Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Some people want to leave school as soon as possible and start earning money. Apprenticeships allow you to earn money and continue your education at the same time, giving you the best of both worlds. You get to do a job you enjoy, learn in a style and an environment where you feel comfortable and have every opportunity to progress in your career. An apprenticeship can also put you in a great position to go on to higher education later on if you choose to.
What is an apprenticeship?
Anyone who is over 16, living in England and not in full-time education can apply to an apprenticeship scheme. More than 130,000 employers offer apprenticeship schemes across a wife range of industries.
As an apprentice you become an employee of the organisation you are training with. You work alongside experienced staff to learn job-specific skills and attend college, usually once a week, to work towards nationally recognised work-based qualifications.
To find out more about apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Progression through the apprenticeship programme
The beauty of an apprenticeship is that your learning can progress in much the same way as more traditional qualifications, leading to higher level qualifications and more opportunities to progress in your career.
Levels of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)
- Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ level 2, Key Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC.
- These provide the skills you need for your chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Advanced apprenticeships (equivalent to two A level passes)
- Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based certificate such as a BTEC.
- To start this programme, you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an apprenticeship.
Higher apprenticeships
- Higher apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ level 4 and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a foundation degree.
Foundation degrees
The foundation degree is a higher level vocational qualification geared to address the practical requirements of local industry and business at a technical and professional level.
What subjects can be studied?
There are 71 foundation degrees to study across Nottinghamshire at a variety of locations. They offer excellent educational and employment opportunities to students who enjoy a practical approach to their studies.
Among the diverse range of subjects covered are Supply Chain Management; Sport Coaching; Paramedic Sciences; and Fashion.
How do I find out more?
For inclusion on our foundation degree mailing list and to receive further details about associated events, please telephone 0115 848 2757 or email info@aimhighernotts.co.uk.
For additional information log on to:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039022
Access to higher education
The UCAS Tariff
The UCAS Tariff is a points system. Post-16 qualifications and grades are given a points value and entry requirements are shown as points. You can find the most up-to-date tariff information on the UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk/candq/tariff/index.html.
Not all higher education institutions use the tariff system and those that do might say that points are gained only in certain subjects or with specific grades. They don’t always allow for qualifications that have been gained through the apprenticeship framework. But UCAS are working on putting together a tariff that a completed apprenticeship framework would be worth.
If you want to take your learning even further and study for a bachelor degree or similar, and you’re confused about the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in, phone the admissions department of the higher education institution running the course and they should be able to help.
Aimhigher Apprenticeship resources
After your Advanced Apprenticeship...
A guide to part-time higher education courses you can do as you work.
Apprentices Aim Higher
Information on routes to Higher Education for Advanced Apprentices.
Foundation Degree Pack
Comprehensive guide to all foundation degree options currently available in the Nottingham area.
Useful links
www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039022
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