This is why school leavers should seriously consider an apprenticeship
/Leaving school can be daunting.
If you’re thinking about what to do when you leave school, you might be wondering what route to go down and what your options are. Some people might be thinking about getting straight into work and some may be considering college or university, and for others the decision isn’t as clear cut.
Whatever you’re thinking of doing, a Modern Apprenticeship can provide you with the qualifications, skills and knowledge to get there.
What is a Modern Apprenticeship?
To put it simply, a Modern Apprenticeship is a combination of working and studying. You go to work, you learn whilst you’re at work and then you are assessed on what you’ve learnt. Once you’ve completed your Modern Apprenticeship, you’ll have achieved an industry recognised qualification, earned a wage, and know what it’s like to work in your chosen sector.
A Modern Apprenticeship is made up of an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification), core skills and industry specific training. Depending on the level of the Modern Apprenticeship, this will be the equivalent to either a National 5, a Higher or an Advanced Higher.
You can check out the qualification framework at scqf.org.uk.
Modern Apprenticeships typically take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete, however this is dependent on the sector you’re working in, the level of qualification and your commitment.
How do Modern Apprenticeships help school leavers?
Modern Apprenticeships are not only passports to professional careers, they’re also vital for gaining knowledge and skills that can only be acquired through the experience of working in your chosen sector. In that sense, a Modern Apprenticeship can underpin and support further learning, whether that be at college, university or on the job.
Thinking about going to university?
These days entry requirements for popular undergraduate degree programmes are not just about getting good grades, but they’re also about standing out from the crowd. Getting accepted onto your chosen programme requires a show stopping personal statement, and in some cases an interview as well. This is where a Modern Apprenticeship can really separate you from the competition.
You will be able to show that you have real work experience in your chosen sector. You will be able to demonstrate work-readiness, time management skills and the ability to work and learn at the same time. You will be able to talk confidently about the knowledge and skills you have gained first hand, and you will also have a work-based qualification that relates to your future career.
Undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship prior to applying for university shows your commitment to the field of study you are applying for and will be sure to get you noticed during the selection process.
Want to get straight into work?
Modern Apprenticeships allow you to work, earn a wage and learn at the same time and provide you with an industry recognised qualification. If you’re looking to get straight into a job and progress from there a Modern Apprenticeship can be the perfect stepping stone to permanent employment. According to Skills Development Scotland, 92% of Modern Apprentices stay in work once they’ve qualified so Modern Apprenticeships really are a great way to get your foot in the door with an employer, learn from them and then work your way up within the company once you’re qualified.
If you leave your employer after completing your apprenticeship, your qualification will allow you to explore new opportunities in your chosen sector.
Not sure what you want to do next?
If you’re leaving school and you’re unsure whether you want to move into further education or progress straight into employment then a Modern Apprenticeship will provide you with the best of both worlds and will allow you to move seamlessly into either a job, or further education once you’ve qualified.
Completing your Modern Apprenticeship can be done by working either full time or part time (so long as you’re working 16 hours a week or more) and so for young people who are not quite ready to throw themselves into full time working or studying straight away, a Modern Apprenticeship might be the best route to go down.
It will also allow you to experience what it’s like to work in your chosen sector. The reality of actually working and doing a job can be very different to how it appears on paper, when you’re just researching careers. A Modern Apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to get stuck in and see what it’s like first hand. It will also give you a good indication of how you cope with course work, which will give you a feel of how it might be if you decide to move into further education.
If after qualifying you decide to go down a different route or move into another sector you will be able to show potential employers/educators that you have work experience, you’re responsible and committed and that you have the ability to work and learn.
There is a huge number of Modern Apprenticeships to choose from and you can explore the frameworks over at apprenticeships.scot.
If you’d like to know more about Modern Apprenticeships in Childcare with l&g learning, head over to the Modern Apprenticeships section on our website.
Interested in working with children and young people?
· Nursery Nurse
· Primary Teacher
· Early Years Teacher
· Residential Childcare Worker
· Support Worker
· Social Worker
An Early Years Modern Apprenticeship with l&g learning could be the perfect fit for you!
Our Assessors have a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to help you discuss your career options
If you’re considering working with children and young people, our Assessors here at l&g learning can help you. Our team come from a variety of backgrounds such as teaching, childcare management, social services and lecturing. We can explain your options and help you to make a decision about next steps.
