1. Alternatives to university

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

3. Gap Years
Art Foundation
Work experience

7. School-leaver training programmes
Apprenticeships
School-leaver training programmes
Employment

8. 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.

9. 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.

10.
Great advice for parents

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

12. 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

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

14. 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.

15. How to find apprenticeships

17. Within 10 miles of Buntingford (77 vacancies)

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

22. National Grid

23. GlaxoSmithkline

24. PWC

25. 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%.

26. Boots

27. Airbus

31. Johnson Matthey

32. 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.

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

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

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

37. 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)

39. KPMG

40. Audit Programme

41. KPMG 360o

42. Work Experience

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

47. Employment

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

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

52. Lots of online employment search sites

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

55. Alternatives to university