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Apprenticeships & School Leaver Schemes

There are so many alternatives to university it can be hard to know where to start looking. Listed below are some of the best websites to get you started. Sign up with the sites, ask for alerts and you will receive tailored information about opportunities that could be of interest.  At present you have to apply to each firm individually, so you must plan in time for this.

www.notgoingtouni.co.uk is a good starting point for advice about alternatives to university. You can choose to explore different areas and they have in-depth guides on many alternative options. 

www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk is really helpful as all the reviews are written by current apprentices; look out for their 'top 100' rankings

www.apprenticenation.co.uk has some excellent resources including videos, work-throughs and mentorship opportunities.

www.ucas.com is also a good place to research apprenticeship options.

All apprenticeships should be advertised through the government’s site: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. You need to know which ‘level’ to look for:

  • level 4/5 is equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree (the first year of a degree)

  • level 6 is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree

  • level 7 is equivalent to a master’s degree.

If you are doing A-levels then search for:

Higher apprenticeships which lead to qualifications at level 4 and above.

Degree apprenticeships involve gaining a university degree while you work (level 6 or above)

* You need to be eligible to work in the UK to apply for an Apprenticeship

www.amazingapprenticeships.com - lots of useful advice including a Vacancy Snapshot tool identifying large, prestigious firms recruiting in the coming year​

www.GetMyFirstJob.co.uk - allows you to search by industry, job title and location.  You can sign up for alerts about newly posted opportunities.  You should create an account to receive alerts of interest.

www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk - allows you to search for opportunities based on your school A-level subjects

www.springpod.com lets you connect with employers and runs a variety of online sessions you can sign up to join

Young Professionals UK has a downloadable app, updated daily with apprenticeships and work experience opportunities from companies across the UK and their sister website apprenticeships.co.uk is also excellent.  Look out for their in-person and online events which enable you to hear direct from employers.​

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