Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship?
Simply put, apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. They lead to industry-recognised standards or qualifications. These schemes are not just limited to the ‘traditional trades’ of building, plumbing etc. They can be in digital marketing, banking and many other office- or desk-based roles. The levels range from Intermediate (Level 2) through to Degree Apprenticeships (Level 7) equivalent to a Master’s Degree. Find out more here.
The workforce of the future
Apprenticeships have long been recognised as a crucial way to develop the skills valued by employers. The government is working with employers to increase the quality and quantity of apprenticeships in England, designed to focus on the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are required for the workforce of the future. These days, employers have more control over funding for apprenticeships and how it is spent, so that apprenticeships are as accessible as possible, to all people, from all backgrounds and within many sectors.
Want to ‘earn while you learn’?
This is an exciting time for learning and developing new skills if higher education is not for you or perhaps you just want to ‘get on the job’ and start to earn a salary? Many employers are required to contribute to an apprenticeship levy, which changes the funding for apprenticeship training for all employers.
Finding out about Apprenticeships
In addition to apprenticeship providers attending our annual Careers Fair, we organise talks throughout the year from various apprenticeship providers, such as PwC. The Apprenticeships tool on Unifrog is constantly updated to include a very wide range of apprenticeship opportunities; please note, though, that the most highly sought after opportunities are competitive to get in to, and may require geographical relocation.
We are delighted that students from The Cotswold School have, in recent years, gained excellent apprenticeship places in businesses including: St James’s Place Wealth Management (Cirencester), Hazlewoods (Staverton), Atkins (Bristol), AFA Consultants (Cheltenham), Delphi Technologies (Stonehouse), BMW (Oxford)
Contact
If you have a question about apprenticeships please contact our Careers team on careers@thecotswoldschool.co.uk
Useful Information
The Apprenticeship Guide – click here
Tash Tustin is a former Cotswold School student who gained a degree apprenticeship with Atkins.
She is passionate about encouraging young people to choose the apprenticeship route. Tash returns to tell her career story at the Careers Fair and to Sixth Form students who are making applications for their next steps.
