Where to Look for Openings

Finding the right apprenticeship means knowing where to search. Don't just rely on one source; use a combination of these to find the best fit.

• GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship: This is the UK government's main portal. It's the most comprehensive source for all apprenticeship levels in England.
• UCAS: While known for university applications, UCAS has a dedicated tool for finding apprenticeships, including higher and degree-level programs.
• Direct Company Websites: Many large companies post their vacancies on their own career pages. This is a great way to find specific programs from major employers.
• Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn are excellent for finding roles. You can search for "apprenticeship" or "school-leaver programme" and filter by location and industry.

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Companies to Watch in Key Sectors

Apprenticeships are available in almost every industry. Here are some of the most popular sectors with excellent opportunities for school-leavers.

Health & Social Care 

This is a fast-growing sector with a huge variety of roles, all focused on helping and caring for others. Apprenticeships here can lead to a long-term, fulfilling career in clinical or social support.

• Roles: You can find apprenticeships for Healthcare Support Worker, Adult Care Worker, Pharmacy Assistant, and even degree apprenticeships in nursing or physiotherapy.
• Employers: The NHS is the largest employer in this sector and offers a vast number of apprenticeships across its trusts. You should also look at private healthcare providers, care homes, and community support organisations.
• How to Apply: Check the NHS Jobs website and the GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship service. Private providers often list vacancies on their own sites and on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn.

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Technology & Engineering 

These industries offer roles that are both hands-on and office-based, with many leading to a degree.

• BBC: Offers apprenticeships in areas like broadcast engineering and production.
• BakerHicks: Provides apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing.
• KPMG: Has opportunities in technology and engineering.
• Arup, Babcock, BAE Systems, & JCB: These are major engineering employers with extensive programmes.

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Construction 

The construction sector is a fast-growing industry with a high demand for skilled workers. Many of these apprenticeships are degree-level.

• Balfour Beatty, Kier, Morgan Sindall, & Skanska: These national and international firms offer a wide range of apprenticeships, from civil engineering and quantity surveying to site management.

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Film & TV

For those with a creative passion, the film and TV industry offers a rewarding path with a variety of behind-the-scenes roles.

• Roles: Look for apprenticeships in creative industries: production, production assistant, post-production, and broadcast engineering.
• Employers: Check the career pages for major broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and production companies like Warner Bros.
• ScreenSkills: This is the industry's skills body and a fantastic resource for information and job listings.

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Finance & Accounting 

If you're interested in business, finance apprenticeships can lead to professional qualifications without the debt of a university degree.

• BDO, Barclays, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, RSM, & St. James's Place: These are all major players in the financial sector with established school leaver programmes.

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Sport 

Sport apprenticeships are perfect for those who are passionate about using sport to help others, whether as a career or a hobby.

• Roles: Common roles include Community Activator Coach, Sports Coach, Personal Trainer, and Leisure Duty Manager.

• Employers: Look for opportunities with local councils, community sports foundations (like those affiliated with Premier League football clubs), and training providers such as Ignite Sport UK or Coach Core.

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Top Application Tips

Applying for an apprenticeship is a lot like applying for a job, so it's important to be prepared.

• Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight skills you've gained from school and extracurricular activities. Think about teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
• Research the Employer: Learn about the company's values, recent projects, and the specific programme you're applying for.
• Be Persistent: Don't be discouraged if you don't get an offer right away. It's common to apply for several apprenticeships before being successful.
• Prepare for Assessments: Many companies use online tests or assessment centres. Familiarise yourself with them and practice where you can.

Good luck, and remember to check The Cottesloe School's Careers Hub for more guidance and opportunities!