Apprenticeships & Post-16 Options

Apprenticeships – Search, Apply and Be Proactive

Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining valuable workplace experience alongside a recognised qualification.

There is no single application window or deadline for apprenticeships. Different employers advertise at different points throughout the year, so pupils interested in an apprenticeship need to be proactive and begin researching opportunities early.

Find an apprenticeship

The Government’s Find an apprenticeship service allows pupils to search and apply for current apprenticeship vacancies in England. We strongly recommend that pupils considering an apprenticeship create an account.

• Search for apprenticeships by career area, employer and location
• Save vacancies that interest you
• Set up alerts for new apprenticeship opportunities
• Apply for vacancies
• Manage and track applications

SEARCH & APPLY FOR APPRENTICESHIPS on GOV.UK – click on ‘Find an apprenticeship’ link below:

• Find an apprenticeship

Don’t rely on one website

Not every employer recruits apprentices at exactly the same time. Some larger employers begin advertising opportunities for school leavers early in the academic year, while other businesses advertise later. Vacancies can appear throughout the year and some opportunities may have relatively short application windows.

Pupils and parents/carers should therefore check regularly rather than waiting until the end of Year 11.

• Visit the careers or apprenticeships section of employers’ own websites regularly
• Follow employers’ official social media accounts, where recruitment events, open days and apprenticeship opportunities may be promoted
• Create alerts on the Government’s Find an apprenticeship service
• Attend apprenticeship fairs, expos and employer events offered through school
• Speak to the Careers Leader or careers adviser for support

Research early. Set up alerts. Follow employers. Check regularly. Apply to more than one opportunity.

Post-16 options

Throughout Years 9-11, pupils are exposed to a range of local colleges, technical and apprenticeship pathways. In Years 10 and 11, this becomes increasingly focused on open days, applications and choosing an appropriate next step. Pupils can access support from Mrs Zoe Lin and the on-site careers adviser when researching or applying for post-16 opportunities.