Young Apprenticeships
The Young Apprenticeship programme is an opportunity for students aged 14-16 to gain a taste of 'real work' while continuing with core academic studies.
- Over two years, students spend two days per week (or equivalent) working towards the programme.
- Students study towards a work-based or work-related Level 2 nationally recognised qualification.
- Qualifications can contribute towards an accelerated post-16 apprenticeship.
The Young Apprenticeship programme has been positively evaluated by Ofsted, the independent inspectorate:
"Employers … identified benefits in the programme for their own organisations. In young apprentices they saw young people who were developing the skills and aptitude to progress in their industry. The young apprentices would join the labour market with desirable skills and an understanding of different aspects of the vocational area. These would enable them to make a fuller contribution to an organisation when they entered full- time employment. Employers in some vocational areas saw the programme as a means of introducing more able students to vocational areas which they might not otherwise have considered. …Some employers also used the programme for assessing and recruiting potential employees. Young apprentices have gained employment as a result of successful work placements." The Young Apprenticeships programme 2004-07: an evaluation, Ofsted
Government policy in the area of work-related learning and work experience is currently being formulated, and this includes Young Apprenticeships. You can get more information on Young Apprenticeships from the DfE.
Benefits for employers
- The Young Apprenticeship is an opportunity for employers to make a valuable contribution to the future direction of the UK workforce.
- Employers can help to bridge the current skills gap in the market.
- Young apprentices may decide to seek a job with the employer after leaving education.
Benefits for students
- A Young Apprenticeship enables students to experience 'real work' while still studying towards core subjects at school.
- It can help them to make an informed decision on whether to leave school and join the workforce after they have completed compulsory education, or to continue with non-compulsory education (e.g. A levels).
- Students will gain a work-based or work-related qualification at Level 2 that will support them in the workplace.
Getting started
- Visit the DfE website page on Young Apprenticeships.
- Visit the Excellence Gateway's information on Young Apprenticeships.
- Download a guide for Young Apprentices from the Excellence Gateway website.
- Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk for more information on the benefits of becoming a provider.
- Visit the Take action section on this site, for more information on what to do next.
- Visit the Business and Administration Young Apprenticeship site.