Leaving school can be a confusing time for many young people; there are many paths you could go down (like taking an apprenticeship for school leavers) but having so many different options can make the decision on what you’re going to do even harder. You may feel like you have to have everything figured out right now, but there’s one option you can take which isn’t always talked about, which is an apprenticeship for 16 year olds. If you’re turning away from the idea of going to college but still want to remain in education then school leaver apprenticeships are the perfect! At Avant Skills Academy we know just how daunting this point in a learners life is, so if you’re stuck on what the next step for you is, in this blog we’ll explore what are post 16 apprenticeships. So when it comes to making important decisions about your future, you’ll be well informed.
What Is An Apprenticeship For 16 Year Olds?
You can do an apprenticeship from 16 years old, but they’re not just available to school leavers – you can do one at any age. However, if you have just finished your GCSEs then this is an ideal time for you to pursue this path. On this course you will still take part in classroom learning (with Avant this is normally one day every two weeks), but the majority of your time will be working in a job. Obviously the role will depend on the apprenticeship you apply for, however, this is an advantage; as it gives you valuable experience and a head start in your career. When you complete the course you will come out the other end with a qualification as well as relevant skills that can be carried over to different sectors.
Why Choose A School Leaver Apprenticeships
At school it‘s encouraged that students take the traditional A-level and then university route. But that doesn’t always work for everyone. More importantly, it’s not always a good fit for everyone. Some young people are ready to start earning, and are eager to start working, unable to see themselves studying in a classroom for the next two or three years. Post 16 apprenticeships offer a clear route into a wide range of industries while you earn a real wage. You won’t rack up student loans like you would if you went to university. However, if you also want to keep that door open, a level 3 apprenticeship qualification is accepted by the majority of universities across the country. So you don’t have to feel like choosing this path means you’re stuck working in that specific industry for life, in fact, a lot of the skills you pick up can be carried over into many different kinds of jobs. So why choose an apprenticeship for school leavers? Well because the opportunities are limitless!
What Post 16 Apprenticeships Can You Do?
There’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are only for trades like construction – while at Avant we do offer those courses with our partnership with OTE Construction Training, this is an outdated idea. You can do an apprenticeship in just about anything. Here are some of the post 16 apprenticeships we offer at Avant:
Business Administration
Our business administration apprenticeship for school leavers teaches you how a company operates. You’ll learn about stakeholders and internal processes, and you may deal with day to day tasks like taking minutes in meetings and a range of admin jobs. These skills can be transferred across different office jobs in various sectors.
Content Creator
If you love being creative, a content creator apprenticeship may be right for you. You may work with real clients on live projects; being responsible for things like social media management or content writing. You could work in house for a company or work for a creative agency.
Data Technician
Analytical learners will thrive in a data technician apprenticeship. You’ll learn data analysis and data manipulation, which could land you a job in healthcare, finance, technology and more!
Hairdressing Professional
We also offer hairdressing apprenticeships, ideal for those who love working with their hands whilst also being creative. If you have a passion for hair and beauty this course will provide you with the skills and experience to thrive in a salon environment.
Construction
If you love the idea of a practical, hands-on job, an apprenticeship in construction is the way to go. You’ll learn bricklaying, plastering, site supervision and more. At Avant, we offer this course in connection with OTE Construction Training.
Pre Apprenticeship
If you are leaving school and haven’t got the grades you were hoping for, or you are done with traditional school but don’t feel quite ready for a job, then a pre apprenticeship can help you fill the skill gaps and get you to a level where you’re ready to start an apprenticeship with confidence.
Apprenticeship For 16 Year Olds: What To Expect
Starting an apprenticeship at 16 isn’t the same as just getting a job. It’s a structured programme. That means you’ll usually work four days a week and spend one day doing off-the-job training with your apprenticeship provider. This could take place online or in a classroom like with Avant. The aim is to reinforce what you’re learning on the job and help you build towards your end-point assessment.
At Avant, school leaver apprenticeships come with wraparound support. You’re not just thrown into a role and left to figure it out. Your tutor stays in regular contact, helping you make sense of your coursework and guiding you through the practical side of things. It’s all designed to help you pass your apprenticeship successfully and set you up for whatever comes next – hopefully a full-time job. You’re also paid for your time. The minimum wage for apprentices changes each year, but at 16, you’ll be entitled to the apprentice rate.
Why Choose Avant Skills Academy?
If you’re in Hull or Grimsby, at Avant Skills Academy we offer a wide range of apprenticeships for school leavers. We’ve got a course for everyone, if you want an office based job our business administration course could be ideal, but if you want to enter a more hands-on trade, we also provide construction apprentices. Leaving school is a big moment in every young person’s life, and there can be a lot of pressure on choosing the right path. But a post 16 apprenticeship can open up many doors for you and set you up for a successful career. Get in touch with us today or take a look at our vacancies and take your first step into your future.