HEAD START ON APPRENTICESHIP JOB SEARCH
SOME WEBSITES WHICH ADVERTISE A RANGE OF SCHOOL LEAVER OPPORTUNITIES:
APPRENTICESHIPS
The National Apprenticeship Service has details of apprenticeships in a wide range of jobs: leisure, travel and tourism; construction, planning and the built environment; ICT; education and training; health, public services and care; agriculture, horticulture and animal care; arts, media and publishing; engineering and manufacturing technologies; retail and commercial enterprise; business, administration and law. Advanced apprenticeships usually require 5 GCSEs (grade C or above), Higher Apprenticeships are the next step on from Advanced Apprenticeships. There are also degree apprenticeships available.
Register with https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship to search for jobs and apply online.
NOT GOING TO UNI
The Not Going to Uni website gives details of many of the school leaver schemes, schemes that include studying part time at university and a number of sponsored degrees. It also has other apprenticeship opportunities.
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
ALL ABOUT SCHOOL LEAVERS
Links to a range of companies with school leaver jobs and apprenticeships. Gives information and advice about the different routes available.
www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk
CAREERMAP
Careermap lists many school-leaver schemes and apprenticeships. You can register to be notified of opportunities when they open. www.careermap.co.uk
THE BIG CHOICE
A website with a good range of school leaver jobs and apprenticeships
www://bigchoicegroup.com
RATE MY APPRENTICESHIP
Rate my apprenticeship works with a number of big employers, advertising many of the school leaver schemes. Their website also contains lots of useful advice on the application and selection process.
https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
LDN APPRENTICESHIPS
https://ldnapprenticeships.com/ - General apprenticeship vacancies
MILKROUND
Milk round has opportunities for school leavers and graduates.
http://schoolleavers.milkround.com/jobs/
NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE
Useful information and advice about applying for jobs, including advice on different CV templates, and what to put in a letter of application. There are also profiles on different jobs.
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
BRIGHT KNOWLEDGE
Choose career pathways for some good job hunting tips, as well as ideas for getting work experience to post your CV
https://www.brightknowledge.org/
SEETEC
Training provider that deals with apprenticeships
https://www.seetecoutsource.co.uk/individuals/apprenticeships/
BEST APPRENTICESHIPS
https://bestapprenticeships.com/ - General apprenticeship opportunities
GET MY FIRST JOB
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/ - Gives information about apprenticeships including degree apprenticeships, work experience and graduate opportunities.
KENT TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS
https://www.kenttrainingandapprenticeships.co.uk/ - opportunities related to administration, teaching assistant, business support roles and many more.
JOBS AND APPRENTICESHIPS IN SECTORS:
A C grade at GCSE is either a level 4 or 5 depending on the employer
FINANCE AND BUSINESS
AAT Trainees (accountancy)
Many of the smaller accountancy firms recruit via the HAT group, and typically offer training in all aspects of accountancy while studying AAT qualifications
Entry requirements: 112 UCAS points from your top three A levels or equivalent, completed in the same academic year (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking) plus at least a C or level 4 in English and Maths GCSE.
http://www.hatgroup.co.uk/recruitment
BDO LLP (Accountants)
Opportunity to get the professional ACA accountancy qualification with BDO. Choice of routes: audit, tax, advisory financial services. Entry requirements 3 A’level’s between A* to C grade excluding General studies and Extended project.
http://www.bdoschoolleavers.co.uk/Home
THE BROKERAGE CITYLINK
Reports school leavers (and undergraduates) looking for jobs in the City and have strong links with a number of major employers.
http://www.thebrokerage.org.uk/
RSM: UK
A programme leading to AAT accountancy qualification. Requires 112 UCAS points (from your three A levels). After completing an AAT qualification you can go on to train for ACA or CA qualification and become a chartered accountant.
http://www.rsmuk.com/careers
BARCLAYS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES
Different levels of apprenticeship schemes with differing levels of entry requirements. Recruiting for Foundation is throughout the year, while applications for Higher closes earlier. Foundation roles across the branch network, contact centres or back office support you don’t need any qualifications. For roles in Technology and Operations you need 5 GCSE’s including Maths and English. Higher are available in Finance, Human resources, Internal audit, Leadership and Management and relations management functions, and lead to relevant degree or professional qualification. http://joinus.barclays.com/emea/apprenticeships/. To be eligible for their Higher Apprenticeship in Technology, you’ll need: For roles in England, 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at BCC). To be eligible for their Higher Apprenticeship in Operations, you'll need: For roles in England, 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at AAA-BBB.
BPP PROFESSIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS (ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS, FINANCE, LAW)
Train for professional qualifications in the relevant field. If you already have a suitable job, BPP can provide the apprenticeship training; if you do not have a job, use the BPP recruitment service where they will try to match you to a job. There are intermediate, higher and degree apprenticeships. https://www.bpp.com/apprenticeships.
DELOITTE
Deloitte’s new Bright Start programme is for school leavers looking for a chance to join a top financial organisation. To apply you need to be bright, ambitious and ready to grab a brilliant opportunity when it comes along. To have at least 104 UCAS points from 3 A’levels (or an equivalent in International Baccalaureate).
Good GCSE level apprenticeships in business administration and finance are also offered at their Milton Keynes and Cardiff support centres.
Deloitte also offer their ‘Scholar’ programme, with gap year employment, sponsorship at university, paid holiday work whilst at university, then fast track through the recruitment process for a graduate job.
Bright Start: https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/careers/articles/brightstart-business-apprenticeship-scheme.html?icid=wn_brightstart-business-apprenticeship-scheme
Support Centre: http://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/careers/articles/apprenticeship-scheme.html
Scholar Programmes: http://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/careers/articles/scholar-scheme.html
EY
School leaver programme with five year training programme in finance and business with a specialism such as tax or assurance.
http://www.ey.com/UK/en?Careers/Students/Students- Schools
INVESTMENT 2020
Investment 2020 is an organisation which works with a number of leading investment management companies such as M & G and Schroders. They offer a number of very good school leaver schemes. Some are one year programmes which can either be a gap year or a stepping stone into a job http://www.investment2020.org.uk
JP MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT
Financial Services apprenticeships last 18 months and require 3 A levels or equivalent. Specialise in investment operations, technology, compliance or finance. Degree apprenticeships in technology require 3 B’s at A’level’s including one STEM subject. JP Morgan also offer technology degree apprenticeships. Also offer work experience programmes. http://careers.jpmorgan.com/careers/programs.
KPMG
KPMG 360 degree programme rotates participants round the different audit, tax and advisory areas of the business for a 3 to 6 year period depending on the chosen qualification level. Entry requirements are 104 UCAS Points.
KPMG’s Audit Programme is a 5 year programme which includes studying for a degree in accounting at Durham, or Birmingham University (paid for by KPMG). At the end of five years you will be a fully qualified chartered accountant with several years’ experience with this accountancy firm. Entry requirements on the website: https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/school-leavers
PWC (Accountancy/Finance)
School and college leaver opportunities in assurance, consulting, deals and tax. 112 UCAS points required from 3 A’levels.
Flying Start degree programme offers a four-year course with paid work placements for those who want to study at university and to become a chartered accountant. Apply for these through UCAS at Newcastle University (AAB in A’levels); Nottingham University (AAB in A’levels); and Reading University (AAB in A’levels).
School/College leavers: http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/careers/what-are-apprenticeships.html
Flying Start Degrees: http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/flying-start-degrees/flying-start.html
LAW
Most people going into a career in law go to university to study law, or take a different degree followed by a law conversion course, but ILEX qualifications offer another route. Visit http://www.cilex.org.uk/study.aspx to find out more about work based qualifications in law including apprenticeships in legal services and legal secretary qualifications.
There are apprenticeships to become a solicitor. You can contact the ‘Law Society’ to find out which employers offer these opportunities.
ENGINEERING
Engineering is another sector with good school leaver opportunities. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) website is a useful source of information: https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/citb-apprenticeships/become-a-citb-apprentice/ Below are some opportunities:
BAM NUTTALL
Advanced apprenticeships for two years in civil engineering, quantity surveying and planning engineering. Followed by either progression onto a Higher National Diploma (HND) or site work.
Craft apprenticeships for 18 months is general construction work, formwork, sprayed concrete lining and steel fixing.
http://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/pg/careers and look under the Careers tab
BRITISH GAS
Variety of apprenticeships and traineeships, including electrician as well as gas engineer, and smart metering expert. For a number you must be at 17 and have at least a provisional driving licence, sometimes a full driving licence.
Entry requirements start at a minimum of 3 GCSE grades A* to C, preferably including Maths and Science for electrical traineeships, 4 GCSE grades A* to C including English, Maths and preferably science and a technical subject for other apprenticeships.
Visit: http://www.britishgasjobs.co.uk/careers//apprentices-and-trainees
LAING O’ROURKE – Construction and Management
Major construction company offering apprenticeships with opportunities for study, including completing a degree during that time. Jobs also include commercial management, HR, quantity surveying, procurement, as well as construction and engineering.
Apprenticeships last 2 to 4 years and can lead to an NVQ2 or on to an HNC level. They require 3 GCSEs preferably at C or above in English, Maths and Science. Most vacancies advertised in December, though not all.
School and College leavers Programme lasts 5 years and leads to an HNC or BSC degree. It requires CCC at A level ideally including Maths or Science - Applications Nov-March.
Scholarship Schemes are available and paid work placements for those on engineering, architecture/design, surveying, supply management or construction management based degrees. Applications Sept- Dec.
Apprenticeships: http://careers.laingorourke.com/explore-by-experience/apprentices.aspx
School Leavers: http://careers.laingorourke.com/explore-by-experience/school-and-college-leavers.aspx
MOTOR VEHICLE APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships leading to jobs as service technicians, body shop technicians and on technical jobs such as part consultant, customer service, and business administration.
Some of the apprenticeships offered require GCSEs at C or above in English and Maths, but in other areas, Remit will support the apprentice to achieve the equivalent. Check their website for further details:
Remit has also started to offer IT, Hospitality, Business, Health and Social Care apprenticeships.
http://www.remit.co.uk/apprenticeships/
NATIONAL GRID
Advanced apprenticeship programme in a range of gas/engineering roles. Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grades A* to C including English, Maths, one from the following: IT, Technical Drawing, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science or any other Engineering subject and two from the following: IT, Technical Drawing, Engineering (or any other Engineering subject), Science, English Literature, Geography or History.
Higher Apprenticeship Programme in cyber security, project management or as an infrastructure solutions architect. Entry requirements: 2 A Levels – Grades A* to C (1 must be in either Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computing) or an appropriate BTEC National Certificate or Diploma
Engineering Training Programme in management, network strategy, power systems or substations including studying for an HNC or degree. Entry requirements for Engineering Training Programme: 2A levels, grades A* to C. At least one must be in maths or physics, or an engineering/technology subject combined with maths a/s at C or above, or an appropriate BTEC National Certificate or Diploma level 3 with good grades in maths modules.
https://careers.nationalgrid.com/new-talent/apprentices
NETWORK RAIL
Advanced Apprenticeships in engineering. 3 year scheme. Entry requirements: 4 GCSEs grade A* to C (Level 9-5). The apprenticeships are in Track, Off Track, Overhead Lines, Signalling, Telecoms and Electrification and Plant.
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Offers a wide range of apprenticeships in engineering, built environment, business and finance, customer services, management and planning and technology and at different levels. These last from 1 to 4 years.
Entry requirements: Level 2 requires 3 GCSEs at C or above including English and Maths
Level 3 and 4 requires 5 GCSEs at C or above including English and Maths and sometimes science and IT
Level 5 (HR) requires 5 GCSEs including English and Maths and 2 A’levels
Also offer paid summer placements and a year programme for those on sandwich courses at university.
https://careers.tfl.gov.uk/
IT, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND LOGISTICS
Want to use your IT skills in your work, a job in IT, Telecommunication or Logistics to be right for you. These jobs will often require good customer service skills as well.
There is a great shortage of technical skills and a number of apprenticeships are available in technology.
BT APPRENTICESHIPS
Advanced and some Higher Apprenticeships in Business (customer service), HR, finance) and Technical engineering, IT, Vehicle Maintenance). Entry requirements for Advanced Apprenticeships: 4 GCSEs at C or above including English and Maths, and for engineering power Maths at B or above. Entry requirements for higher apprenticeships: 2 A levels at C or above and for Finance 3 A levels.
Degree Apprenticeships in IT require 3 A levels at BBC or above, or equivalent.
https://www.btplc.com/Careercentre/earlycareers/apprentices/
CAPGEMINI
Advanced Apprenticeship programme in software engineering which lasts one year and leads to a level 3 qualification. Entry requirements: 7 GCSEs at C or above including English and Maths.
Degree Apprenticeship Programme in a 4.5 year work and study programme in digital and technology solutions with study at Aston University. Entry requirements: 7 GCSEs at C or above preferably with good grades in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects, plus 3 A levels at CCC (96 points) or equivalent such as BTEC which must include a minimum of one distinction. Again, preference is given to STEM subjects, and some software roles will require a C or above in A level Maths.
https://www.capgemini.com/gb-en/careers/your-career-path/apprenticeships/
DHL
Apprenticeship available within logistics, transport, finance, engineering, customer service, HR and IT, closest location is Dartford. Entry requirements vary, some require no formal qualifications (eg, Driving, but need clean car licence), some to GCSE level (business admin.), most require Maths and English GCSE at C or above. Check their website.
www.dhl-apprenticeship.com for more information.
JP MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT
JP Morgan offer technology degree apprenticeships, meaning you can complete a degree (free of debt) whilst working for them. Please look on their website for details including other opportunities which are available.
http://careers.jpmorgan.com/careers/programs
JUST IT
Just IT work with many good employers in technology and they help you prepare for interviews and selection as well.
https://www.justit.co.uk/
QA APPRENTICESHIPS
QA works with a number of leading IT companies, including Microsoft, and HP, to offer apprenticeships in Systems and Networking, Digital Marketing and Skills, Business, Cyber Security, Software and Web Development, and Project Management.
Entry requirements: Systems and Networking, Digital Marketing and Skills, and Business require 5 GCSEs at C or above including English and Maths; Software and Web Development requires 7 GCSEs at C or above including English and Maths; Cyber Security and Project Management require A’levels.
http://apprenticeships.qa.com/programmes
3AAA
https://www.3aaa.co.uk/
3aaa Apprenticeships are a national training provider with locations across England. We specialise in the delivery of professional services Apprenticeships, embedding quality into everything we do. Our programmes include IT, Software, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Financial Services, Business Administration, Customer Service and Management.
To be accepted into the 3aaa Apprenticeships’ applicant pool, you must hold 5 GCSEs (graded A* to C or 9 to 5) or equivalent. You must also have a proven passion for IT.
DIGITAL SKILLS UK
https://digitalskillsuk.com/dss-apprenticeships-become-an-apprentice/ - They work with a wide range of employers to ensure that you find an IT apprenticeship that is right for you. This includes ‘IT Support and Networking’, ‘Digital Marketer’, ‘Junior Content Producer’, ‘Infrastructure Technician’, ‘Software Development’ and others. GCSE’s needed as entry requirements. 4 GCSE’s at D to E grade. Entry Level 3 in English or Maths or progression from ESOL.
COMMERCE – INCLUDING RETAIL
ALDI
Apprenticeship programmes: For the Career Starter- Stores Programme Apprentices do not require any qualifications.
For their Store Management Programme Apprentices will need GCSEs in Maths and English, grade 4 and above (minimum grade C or equivalent).
For their Drivers Programme you’ll also need to have held a clean and full UK Driving licence for a minimum of 2 years.
https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/apprentice/
MARKS AND SPENCER
They offer a range of apprenticeships. See online for more details. http://careers.marksandspencer.com/school-leavers
Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer - Our distribution centre at Castle Donington in the East Midlands has teamed up with Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) and Burton & South Derbyshire College to ensure our Maintenance Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) offers the most rounded learning experience possible. At least 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and Science or equivalent (expected or gained).
Retail Management Apprenticeship - You'll also gain a well recognised certificate in Retail Management, equivalent to a foundation degree. On our Management Scheme for School Leavers, you’ll spend 18 months experiencing Food, Fashion, Home and Store Operations.
MORRISON
https://www.morrisons.jobs/early-careers/apprentices apprenticeships are available in:
Finance – A professional accounting technician (Level 4 CIMA qualification apprenticeship) – 112 UCAS Points and a Level 7 or above in Maths and English GCSE – would need to move to Bradford
Engineering – Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer – in the world of food manufacturing – Level 6 in GCSE Maths and at least a Level 5 in GCSE English and Science.
Butchery – To be at least 16 years of age (no qualifications specified) – work towards a level 2 meat apprenticeship
NESTLE
The 3 year Nestle Academy Fast Start programme offers a Chartered Management Degree apprenticeship leading to a professional business practice degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Entry Requirements: 104 Ucas Points from 3 A levels or equivalent and 5 GCSEs with English and Maths at B or above. There is also an Operations Degree Apprenticeship and Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship which requires 3 A levels or the equivalent with 104 Ucas Points.
Nestle also runs an apprenticeship programmes in other sectors and for students who just have GCSE’s. These involve Engineering, Food Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Information Technology.
https://www.nestleacademy.co.uk/apprentices/
TESCO
Apprenticeships leading to a level 4 and level 6 qualification in either Finance, Product, Food Science and Finance or Retail operations. Programmes are 3 years long depending on the route taken and require 96 UCAS points and GCSE English and Maths or above.
https://www.tesco-programmes.com/apprenticeships/.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
BBC
BBC runs several apprentice and trainee schemes, with different entry requirements, in Journalism, and Engineering, Production and Business Support. https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
ITV JOBS
ITV offers a range of apprenticeships in Business and Administration, Creative and Digital Media, Customer Services, Social Media or Legal practice
http://www.itvjobs.com/workinghere/entry-careers/apprenticeship-programme/
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE APPRENTICESHIPS
Interesting and unusual opportunities to use practical/artistic skills: apprenticeships in areas such as: stage technician, armoury, scenic art, set carpentry, metal working, costumer performance support and footwear. Many departments are based in new, state of the art facilities at Thurrock. Gain relevant qualifications at level 2 and 3.
http://www.roh.org.uk/learning/schools-and-colleges/apprenticeships
SKY
The Sky Academy offers a range of apprenticeships in Business, Customer Service and Technology which are all at the GCSE level, and News and Sports Journalism which require A’levels or the equivalent.
https://careers.sky.com/earlycareers/apprenticeships/
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
There is a growing number of apprenticeship opportunities within the health service. These are advertised on the NHS job website (www.jobs.nhs.uk) from time to time – re-visit it regularly. It is also worth visiting websites of individual health trusts. Many apprenticeships in social care are advertised on the National Apprenticeship website https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
A C GRADE AT GCSE IS ACCEPTED AT LEVEL 4 OR LEVEL 5 DEPENDING ON THE EMPLOYER.
USEFUL LINKS
www.icould.com Features films of real people talking about their careers and the route they took
www.careersbox.co.uk Free online library of a careers related films, news and information
www.ucas.com Information about university courses and applications
https://www.ucas.com/alternatives/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-england/what-apprenticeships-are-available/degree-apprenticeships
There is also a section on the UCAS website on degree apprenticeships
https://careermap.co.uk/ncfe-careerhow/ Find out more about careers and the qualifications you need and apprenticeship vacancies
www.successatschool.org Lots of information about careers sectors, information and advice
https://guest.startprofile.com/ For 11-25 year olds with articles and expert advice, plus employers profiles
www.getingofar.gov.uk Information about apprenticeships with video clips and opportunities
www.healthcareers.nhs.uk Lots of information, advice and guidance on careers in the NHS
www.parentalguidance.org.uk Careers information and advice for parents and carers
www.goconstruct.org Information about careers in the Construction Industry
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ CV builder, job profiles and lots more
https://www.grows.ac.uk/resources/education-options/best-course-4-me - Information about Post 16 Options and Higher Education
www.barclayslifeskills.com – Information about interview skills for young people, problem solving skills, smartening your CV and how to get work experience
www.thestudentroom.co.uk - Information about post 16 and Post 18 options, a Personal Statement builder, Information about Sexual Health, Mental Health, Fitness, Fashion and Beauty and other information
https://unistats.direct.gov.ukm – the official website for comparing UK Higher Education data
www.princes-trust.org.uk – Help getting a job, Support starting a business and other useful information for young people
https://hittraining.co.uk/ - Hospitality opportunities