Apprenticeships

This module will focus on breaking the myths, where to search for apprenticeships, real life stories, what employers are looking for and how to write a successful application. There are 5 steps and each of these will focus on some key learning objectives, an activity and reflection for students to participate either at home or in school. Each step is 20 minutes.

Get started by watching these videos

• 

  Introduction

• 

  Meet the Apprentices

• 

  What are Employers looking for?

• 

  Apprenticeship vs University

• 

  How to write a successful application

• Duration

  20 Minutes

  What you need

  Internet connection
  Pen & Paper

  Introduction

  This step will introduce you to all you need to know about what it is to be an apprentice.

  Activity

  At the beginning of this module you will have watched our Mythbusting animation. Below we have this great video by Tina Patel, on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service.

  Tina will cover in more detail:

  • What apprenticeships are
  • Where to look for an apprenticeship
  • Range of apprenticeships available

  There is a lot of information in this video, so you may want to have a pen and paper handy to take some notes.

  Watch this video

  

  Reflection Activity

  Take some time to reflect on the video and identify any insight you have learned from both the Mythbusting and Tina’s video. Share with your teacher if your opinion on apprenticeships has changed and why.

  Download Teachers Notes

• Duration

  20 Minutes

  What you need

  Internet connection
  Pen & Paper

  Introduction

  In this step you will hear some real life stories from students that have chosen the apprenticeship route. You will hear about their experiences on the path to securing an apprenticeship and since being offered positions.

  Activity

  Watch these two case studies from:

  Lucy Cox – Lucy works in the Web and Digital Team at Northamptonshire Council and has just finished her 2 year, Level 4 Business Analysis Apprenticeship.

  

  Tayla Blackman – Tayla is seconded to the Communications Manager at SEMLEP and has just completed her Level 4, Public Relations Apprenticeship.

  

  Once you have watched these real stories, take some time to reflect on what questions you would want to ask Lucy or Tayla.

  Draft an email

  Now draft an email to Lucy or Tayla and ask them any questions you have about becoming an apprentice. Please ensure you also spend time considering the structure of your email. Also consider what you would like to know in order to decide if an apprenticeship is the right path for you.

  Some example questions might be:

  • Did work experience put you in a stronger position?
  • How much support do you receive during your apprenticeship?
  • Here is an example of a professional email

  Reflection Activity

  Share your email with a partner and discuss one thing you think can be improved and one thing you think was done well.

  Download Teachers Notes

• Duration

  20 Minutes

  What you need

  Internet connection
  Microsoft Word

  Introduction

  In this step you will learn in more detail what employers are looking for when hiring an apprentice.

  Activity

  You will begin by watching this case study by Sandi at Clipper Logistics. He shares his experience on interviewing for an apprenticeship and what he believes is important to demonstrate during the interview process. Watch the video below:

  

  Matching your skills to a company’s requirements:

  Work in pairs or on your own to identify existing skills you have. Think of activities you do in school and extracurricular activities. Example: sports, hobbies, projects, groups or clubs.

  Download and complete this form: Matching your Skills

  Practise matching your skills to some common requirements in an apprenticeship vacancy. It’s ok if the skills are not linked to an apprenticeship you want to apply for. Later in the module you will have the opportunity to practise writing an application for a position you would be interested in.

  Don’t forget – You will need to be able to evidence any of the skills you reference in your applications.

  Reflection Activity

  Take time to identify one of the skills you found the hardest to evidence and come up with ways you could improve this skill in the future.

  Download Teachers notes

• Duration

  20 Minutes

  What you need

  Internet connection

  Introduction

  The decision whether to go to university, take an apprenticeship or go straight into the workforce can be a difficult one for students. Access to accurate and timely information is a critical part of this decision-making process. Questions you might have:

  • How might a university degree affect a student’s take home salary?
  • What value can university bring to a student’s future job prospects?
  • How would doing an apprenticeship impact future salary and career prospects?

  Activity

  Begin by watching this video by Simon Chapman from the Aspire Higher team, who will guide you through a quiz on apprenticeships. Unfortunately The Pay Index tool is no longer available. However the following articles and websites will allow students to find answers to the questions above:

  How much does uni in the UK cost and will I earn more if I go?

  Four facts about apprentice pay from the latest data

  

  Step 1 – Read the BBC article on university pay.
  Step 2 – Read the apprenticeship blog on apprenticeship pay.
  Step 3 – Why study an apprenticeship – complete in preparation for Simon’s quiz: Download the form here
  Step 4 – In Simon’s video above, watch the case study about Josie.

  Reflection Activity

  Take time to reflect on the different earnings for those who go to university vs doing an apprenticeship. How has this made you think differently about apprenticeships?

  Download teachers notes

• Duration

  20 Minutes

  What you need

  Internet connection
  Microsoft Word

  Introduction

  This step will provide tips and advice on how to write a successful application. Writing an application is a skill you will need to develop to ensure you stand out from the crowd when applying for an apprenticeship. As well as this activity we have also provided extra guidance in the additional resources section at the bottom of the module page.

  Activity

  Writing a successful application.

  Watch this video

  “Top Tips: For a successful apprenticeship application with Nav from the National Apprenticeship Service”

  

  • Once you have watched the top tips video, download this application template ready to have a go: Application Form Sample Questions
  • Before you start, spend a little time looking for an actual advert that you might apply to in the future. You can search for an apprenticeship on the government website here
  • If not, click here for a sample range of Apprenticeships from different sectors:
  • Use a relevant advert to identify any phrases used in the advert that you can include in your application.

  This is a very important part of the application form and you need to put in a lot of work to get this right. Remember to give examples of your strengths if you can. For example, if the employer asks for ‘Good communication skills’ then you need to tell them that you have ‘Good communication skills’ but also think about how you could evidence this.

  While constructing your answers, alway consider how your statements can be interpreted by an employer.

  Use this link to access more guidance from registering, searching for opportunities to writing a successful application and attending an interview.

  Finally, working in pairs, share your draft application with your partner. By sharing applications you can give each other feedback.

  Reflection Activity

  After completing this step, take some time to check you have followed all the top tips while drafting your own application.

  Download teachers notes