Has your child finished their GCSE? Are you thinking about their next steps post-GCSE? There are many post-16 options, from A-levels to vocational courses such as BTEC or NVQ. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is apprenticeships after GCSEs. In this post, we’ll find out more about:
- Apprenticeships
- Their different level
- Why apprenticeships after GCSEs may be a suitable option for your child.
Apprenticeships after GCSEs: What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where you learn and develop essential skills that lead to a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships are available to all young adults age 16 or above. Depending on the level they can be completed between one year and four years.
Apprenticeships Types / Levels
There are four main levels of apprenticeships. They are intermediate, advanced, higher and degree level apprenticeships. Each level has a different entry requirement and so not all apprenticeships will be available to everyone. Most post-16 students who have completed their GCSE will start at an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship level.
- Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2)
An intermediate (or entry) level apprenticeship is the first level of apprenticeship. They tend to last between one and two years. To be eligible, the candidate will need to have successfully passed GCSE in English and maths or have completed Functional Skills English and maths (equivalent to GCSE passes). Some employers provide the option to complete the Functional Skills during the programme. Employees gain a work-based qualification such as NVQ level 2 or a knowledge-based qualification like BTEC. These qualifications are equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
- Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)
An advanced apprenticeship is the next level qualification up from Intermediate Apprenticeship. The employee develops a deeper knowledge and skill in their chosen career field. Advanced apprenticeships can lead to an NVQ level 3 or BTEC qualification which is equivalent to two A-level passes. They generally last around 2 years. To be eligible for an advanced apprenticeship, the candidate must have completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship (in a similar role to what is being applied) or have 5 GCSE passes. Having a good GCSE pass in a subject that is related to the apprenticeship of choice is advantageous.
- Higher and Degree apprenticeships (Level 4 to 7)
Higher apprenticeships range from level 4 (the first year of an undergraduate degree) to level 7 (a postgraduate degree). This is more suited for young people who have finished college or an advanced apprenticeship programme.
Below is a table of the various levels of apprenticeship and the qualification that can be gained.
Apprenticeships after GCSEs: Why chose an apprenticeship?
There are several advantages to your child choosing apprenticeship after their GCSEs. Below are a few of the main ones.
- Boost career prospects
The employee will develop valuable skills and experience that are aligned with their career choice. This means that they are trained in the particular skill set that employers want. This inevitably will help them stand out against the competition, boost their CV and longer-term career prospects.
The combination of on-the-job training and academic study means that the candidate has the right skills, experience, and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field.
- Avoid student loans
The cost of student loans has soared. With many students now paying up to £9,000 a year for university fees. Not to mention, the cost of living expenses and other necessities. Many students end up finishing university with a debt of up to £40,000. With an apprenticeship programme, not only will young people avoid the cost of university loans, but they also get the extra perk of earning money while they learn.
- Become self-sufficient
One advantage of earning early is that a young person can start to become more self-sufficient. They begin to understand the value of hard work and develop independence and skills such as time management, money management and perseverance.
Such skills are highly valued both in and out of the workplace.
- Support Available
In an apprenticeship programme, the employee will normally be assigned a tutor or a coach. They are there to provide support each step of the way by providing the right resources the employee needs to learn and progress. They also make themselves available to the employee so that they can ask for advice or help when needed.
- Learn by doing
Some people prefer to learn hands-on rather than sitting in front of a computer writing long essays or immersing themselves in a study book. An apprenticeship provides the perfect opportunity for this. The majority of time will be spent hands-on in the workplace developing the technical and practical skills aligned with the job. The remaining time (around 1 day a week) will be allocated for studying. This normally means going to a college or training centre.
- Wide range of apprenticeships to choose from
If the child enjoys science or STEM-related subjects, there’s a wide range of apprenticeships available to you. These include paramedic, healthcare worker, nurse, dental nurse, food scientist, laboratory scientist, personal trainer, optical assistant, data scientist and more.
Even if they don’t enjoy STEM-related subjects, there are still plenty of options in fields such as business, catering, finance, construction, hair & beauty, media or education.
What do apprentices’ get paid?
Apprentices are paid the National Minimum Wage at a minimum. Depending on age or location, this is anything from £4.34 to £8.21 per hour. One good news is that there are major opportunities for progression.
Apprenticeship myth dispelled
Some people think that apprenticeships are for non-academic students. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In today’s increasingly competitive job market, students who traditionally would have taken the academic route need to find other ways to stand out. Many of them choose apprenticeships after GCSE or college. This help to ensure that they develop a strong skillset in their career of choice. The combination of work experience and academic study helps them stand out against the competition.
Apprenticeships after GCSEs: Interesting Facts
- Apprentices have the same employment rights as all other employees. This includes paid-leave and bank-holiday entitlements.
- Many top employers like BBC, KPMG Facebook and Google offer Apprenticeship programmes.
- There are currently 1,500 apprenticeships available in over 170 industries. [1]
- Around 90% of apprentices remain in employment.
- Employers see apprenticeships as a valuable way into a career, like a degree. Both apprenticeships and degrees result in credible qualifications.
- More females enrol in intermediate and advanced apprenticeships compared to males [2]
Where can I find more info about apprenticeships?
To find out more about apprenticeships after GCSEs visit apprenticeships.gov.uk.
References
1) https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/advice/students/apprenticeships-for-16-year-olds
2) https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/data-and-analysis/analysis-of-degree-apprenticeships/gender/
