Finishing school can be scary, you’ve spent years studying and getting ready for the real world – but where do you start? There are many options, some people apply to university and others start apprenticeships. If university isn’t for you, an apprenticeship is a great way of starting off your career, gaining experience and a qualification whilst earning some money at the same time.
In which field should you seek apprenticeships?
First, you need to think of the type of apprenticeship that you would like to go into. This is crucial, it’s your chance to pick the field that you are best suited to and the field that excites you the most. Here is a list of possible fields that you could go into depending on your interests:
Healthcare, animal care, social care, education
With healthcare, you could search for apprenticeships with the NHS, armed forces or your local authorities. Also, try to see what there is to offer at your local doctors’ surgery, pharmacy or hospital. However, if you prefer to work with animals, you could look for apprenticeships in your local veterinary practice, get involved with wildlife management projects or even look for positions related to animal and environmental care.
Or maybe your passion lies with working with people. There are several areas that you could get involved with, for example, teaching. If you yearn to bestow your knowledge onto others and help shape the future, possible positions include classroom assistant, learning and development officer or a specialist trainer. Other apprenticeships with people include working with your local council, you could enquire about working with social services and other public health sectors.
Creative, media, arts, publishing, fashion, music
So, you have a creative streak within you, whether you enjoy drawing, keeping up to date with the latest fashion trends, playing instruments or even if you like television programmes, the possibilities are endless. Let’s say that you have a creative and a technical side, you could be perfect working within media, areas such as graphic design, tv production, camera work or publicity.
With media also comes other topics of interest, you could look into theatre production and design, acting, music marketing or artist management?
Of course, the most common apprenticeship for fashion lovers is a hair and beauty one, however, there are other ones that you could look into and they’re just as interesting. How about looking into possibilities like interior design, personal shopping assistance, nail art, becoming a professional masseuse or physiotherapist or even retail?
Business, accounting, admin, law
Although the salary might start off a little lower than you would like, working in these areas is particularly useful if you want to get onto the corporate ladder early – and don’t forget, you can work your way up and get yourself into more desirable positions. If you have the knack for it and you enjoy working with numbers why not try accounting or insurance?
If you possess numerical and communicational skills, you could go into administration, or into roles that work closely with people, such as human resources, marketing and customer services. Law is also a popular field for the people that have great communication skills, you could find placements at any of your local law firms or with the council.
Other possible sectors for apprenticeships are engineering, tourism, construction, transport, hospitality, etc. The list really is endless, the important thing is finding out what interests you and what your skills are most suited to be doing.
Now, don’t worry too much, employers will understand that you have just finished school and that you don’t have much experience in the world of work. However, you can make yourself stand out from other students by doing a few things that aren’t related to working, but will interest and entice employers…
- Volunteering & fundraising
- Reading books related to your topic of interest
- Attending lectures/talks related to your field
- Build up a portfolio for yourself (if this is something that would be useful for your field)
- Pick up a new hobby/skill that can be transferrable to a workplace, for example, learning a language, public speaking or exercising.
It’s difficult to pick just one field to go into, however, if you take some time to think about what you want to do, you will find the perfect apprenticeship. The important thing is that apprenticeships offer you an insight to the real world and they provide wonderful opportunities for students that have little experience. All-in-all, if you don’t want to go to university for whatever reason – an apprenticeship is a very smart move.
How to apply for an apprenticeship
When seeking apprenticeships as a school leaver, consider the following tips:
- Understand the statutory school leaving age: Familiarize yourself with the statutory school leaving age in your country or region. This knowledge will help you determine the appropriate time to start exploring apprenticeship opportunities.
- Research school leaver programs: Look for specific apprenticeship programs or initiatives designed for school leavers. These programs often cater to individuals who have recently completed their compulsory education and provide structured training and employment opportunities.
- Explore primary school apprenticeships: Some apprenticeship programs are specifically designed for individuals interested in working in primary schools. Research these opportunities, which may include roles such as teaching assistants or childcare apprenticeships.
- Utilize school leaver job resources: Look for job boards, websites, or portals that specialize in school leaver jobs. These platforms often list apprenticeship vacancies suitable for individuals who have recently left school.
- Tailor your CV for school leavers: Create a CV that highlights your educational background, any relevant coursework or certifications, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. Use a template designed for school leavers or seek guidance from career services to ensure your CV showcases your skills and potential.
- Explore apprenticeships in your desired location: If you're specifically interested in finding apprenticeships in London, focus your search on job boards or resources that cater to the local market. Consider joining local networking events or career fairs where you can connect with employers offering apprenticeship opportunities.
- Research school leaver schemes: Some companies or organizations offer structured school leaver schemes that combine on-the-job training with formal education or qualifications. Look for these schemes, which often provide a pathway for school leavers to enter specific industries or professions.
- Consider apprenticeships beyond year 11: While some apprenticeships may be available immediately after completing year 11, others may require additional education or qualifications. Explore apprenticeships that are open to individuals who have completed A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
- Understand the benefits and responsibilities of apprenticeships: Familiarize yourself with the benefits of apprenticeships, such as earning a salary while gaining practical experience and qualifications. Also, be aware of your responsibilities as an apprentice, including attending training sessions, completing assigned tasks, and meeting performance expectations.
- Keep an eye on school leaver programs for the future: If you're planning to leave an apprenticeship prematurely, ensure that you understand the implications and follow the appropriate procedures. Stay informed about school leaver programs or initiatives that may be available in the future to support your career development.
Remember to use relevant keywords and phrases when searching for apprenticeships online, such as "school leaver jobs," "primary school apprenticeships," "school leaver programs," "school leaver schemes," "jobs for school leavers in London," and "school leaver programs 2023." This will help you find targeted opportunities and resources.
Post by Anika Tazmin
Anika is a 4th year student at the University of Nottingham.
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