Young apprenticeships – what are they?
A young apprenticeship is a two year programme which provides motivated learners with the opportunity to develop job specific work through the experience of real work whilst studying approved nationally recognised qualifications (equivalent to at least four GCSEs). Learning is achieved through a mixture of classroom, practical training and work experience opportunities with local employers.
How does it work?
The programme involves you to study a course one day per week. The other 50 days of work will be work experience with a professional organisation. Some short periods of work experience may need to be completed during the school holiday period. All activities are approved for health, safety and welfare in the workplace.
The young apprenticeship programme forms part of pupils’ compulsory education. Pupils continue to study the core National Curriculum subjects, including English, mathematics, ICT and science. Regular feedback and reporting on pupils’ progress will be provided in the same way as for other courses.
What are the benefits?
Pupils study vocational qualifications through practical activities and assignments that are relevant to the industry sector. Learners develop skills that are valued by employers.
Upon successful completion of the two-year course, learners will receive certificates to confirm the qualifications they will have achieved during the programme. Learners will also achieve a young apprenticeship status certificate which is recognised by the industry.
The qualifications and young apprenticeship status gained through the work experience can be used as a stepping stone for advanced courses, higher education or a combined work/training scheme, for example advanced apprenticeship or a career in the industry.
Young Apprenticeships qualifications (
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Young apprenticeship programme
The programme offers a high quality specialised route at Key Stage 4 for well-motivated students to pursue an industry specific vocational programme.
For each subject/occupational sector, the two-year young apprenticeship will include:
study for approved Level 2 vocational qualification outcomes through a one-day per week programme of study - Tuesday each week throughout Year 10 (Sept 2010 to July 2011) and Thursday each week when the pupils reach Year 11 (Sept 2011 to June 2012)
additional qualifications and awards related to the sector recommended by the relevant Sector Skills Council
50 days of high quality work experience placements spread over the 2-year course - linked to the sector and the qualifications being studied
4 days per week at school studying the mainstream core curriculum
a nationally recognised young apprenticeship completion certificate, endorsed by the Relevant Sector Skills council (SSC) which can lead to many progression opportunities.
Recruitment and selection criteria
Pupil wishing to participate in the young apprenticeship programme should have a level of ability commensurate with the demands of a challenging level 2 course of study.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
a combined KS3 teacher assessment score of 14 or higher;
a good level of attendance, punctuality and behaviour;
predicted to gain five GCSEs A* to C grades (including Maths and English); and
evidence that parents or guardians support the student’s choice.
Essentially, we are looking to recruit pupils who:
are well motivated;
are interested in the subject/sector;
are interested in working with people;
are interested in working in a team and adult environment;
enjoy hands-on and practical learning activities; and
enjoy learning and using new skills.
Pupils should ask themselves:
Why do you want to take part in the young apprenticeships programme? and
What do you think you will want to do at the end of Year 11?.
Once we've received a completed application form, pupils will be invited to participate in a taster day and interview, scheduled to take place in the summer term.
Find out more
An information leaflet on each of the young apprenticeships subjects is available at your school.
For further information about the young apprenticeships programme, contact:
Parmjit Sahans
Children's Services and Lifelong Learning
Civic Centre
Hounslow
TW3 4DN