National Church OF England Academy
Apprenticeships: Value, Benefits & How To Apply
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that allows you to earn a wage AND gain a nationally recognised qualification. You spend part of your time working on the job and part of your time in training or study. Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) to Level 6/7 (degree level).
Key Benefits:
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Earn while you learn — you are paid a salary as an employee.
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No tuition fees — unlike university degrees, apprentices don’t need student loans for training.
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Nationally recognised qualification valued by employers across the UK.
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Practical work experience — real work skills from day one.
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Career pathways — from technical roles to professional careers.
Official overview & benefits:
GOV.UK: Is an apprenticeship right for you? — apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/benefits-apprenticeship
Government guide on how apprenticeships work — gov.uk/become-apprentice/how-apprenticeships-work
How to Search & Apply for Apprenticeships
The main centralised site for finding and applying for apprenticeships across England is:
Find an apprenticeship – gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship (search live vacancies & apply)
Helpful resources for applications:
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UCAS Careers & apprenticeships guidance — ucas.com/careers-advice
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Success at School UK careers & apprenticeship resources — successatschool.org
Tips for applying:
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Start searching early in the school year — many programmes open in autumn/winter.
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Build a CV that highlights school achievements, extended projects, and interests.
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Prepare for interviews by practising with your careers adviser and researching the company.
KS4 Apprenticeships (Ages 14–16 Progression)
At KS4 (Years 10–11), apprenticeships are open from age 16 — so students can begin preparing:
What to Know:
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Apprenticeships begin from age 16 (after GCSEs).
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Students in Y10–Y11 can explore types of apprenticeships and start building skills.
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Schools must give careers guidance including technical & apprenticeship options.
Useful Actions for KS4 Students:
Explore career sectors that interest you
Attend career assemblies & employer encounters
Register with apprenticeship search tools & job alerts
Take part in work experience or taster sessions
Explore apprenticeship pathways by level — gov.uk/become-apprentice/how-apprenticeships-work
KS5 Apprenticeships (Ages 16–18+)
At KS5 (Sixth Form / College age), apprenticeships become a direct option alongside A-levels or college courses.
Levels Most Relevant:
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Level 2 & 3 apprenticeships – equivalent to GCSEs & A-levels.
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Advanced apprenticeships – often require minimum grades and interview.
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Students can apply while still in education so long as they turn 16 by end of summer.
Where to Find Roles:
🔗 GOV.UK apprenticeship search — gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
🔗 UCAS careers & apprenticeship guides — ucas.com/careers-advice
Additional Benefits of Apprenticeships
Beyond qualifications and pay, apprenticeships can include:
Networking & workplace mentoring.
Peer support & teamwork skills.
Student savings via discount cards and NHS cost support.
Support & Further Careers Links
Here are some excellent online tools used by secondary careers teams:
Start Profiles — career pathways & planning tools
Rate My Apprenticeship — employer reviews
UCAS Hub — careers, jobs & application support
Success at School — mentors & career guidance
