Here are some useful links and some useful information about apprenticeships:

 

 

What is an apprenticeship? 

Apprenticeships combine working in a job you enjoy with attending college or a training centre (usually one day a week), giving you the best of both worlds. You can gain industry recognised qualifications plus get an opportunity to start your career – and the really good bit is that you get paid while you are training. 

What apprenticeships are there? 

There are many different occupations to choose from, so start by thinking about what you are good at and what you enjoy. This could be working with people, doing practical hands-on work, having a caring personality, being good at technical work, enjoying computer work… You will spend a long time at work, so choose something that will keep your interest!  

You can choose from: Accountancy, Administration, Bricklaying, Catering & Hospitality, Customer Service, Childcare, Dental Nursing, Electrical Installation, Hairdressing, Motor Vehicle, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing, Using IT, Welding & Fabrication, Joinery, Plastering, Engineering, Retail…  

Some job areas like Administration, Catering and Retail have vacancies regularly; others like Construction or Electrical Installation are very hard to find vacancies in.  

How do I find an apprenticeship? 

• Use your contacts! Talk to family, friends, neighbours, the easiest way into an apprenticeship is via contacts. 

• Look on https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch  School leaver vacancies mainly come on board after Easter.  

• See www.notgoingtouni.co.uk for vacancies with large employers all around UK 

• Contact local training providers direct. Apply on their websites or phone and ask for an application form. The providers are listed at the back of this handout. 

• Look on the websites of large companies/organisations like: e-on, BT, Siemens, Anglian Water, Network Rail, Lincoln City Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Co-operative, Lindum Construction, Gelder Construction, high street shops, banks, car retailers … Some big employers have early deadlines and advertise from January onwards. 

• NHS Jobs and apprenticeships: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/ Search for ‘Apprenticeship’ and ‘Lincoln’ for example. 

• Look up local companies on www.yell.com and telephone or write to them asking about possible apprenticeships. Choose the type of company you are interested in (day nursery, joiner etc.) and search for ‘Lincoln’ area. 

• Check the Job Centre website www.gov.uk/jobsearch. + Job sites like www.indeed.co.uk  Do a search for ‘Apprentice’ and ‘Lincoln’- apprenticeships turn up there too. 

Getting an apprenticeship can be challenging, as there are always more young people wanting apprenticeships than there are vacancies. You need to be able to sell yourself in applications and interviews. You need to show interest and enthusiasm and pass entry tests. An apprenticeship will not fall on your lap, you need to have the motivation and get-up-and-go to make it happen.