Information For Students
Why Careers is important for you
"the law now requires that young people continue in education, employment (if it includes formal and approved training) or training until the age of 18.”
Participation of young people in education, employment or training – Statutory Guidance 2013. (This law came into effect to enable all young people to have the opportunity to reach better outcomes, gain more skills, and therefore have greater earning potential.)
Starting in year 7, we provide information and advice about pathways and routes available to you. . It is never too soon to start exploring what is available, this way, when you meet with me in my Careers Guidance Counsellor role, in year 11, you’re coming to me informed and with relevant questions that will really help your post 16 planning.
Post 16 Providers
Apprenticeships
APPLYING FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP
When should I apply?
The timescale for apprenticeship applications is variable, with adverts for positions being posted throughout the year. The busiest time for school leaver vacancies tends to be from March to September.
If you have a specific employer in mind, it is never too early to approach them. They might ask you to come back later in the year, but will be impressed with your keen attitude.
How do I find opportunities?
Use the ‘National Apprenticeship Service’ - There is a national website where many vacancies are advertised.
You will need to create an account. It is important to keep your username and password details safe. You can search for and apply for many apprenticeships using this site.
You will need a working email that you access regularly - it would be a good idea to make sure it is a sensible email address that you would be happy for a possible future employer to see.
Also try these other ways to spot opportunities:
Some vacancies are found through friends, relatives, contacts. Make sure everyone that knows you knows what you are looking for. Someone might spot an opportunity that is ideal for you.
Some vacancies develop out of work experience placements - take any chances you get to try out work experience. An employer who is impressed with you might create an apprenticeship.
Some vacancies might be advertised in the local papers, or in shop windows, on notice boards etc. Keep a really good lookout.
Consider starting on a pre-apprenticeship programme or a traineeship. These are unpaid programmes based around getting more work experience and skills to build your confidence up. They can offer a ‘stepping stone’ onto an apprenticeship.
Join the facebook jobs page for your local area - there are pages run by local people to allow job adverts to be shared. The ‘Shrewsbury jobs’ and ‘Oswestry jobs’ pages both often have apprenticeship vacancies shared through them.
Register with local training organisations:
You can also register directly with local apprenticeship providers. Some of these providers will then invite you in for an interview, and then provide support to match you to a suitable placement. Remember that not all of these providers will cover all areas of work. Check their websites to see what they offer.
Local apprenticeship training providers
Shrewsbury College Apprenticeships
North Shropshire College Apprenticeships
Local companies who recruit apprentices
Aico, BT, Paveaways, iHeat plus many more.
Please search Find an Apprenticeship for more opportunities.
Other companies to consider
Bentley - careers in Crewe.
Jaguar Landrover - careers in Wolverhampton.
BAE Systems – Global aerospace company with a site in Telford.
In-Comm - Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth based engineering apprenticeships.
How do I apply?
If you have found a vacancy on the apprenticeships.gov site, you can usually complete an application form within this site that you can use for several different vacancies. Click on the green ‘Apply now’ button.
Some companies ask the training provider to manage the application process for them.
Some companies will ask you to fill in their specific company application forms.
Some companies might ask you to send a CV or ask you to visit them for an informal discussion to start with.
Remember!
- it takes time to secure an apprenticeship
- don’t get disheartened if you are not successful straight away
- hang in there and be aware that some types of work are more difficult to find than others
- some apprenticeships are aimed at those young people who already have a year or two of experience, or who are able to drive, so you may be competing against older applicants.
- make sure you have a back-up plan in place.
Try the official UCAS careers quiz and see what's right for you.
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