Apprenticeship Preparation Programme – TEAL

May 1, 2025

In 2016 I developed an Apprenticeship Preparation Programme to help bridge the gap between education and future employment. I felt that the majority of young people within our catchment area were choosing to go to university because there was a lack of confidence when choosing an apprenticeship over a university course.

The lack of timeline and preparation events in comparison to UCAS was really noticeable and students would see their peers being offered course places very early on in the academic year and feel the pressure of choosing an alternative route.

We decided to create our own timeline of preparation activities to increase the confidence levels of both students and their parents/carers. The Apprenticeship Preparation Programme begins in the final term of Y12 into Y13 and throughout Y11. The students can engage in employability skills development masterclasses, employer mentoring, work placements, one-to-one appointments, skills workshops, mock interviews and CV classes. Our provider links will also review CVs and provide feedback.

In addition to this, our teaching staff have received information and guidance on how to link their curriculum to apprenticeships to boost interest. Delivering the sessions throughout the academic year and using previous alumni as case studies has not only increased the confidence levels, but also the number of applications too!

Quotes

“Hi Miss. Just wanted to let you know that I have been successful in my application for a degree apprenticeship as a Project Controls Consultant. I start in September. Many thanks for all your help over the past 2 years, especially in checking over my initial application letter to them.”

“Hello Miss. Just wanted to let you know my good news, I’ve been offered an accountancy apprenticeship which starts in January!! I’d just like to thank you so much for all the help, support and generosity you’ve given me these past 4 years. I really appreciate everything you’ve done. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. I really wish you the best and I’d like to thank you for pushing me to help me achieve this apprenticeship, I honestly wouldn’t be where I am now without you!!”

“Good afternoon, I’m just emailing to let you know that I have obtained a 4-year engineering apprenticeship with Nestle. I found that The Apprenticeship Preparation Programme, and especially the Greenpower event was really useful in the interviews for Nestle and other companies like BAE and KCOM that I later turned down. They were all really impressed with the Greenpower event and I really hope you keep it going in the future. Thanks.”