The Parents' Guide to finding an apprenticeship
- May 11, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
If your teen’s decided that an apprenticeship could be the right choice for them, it’s time to start looking to see what’s available. Apprenticeships are real jobs with training, so when they start one, they need to be:
16 years or over
living in the UK
not in full-time education
Depending on their age, experience and qualifications, there are different entry levels, ranging from Level 2 (straight after GCSE) to Level 6 or 7 (degree level). The apprenticeship level will be clearly noted on the advertisement.
Apprenticeships used to be associated with trade industries (such as electricians, mechanics or plumbers). Nowadays, they can be taken in a wide range of industry sectors and provide entry to all types of careers, including accountancy, banking, IT, law, management and television.
Taking an apprenticeship isn’t an easy option, and competition can be fierce. It takes organisation and dedication to balance work (where your child will be expected to contribute to the same standards as everyone else) with study. However, if they have a more practical, work-related bias towards learning, this will suit them well, and they’ll gain valuable experience that strengthens their opportunities to find rewarding work when the apprenticeship is over.
There’s a wide range of ways to seek out apprenticeships, and we recommend using a selection of options rather than relying on just one.
Government website
Most apprenticeships are posted on the government’s website. By creating an account, your child can set up alerts and filters to see the opportunities of most interest to them, and be emailed when new ones arise. However, not all apprenticeships will appear there. You can visit the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service to get started.
Industry sector
It’s smart to check apprenticeships directly on company, university or college websites. If your child doesn’t know which sites to look at, they should first do some research on which industry sector might interest them, and then find companies within that sector. Your child’s school or college careers adviser will be able to help with this research.
Companies direct
Another option is for them to identify companies they’re interested in and check those websites for apprenticeships. Be warned: applications to well-known international companies (such as Amazon, Coca-Cola, Google and Virgin) will be highly competitive. However, it can be a good starting point for identifying what’s included in an apprenticeship, and for seeking out other companies that provide similar content. The descriptor names can then be used in search functions on the government website or job boards. Not all companies offer apprenticeships.
Some examples of well-known apprenticeship providers include the following.
Accenture
As a top-100 employer, Accenture offers a technology degree apprenticeship in several locations, including London, Edinburgh and Manchester. The apprenticeship lasts for three or four years and enables apprentices to obtain a BSc degree in digital and technology solutions.
BT
A top-ten apprentice employer, BT offers an impressive array of apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships in technology, IT, cyber security, business management, engineering, logistics and digital development. These are likely to be highly competitive.
CGI
Offering apprenticeships in digital technology and business, CGI gives apprentices the opportunity to gain degrees in software development, digital and technology solutions or IT management at one of its partner universities.
Nestlé
In partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, the Nestlé Academy offers a vast range of apprenticeship options at all levels, including degree apprenticeships in chartered management, digital marketing and operations. Apprenticeships last from one to three years.
Santander
Santander offers degree apprenticeships in areas such as digital engineering, data science and corporate and commercial banking, designed to lead to permanent roles within the business. Entry requirements typically range from 104 to 112 UCAS points, with a grade 4 or above required in maths.
Job boards
National job agencies also advertise apprenticeships, and options can be narrowed to review those within a certain distance of home or by specific job types. This can be a particularly good way to seek out apprenticeships in the Level 3 to 5 range.
School careers adviser
If your child is still at school or college, getting them to speak with their careers adviser is a good move. Careers advisers are often the first to hear from companies advertising new apprenticeships.
Reviews
To find out what other students have thought about an apprenticeship and how they rate it, there are reviews on Rate My Apprenticeship.
Is your child currently looking for an apprenticeship?
For more information on apprenticeships and how you can help your child apply for one, you may be interested in The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships.
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