Apprenticeships
Students at CGS are encouraged to explore all post-16 and post-18 options, including apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to the traditional higher education route.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Anyone living in England, over 16 years old and not in full-time education can apply to be an apprentice.
All apprentices should work for at least 30 hours a week, apart from in exceptional circumstances. Over 150,000 employers are offering Apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations. Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher (degree) level, covering more than 170 industries and 1500 job roles.
Quality is key to apprenticeships. All apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long and lead to a national qualification that is respected by employers around the world.
Salary
All apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage. Check out National Minimum Wage Rates for updates on the latest figures.
Types of Apprenticeships available
There are three types of Apprenticeship that vary depending on current skills and qualifications:
1 - Intermediate Level Apprenticeships - Offers GCSE level equivalent qualifications.
2 - Advanced Level Apprenticeships - Offers A-Level equivalent qualifications.
3 - Higher Apprenticeships - Offers Degree level equivalent qualifications.
Further information:
Websites such as Amazing Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Rate My Apprenticeship contain a wealth of information for both students and parents on the different types of Apprenticeships available. There is also some very helpful advice and links on Get My First Job and Not Going to Uni.
Students can also access the full database of apprenticeship vacancies that are available at The Apprenticeship Guide and Find an Apprenticeship.
Help and support
Kate Lovelace, Careers Leader, is available to assist students with queries about apprenticeships, or to help with applications. Mock interviews can also be carried out on request in advance of an apprenticeship interview.
Students may also request an interview with a qualified careers advisor if they are considering an apprenticeship. Students should request an appointment via Kate Lovelace.
Barclays Life Skills is a fantastic free resource that provides help and advice on applying for a job and performing well at interview.