Aspirational Apprentices – The College of Richard Collyer
July 21, 2025
‘Aspirational Apprentices’ is a 10-week bespoke enrichment programme for students at Collyer’s who wish to progress into apprenticeships at the end of their Level 3 programme of study. Taking place during the Autumn term, this programme equips Year 13 students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the rigorous application and recruitment processes, ensuring they receive the same level of support as their peers applying through UCAS.
Programme highlights:
• ASK Apprenticeship Sessions (before the programme ended in July 2025)
• Guest Speakers: Insights from employers and successful Collyer’s alumni
• CV and Personal Statement Workshops: Expert advice from a local recruitment agency
• Interview Preparation: Activities to build confidence and competence
• Mock Assessment Centres: Realistic practise to enhance essential skills
• Personalised Careers Guidance: the offer of one-to-one meetings with our Careers Advisor
• LinkedIn Setup: Guidance on creating a professional online presence
• Peer Learning: Opportunities to share progress and learn from fellow students
Building on the success of the initial programmes in 2023 and 2024, we introduced the ‘Aspirational Apprentices’ short course in January 2025. This intensive 4-week course, timed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, allows students who missed the longer programme to catch up on crucial information regarding applications, recruitment stages, CV writing, and personal statements. Both the 10-week and short courses are now integral parts of Collyer’s Progression Pathways Programme, reflecting our commitment to supporting every student’s journey towards a successful career.
Quotes
“I am very pleased to let you know I have been successful with an apprenticeship application and have been accepted a level 4 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship at West Sussex County Council. I would like to thank you for organising and running the Aspirational Apprentices enrichment activity. Guests such as James from ASK apprenticeships, and other information like recording roles applied for on Excel were a massive part of my application success.”
“I hope you’re doing well, I just wanted to share some exciting news with you – I’ve received an offer for a degree apprenticeship in Supply Chain and Logistics at GSK! The assessment centre went really well last Monday, and I was thrilled to get the phone call the next day offering me the role. I also wanted to say a massive thank you for running the enrichment sessions. They really helped me understand what to focus on and gave me the confidence to keep pushing through the application process. I don’t think I’d have been as prepared without your support, so I truly appreciate it! Thanks again, and I’m looking forward to keeping you updated as I start the apprenticeship!”
“I attended your aspirational apprenticeship enrichment sessions, and I just wanted to reach out and say I have been longlisted for one of my applications. The company now want me to send through a portfolio, which I am working on now. Fingers crossed it all goes well.”
“I’ve secured an in-person interview with BAE systems for the aerospace engineering degree apprenticeship. I’m currently doing research – particularly on the content they have provided for me – the interview is next Monday!”