Blog

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! And here at FutureSmart Careers we’re really excited about this. As delivery partners of the government funded ASK Programme across Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Devon, we’re up to date about the advantages of apprenticeships and we’ve gathered all the essentials into this one easy guide. Happy reading!

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid role that provides hands-on work experience (80%), while studying for a formal qualification (20%). Apprentices will typically spend one day a week at a further education (FE) college, university or training centre and the rest of the time they’ll be learning the ropes in a work-based setting.

Quick-fire apprenticeship facts:

• Apprenticeships are fully funded by the government and employer
• Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (Masters)
• Apprentices get hands-on experience while earning a salary
• Apprentices sign a contract and are entitled to holiday and sick pay
• Apprenticeships are available in many different sectors

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Did you know that Thames Valley Police offer a Degree Apprenticeship programme?

Or that the RAF is one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers?

You could even become a BMW Group apprentice, joining a strong network of over 250 apprentices across the UK including major cities such as Oxford.

Fun Fact: The British Army was named the country’s number one apprenticeship employer for 2024. The accountancy and business advisory group, DJH, was named 2024’s top SME apprenticeship employer.

Is An Apprenticeship Right for Me?

• An apprenticeship could be right for you if:
• You are 16 or over, live in the UK and are not in full-time education
• Want to start earning money straight away Post 16 or Post 18
• Want hands-on experience in a relevant sector or company
• Are looking for a cost-effective way to progress your career – remember apprenticeships are fully-funded, meaning no debt!!
• Are hard-working and capable of balancing a job with study

How Do I Search and Apply for Apprenticeships?

Here are some useful resources that will help you to not only search and apply but to also become more informed.

• Find an Apprenticeship – this is the government portal for apprenticeship searches. As a ‘live’ site, apprenticeships are added as they become available with over 20.000 vacancies across the year.
• Higher and Degree Vacancy Listing – for details from over 80 employers.
• Prospects - for apprenticeship information and advice such as ‘The Best Paying Apprenticeship Sectors in 2025’ and Higher Apprenticeships.
• UCAS - which is absolutely packed with apprenticeship information including relevant and up-to-date podcasts.
• Amazing Apprenticeships - for guides, webinars, short films and more
• Careerpilot - for an apprenticeship rundown.

And of course speak to our team at FutureSmart Careers. We’re here to help you make those all-important next choices.

You can also:

• Check out company websites
• Follow brands on social media
• Talk to friends and family
• Get work experience in a sector you’re interested in

Fact: You can apply for both college and an apprenticeship or university and an apprenticeship. Applications don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

When Can I Apply?

If you’re looking to leave school Post 16, you should really be perfecting and sending those applications out now. Don’t leave it too late or you might miss deadlines! Apprenticeships typically open as and when they’re available which is why it’s important to have your Find An Apprenticeship portal running constantly in the background so you can get all the relevant alerts.

As for Degree Apprenticeships, you apply in the same way you would for a normal job. You’ll need to submit an application, which typically includes a CV and cover letter.

Employers advertise Degree Apprenticeships throughout the year and there is no application cycle like there is with university. The vacancy will state when the application deadline is and when the apprenticeship is due to start.

Apprenticeships and SEND

If you have special educational needs and disabilities, you can still do an apprenticeship. You will be protected during the application and interview process by The Equality Act 2010. Learn more about disability rights.

Your employer and training provider must also make reasonable adjustments to help you, so you can train and work comfortably, regardless of your disability.

Access to Work grants will also help to pay for these adjustments. You could be eligible for a grant if you have a disability, health condition or mental health condition.

Meet a wide range of apprentices with SEN on the Amazing Apprenticeships website.

Tips and Tricks for Parents

If you’re a parent looking to support your child in taking their next steps, there’s plenty you can do. Here are some useful tips and tricks.

• Be open minded. As a parent you might want your child to go to university as that’s the route you know and understand. That’s understandable, however, apprenticeships have changed in recent years and are no longer seen as the ‘easy route’ for those who might not be able to get a university place. With Higher and Degree apprenticeships available across the country, this is a very real option for your child if they can find the right employer.
• Familiarise yourself with apprenticeship tools and sites. There are lots of different search platforms including Find an Apprenticeship. Familiarising yourself with them could be a great starting point.
• Be supportive. Your children might need support, encouragement and reassurance with their applications.
• Attend school talks. If your child’s school is holding an apprenticeship talk, it would be useful to take part to see what the whole apprenticeship world is all about. This is a good time to note down and ask any questions that might have.
• Keep your eyes and ears open. Apprenticeships are competitive. So, keep your eyes and ears open and look out for potential apprenticeship opportunities at your company or in partner companies that might be of interest to you child.

Conclusion

We have provided a lot of information here, so feel free to refer back to this blog whenever you need and make use of all the links we’ve provided. We’ve also written many other blogs such as Degree Vs Apprenticeships – Which One Is Right For You. So do check them out for more information.

At FutureSmart Careers, we have trained professionals and our mission is to provide careers guidance, knowledge and resources so that young people can make confident and informed choices about their futures.  If you would like careers guidance or support for students in your school, college or child, please get in touch at enquiries@futuresmartcareers.co.uk  

Images provided by Freepik, Thames Valley Police