly these types of career opportunities are available through apprenticeships and the individual apprentice will not incur any tuition fees, the government and employer will cover all training costs.

www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/parents Great advice for parents

Apprenticeships Intermediate … Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs at C+ grade) Advanced … Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) Higher … Level 4 (equivalent to 1st year of degree) Degree … Level 5-6 (equivalent to a full degree)

Advantages of apprenticeships Recognised qualification after 1 – 4 years Training is free if you’re 19 or under Earn while you learn (eg. National Grid pays £15K starting salary) Over 90% of apprentices find employment on completion

Drawbacks of apprenticeships Minimum wage for apprentices is £3.30 / hour Check out the training you are being offered Geographical challenge

When to apply Apprenticeships with big firms often start in August / September and are advertised well in advance. Apprenticeships with smaller, local firms start year-round, and are usually advertised only a month or two before start date.

How to find apprenticeships www.getingofar.gov.uk www.notgoingtouni.com www.unifrog.com

www.getingofar.org.uk

Within 10 miles of Buntingford (77 vacancies)

www.notgoingtouni.com

Parents can use the site, too Parents can use the site, too. Create an account, using the Form Code: fremanparentcode

National Grid

GlaxoSmithkline

PWC

What are your qualifications “worth”? A-level AS level EPQ Extended Diploma (x3) UCAS points A*   Distinction * 56 A Distinction 48 B 40 C Merit 32 28 D 24 20 E Pass 16 12 10 8 6 “Value” of A-level qualifications has changed in terms of UCAS points from this September. AS qualification is now worth 40% of A-level points (used to be 50%), while EPQ has been increased to 50%.

Boots

Airbus

Johnson Matthey

Skanska Skanska offers a mix of apprenticeships and traineeships Traineeships are shorter (usually up to 6 months) and focus on providing hands-on experience and employability skills.

Application process for apprenticeships Almost all applications online Application form (+ CV for some) Interview

School-leaver training programmes Most commonly in the accounting / finance sector

Advantages of SLTP’s Usually higher salary than apprenticeships Often leads to employment within the company after training is completed

Drawbacks of SLTPs Training is not necessarily recognised by other employers Don’t have means of redress if training is not satisfactory (unlike with apprenticeships) Long-term commitment (up to 5 years)

www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/jobs/school-leaver-programmes

KPMG

Audit Programme

KPMG 360o

Work Experience

Application process for SLTPs Almost all applications online Application form (+ CV for some) Several rounds of interview

Employment

Advantages of employment Earning straight away Less commitment than apprenticeship / SLTP

Drawbacks of employment Competing with candidates with more experience Lower earnings than workers with more experience / qualifications Not many big employers around here

Lots of online employment search sites

Application process for jobs Mostly CV + covering letter Interview likely Speculative applications?

Alternatives to university