Apprenticeships

Higher and degree level apprenticeships

Students who are considering the apprenticeship route when they finish sixth form are provided with 1:1 support and guidance from Mrs Court, Careers Adviser. This includes help with finding and applying for an apprenticeship, completing application forms, compiling a CV and practice interviews.

All students seeking an apprenticeship will have a 1:1 meeting in Year 12, followed by further meetings in Year 13 if required. They also have the opportunity to attend an apprenticeship group. Apprenticeship vacancies are posted regularly in the Year 13 MS Teams Apprenticeship group: General | Year 13 Apprenticeships Group

Previous students have gained apprenticeships at companies such as the BBC, Network Rail, Barclays and Mott MacDonald:

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you will:

Work alongside experienced staff
Gain job-specific skills
Earn a wage and get holiday pay
Get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)

Levels of apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

Name	Level	Equivalent Educational Level
Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A Level
Higher	4,5,6,7	Foundation degree and above
Degree	6, 7	Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

Higher and degree apprenticeships are available at levels 4 to 7. They combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry.

Higher apprenticeships go from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above e.g. a professional qualification. Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 (full bachelor’s and Master’s).

Higher and degree apprenticeships are likely to be very competitive and should not be seen as an 'easier' alternative to university. However, students are provided with support throughout the Sixth Form to ensure that they are informed and prepared for apprenticeship opportunities and vacancies when they arise. This includes:

Morrisons Apprenticeship Workshop: Matthew from Morrisons delivers a fun, engaging session to our Year 12 students annually, with information and activities on employability skills, CV writing and interview techniques.
Students attend the UK University and Apprenticeship Search Fair and Altrincham College's own careers fair, held annually, where they have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of local and national employers and apprenticeship providers.
Employers are invited into school to offer talks and lunchtime drop-in sessions and help with practice interviews.
Post 18 Options Evening for parents takes place at the start of the summer term and includes advice and information on Higher Education and Apprenticeships, with talks from external providers.

Useful websites:

Looking for more information? Please see the attachments below: