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Apprenticeships

Learning Through Experience

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to combine study with real-world experience. They allow students to earn while they learn, gaining nationally recognised qualifications while developing practical skills in the workplace.

With over 1,500 occupations across 170 industries – from construction and digital technology to healthcare and finance – apprenticeships can provide an exciting route into the career of your choice.

The Sixth Formers’ Guide to Degree Apprenticeships is an excellent resource for all students. It contains a comprehensive breakdown of all the industry sectors and insight from recent degree apprentices. 

Sixth Formers’ Guide to Degree Apprenticeships

Types of Apprenticeships

There are different levels of apprenticeships to suit different starting points:

Intermediate (Level 2)
Equivalent to GCSEs

Advanced (Level 3)
Equivalent to A Levels

Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 and above)
Up to foundation degree level

Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6–7)
Equivalent to a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Apprenticeships can take between one and six years to complete, depending on the level and sector.

If you’re not quite ready for an apprenticeship or job, you may also consider a traineeship with a local employer.

Traineeships page

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are growing in popularity and offer:

  • A full university degree while working in your chosen industry
  • No tuition debt, as costs are often covered by the employer
  • The chance to graduate with both qualifications and years of experience

Start your research using the Unifrog Apprenticeship Tool and watch this [Unifrog tutorial video]. You can also explore the Sixth Formers’ Guide to Degree Apprenticeships, packed with insights from recent apprentices.

Unifrog Apprenticeship Tool
[Unifrog tutorial video]
Sixth Formers’ Guide to Degree Apprenticeships

“Unifrog has assisted me in the search for a degree apprenticeship, making it very easy to explore opportunities based on location and level. It’s simple and enjoyable to use for everyone.”

Tayyab, Year 13

Additional Support

Support at CHA

At Chiltern Hills Academy, we ensure students are fully supported to explore apprenticeship opportunities:

  • In Year 12, all students take part in the Apprenticeship Support & Knowledge (ASK) programme, including assemblies and mock assessment workshops.
  • We host apprenticeship awareness events and invite guest speakers to share their experiences.
  • Students can practise applications, interviews, and assessment skills through our careers programme.

Useful resources include:

Case Studies and Success Stories

Learning from others’ journeys can be inspiring. Explore these real-life stories:

UCAS and Apprenticeships

UCAS also provides excellent information on apprenticeship opportunities, alongside their university pathways. Explore:

Students can also sign up for Smart Alerts through UCAS, receiving tailored updates about live vacancies. With over 300,000 apprenticeships starting each year, these alerts can help you spot the right opportunity at the right time.

Apprenticeship Resources

National Resources
Local Resources
Industry-Specific Resources

Related Links

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE

POST-18 OPTIONSUCASAPPRENTICESHIPSWORK EXPERIENCE

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

OVERVIEW OF SIXTH FORMMEET THE TEAMA LEVEL RESULTS DAYENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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