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The Heathland School

The Heathland School

Apprenticeships

Start your career at 16 and get paid to learn

Apprenticeships are becomingly incredibly more popular and prestigious year on year, becoming an equal competitor to universities. At The Heathland, we want all our students to be aware of all available opportunities and aim to prepare them for whatever pathway they chose to take.

 

An apprenticeship is a real job with training built in. You earn a wage, gain a nationally recognised qualification and build experience, all for free. These come in multiple different levels, each one equivalent to a different qualification, as seen below:

 

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There are two levels you can start on after Year 11.

Level 2: intermediate

Comparable to GCSE level. A good starting point if you want to learn a trade or get into an industry.

Often leads on to Level 3.

 

Level 3: advanced

Comparable to A-level. Builds skilled, in-demand abilities.

Can lead on to a higher apprenticeship, or to university.

 

 

 

Where can an apprenticeship take me?

There are apprenticeships in hundreds of job roles. Popular areas include:

  • Engineering and manufacturing
  • Construction and building trades
  • Business administration
  • Digital and IT support
  • Health and social care
  • Early years and education
  • Hospitality and catering
  • Hair, beauty and wellbeing
  • Finance and accounting
  • Aviation and logistics

Being close to Heathrow, there are many aviation and travel employers within reach of Hounslow.

 

Apprenticeship, Sixth Form or College?

Each is a good route. The right choice depends on how you like to learn and what you want to do next.

 

Apprenticeship

Sixth Form

College

How you learn

Mostly while working full-time, with studying alongside

Practical and classroom based, such as A-Levels / T-Levels / BTECs

Practical and classroom based, such as T-Levels / BTECs

Money

Earning a full wage

No wage, but bursaries may be available

No wage, but bursaries may be available

Getting in

Applying directly to employers, same as a real job, so it can be very competitive

Apply to the school, based on GCSE results

Apply to the college, based on GCSE results

Next Steps

Skilled job, a higher-level apprenticeship, or university

University, higher apprenticeship or work

Work, higher apprenticeship or university

 

Everyone must stay in education or training until 18. An apprenticeship counts.

How to apply

  1. Start looking early: Many vacancies appear from the autumn to the summer of Year 11. Browse them on the government's Find an apprenticeship service.
  2. Read the requirements: Level 2 roles often ask for GCSEs in English and Maths or are willing to help you work towards them. Level 3 roles often ask for several GCSEs at grade 4 or above. However, each apprenticeship has its own requirements.
  3. Get your CV ready: Mr Jaffri, the Careers Officer, can help you tailor a CV and a short personal statement.
  4. Practise interviews: Employers look for reliability, curiosity and enthusiasm, as well as grades.
  5. Apply to several and keep a plan B: Competition can be high, so also apply to a sixth form or college. You can choose when offers arrive.

 

Common questions

Will I be paid?

Yes. The government sets a minimum wage for apprentices, which is reviewed each year. Many employers pay more than the minimum. Check the advert for the pay on offer.

Do I need to pay for training?

No. Your training is paid for by your employer and the government. You should never be asked to pay for it.

Do I still need GCSE English and maths?

They are very useful, and many employers ask for them. If you have not reached the expected grades, you can often work towards them as part of your apprenticeship.

Can I still go to university?

Yes. Many people go on to a higher or degree apprenticeship, and some go on to university after a Level 3 apprenticeship. Look at our Higher Apprenticeships page. [Link to Higher Apprenticeships page]

Is an apprenticeship a proper qualification?

Yes. You work towards a nationally recognised qualification and are assessed at the end to show you can do the job well.

 

Useful Sites:

  • Amazing Apprenticeships – A leading organisation in the education sector, working with schools, colleges and employers, tackling misconceptions and promoting the benefits of apprenticeships and technical education. They have excellent resource zones for parents and students, as well as annually releasing the biggest collection of apprenticeship vacancies. (https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/)

 

  • Apprentago – A platform we have recently partnered with for students interested in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. The site showcases vacancies, video guides for applying, and an AI-powered CV Builder. Students are encouraged to sign up using their school email. (https://apprentago.co.uk/)

 

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