Apprenticeship Integration: Information that Sticks – Coombe Wood School
June 17, 2025
We ensure that information delivery is always integrated, rather than occurring in isolation. Teachers introduce students to apprenticeship opportunities, which are then reinforced by education providers, employers and our impartial careers advisor who maintain an ongoing discussion about these options.
We regularly evaluate our events through student feedback forms and consistently find that students are positive about apprenticeship pathways, often noting that they feel more informed after each event. Being able to build students’ apprenticeship knowledge over the years of study with us, we ensure that when they make decisions about their next steps, those choices are well-informed.
Our careers programme includes:
- A PSHE curriculum preparing students for post-16 education that includes dedicated lessons on apprenticeships.
- Key Stage 3 and 4 presentations from apprenticeship providers.
- Sixth Form enrichment talks from providers and employers.
- Drop Down Day sessions focused on apprenticeships.
- Careers fairs and speed networking with apprentices and employers.
- Workplace visits to engage with apprentices and former apprentices.
- One-to-one impartial guidance for students pursuing apprenticeships.
Quote
After visiting a local construction firm, one of our Key Stage 3 students reflected “I learnt that they offer degree level apprenticeships and that the traditional university route isn’t the only way into roles such as Quantity Surveying.”
“I want to say a big thank you to the Pharmacy Technician who came to our Careers Fair because it helped me build confidence in choosing an apprenticeship and gave me a better understanding of what grades I need.”
After visiting the Kia Oval’s Apprenticeships and Education Fair, students reflected “I learnt that many more companies offer apprenticeships than I thought”, another said “I learnt about the different types of apprenticeships”, while another said “I learnt about the type of things you can expect from an apprenticeship”.
There were also nice surprises from students about how much some apprentices could earn as well as students aspiring to join the police and army being very happy to hear directly from these organisations that they don’t have to go to university and can complete an apprenticeship for a successful career with them.
