Obtaining an apprenticeship is highly competitive and you will need to do as much research and spend as much time on your application as that of your peers who have decided to go to college.
You can also begin to do some independent research; the following websites will help you to research your options and/or help with the crucial application process.
What are the different levels of apprenticeships and what do they mean?
There are a number of different levels of apprenticeship, those which will be of most interest to you are:
- Intermediate Level – employers offering intermediate apprenticeships are looking for candidates offering two or more GCSE grades.
- Advanced Level – employers offering advanced level apprenticeships are looking for candidates offering 5 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above. Many large employers will recruit at this level and offer the opportunity to progress to higher/degree apprenticeships.
- Higher Level – employers offering higher level apprenticeships are looking for candidates offering A’ level or equivalent. Some employers will support apprentices to continue onto degree level study.
- Degree Apprenticeships – A ‘level or equivalent are also sought for this option which combines working with studying for a degree on a part time basis. Currently only available in certain sectors. Although there are local degree apprenticeship vacancies many are not within travelling distance, you will need to consider whether you are prepared to relocate.
Apprenticeships, particularly at higher and degree level are incredibly competitive, you must be prepared to make a significant investment in the application process.
Click here for a short film about Apprenticeships.
Click here to take the Apprenticeship Quiz from Amazing Apprenticeships.
Click here to see which subjects link to which apprenticeships.
Click here for an Apprenticeships Guide.
Where can I find apprenticeship and school leaver opportunities?
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch – this is the official government site for apprenticeship opportunities. Register for email alerts. Also offers useful information on writing a winning apprenticeship application.
For more opportunities go to: https://www.candwopportunities.co.uk/apprenticeships/
For more information on post-16 and post-18 choices, how they compare and where they can lead click here – Get the Jump: explore your education and training choices | National Careers Service
Understanding Apprenticeships – Amazing Apprenticeships have released a brand new animated film explaining what apprenticeship are and their benefits, check it out here! https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resource/the-apprenticeship-assembly-film/
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/apprenticeships-uk/degree-apprenticeships – offers information on degree apprenticeships.
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/#browsing – register to receive alerts for higher and degree level apprenticeships.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/degree-apprenticeships – Liverpool John Moore’s University links with a number of local employers to offer degree apprenticeships. Register for alerts.
https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/apprenticeships/ – Manchester Metropolitan University links with a number of local employers to offer degree apprenticeship. Register for alerts.
www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk – provides general, useful information on apprenticeships plus employer profiles.
https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/ – gives information on apprenticeships plus reviews from current or past apprentices.
www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk – many employers who advertise through the National Apprenticeship Service will direct you to this website to complete your application.
https://be-more.info/ – Local Apprenticeships
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk – useful website for alternatives to university.
http://www.studentladder.co.uk/ – information on gap year programmes, apprenticeships, scholarships, sponsored degree
https://schoolleavers.milkround.com – has information on apprenticeship and school leaver programmes.
www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk – useful website for school leaver programmes plus careers information
https://www.beetroot.com/ useful website for information on apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/ useful website on resources and tips on the application /assessments and apprenticeship interviews.
The above sites give information on national opportunities although the first website enables you to search for opportunities in the North West /Merseyside region.
For some opportunities you will be competing against more experienced workers and you are not guaranteed the opportunity to gain additional, relevant qualifications. Employment opportunities can be found on company websites, recruitment agency websites, through social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. It is good advice to follow any organisations to which you may have an interest in securing future employment. Ensure your social media presence is professional and courteous. Many employment opportunities are also found through friends and family; in fact it is estimated that up to 60% of jobs are never advertised but are filled informally.
You may also find it useful to use job search websites such as those below:
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/jobs
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/ – information on NHS jobs and apprenticeships. There will be an increase in the number of NHS apprenticeships. You should register on the website, and set up job alerts. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible as once a specific number of applications have been received for a vacancy (around 50) the vacancy is taken off the site. Applicants should therefore set up a profile which outlines basic information such as qualifications etc. and simply change the ‘free text’ section to suit the vacancy. In this way applications can be completed quickly and to a high standard. It is important to spend time completing the original application therefore and possibly have a bank of additional information for each specific vacancy.
https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi – search for Civil Service jobs.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-service-fast-track-apprenticeship-register-your-interest – Civil Service also offers apprenticeship opportunities each year, they offer a range of local opportunities. Register your interest to be advised of opportunities.
Types of apprenticeship vacancies around Warrington:
NHS – With more than 350 different NHS careers, there are hundreds of different jobs which can be done through an apprenticeship. Here are just a few:
- Allied Health Profession Support (Advanced Level)
- Apprentice ambulance practitioner (level 4)
- Care, Leadership and Management (level 5 Higher Apprenticeship)
- Dental Nursing (Advanced Level)
- Informatics (Intermediate and Advanced Level)
- Health and Social Care (Intermediate and Advanced Level)
- Healthcare science assistant (Intermediate – level 2)
- Maternity and Paediatric Support (Advanced Level)
- Nursing degree apprenticeships
- Operating department practice degree apprenticeship
- Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
- Paramedic
- Podiatry degree apprenticeship
- Business Administration
Choose a Sellafield Ltd apprenticeship and you’ll earn while you learn. More importantly, you’ll be working for an organisation with a proven track record in this field; what you experience here will help define your future. Sellafield’s have apprenticeships available for both GCSE and A-Level /BTEC students:
Apprenticeships on offer: Business Administration, Engineering Design, Pipefitter, Craft Maintenance, Craft Machinist, Health Physics Monitor, Nuclear Welding and many more! https://careers.sellafieldsite.co.uk/graduates-placements/apprentices/apply-now/
If you are looking for an apprenticeship, you won’t find anywhere quite like the Science and Technology Facilities Council to begin your career. We work with incredibly advanced technologies and equipment on some of the most exciting research, engineering, and computing projects around.
Our 4-year advanced engineering apprenticeship is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and is a great way to start your engineering career. stfc.ukri.org/apprenticeships
tfc.ukri.org/apprenticeshipstfc.ukri.org/apprenticeships
https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/early-career-roles/Advanced-Apprenticeships/case-manager-apprenticeship-lingley-mere/ – see vacancies below:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-705583
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-704966
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-705005
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-704942
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-704974
https://jobs.merseyside.police.uk/jobs/#en/sites/CX/requisitions/job/152/
https://careers.haystravel.co.uk/apprenticeships/apply
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/apprentices see vacancy below:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-712743
https://www.alstom.com/careers – see vacancy below:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000029965
https://new.siemens.com/uk/en/company/jobs/search-careers/apprenticeships.html – see vacancy: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-703455
https://careers.konecranes.com/Konecranes/job/Warrington-Apprentice-Crane-Service-Technician-Warrington-WRT/733319001/ – see vacancy: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000028644
https://toniandguy.com/careers/apprenticeships see vacancy: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-656147
https://mj-training.co.uk/learners/ – Michael John Hairdressing Apprenticeships – Manchester