Apprenticeships have evolved since their 2017 reform, becoming a dynamic and rewarding career path. Yet, misconceptions still deter students. Drawing from my experience supporting applicants, this blog offers insights and tips to help schools demystify apprenticeships and encourage exploration.
Educating parents and carers
Parents and carers often play a significant role in shaping their children's career aspirations. According to our research, 30% of parents and carers don’t know that you can apply for university and apprenticeships at the same time, and a third do not know it is possible to get a degree through an apprenticeship. Hear are my top tips in how you can support these powerful influencers:
- Highlight opportunities
Direct parents to resources like the UCAS Parent Guide to apprenticeships in your newsletters, parent evenings, and display screens. UCAS now features a comprehensive list of vacancies with a full list of apprenticeships from the government’s Find an Apprenticeship site, plus more. - Offer easy comparisons
Embed the UCAS widget on your careers pages to allow parents and carers to easily compare apprenticeship and university options side-by-side. This can help them understand the diverse pathways available. - Address concerns
Many parents and carers have questions about specific aspects of apprenticeships, such as support for neurodivergent students or even relocation options. Provide links to the new UCAS resources that address these topics directly.
Empowering students
Schools play a vital role in assisting students to explore apprenticeships.
- Promote apprenticeships alongside university: The UCAS Hub now enables users to explore both apprenticeships and full-time university opportunities side-by-side.
- Share employer profiles: Along with the vacancy board, you can show your students the companies that will offer apprenticeships at some point during the year, and help them make a wish list of companies they would like to apply for.
- Organise employer events and guest speakers: Invite industry professionals to share their experiences and insights into apprenticeships. If your school is short on time, consider bite-sized video calls during tutor periods to inspire. Also consider bringing these people into staff CPD and inset days so all teachers can update their understanding of apprenticeships and feel comfortable to ask their own questions.
- Develop strong partnerships with businesses: Careers hubs provide a useful resource for you to learn about key events in your region that can aid exploration. LinkedIn is an amazing tool for sourcing new employers to work with. One of my favourite links I made through this was a psychology lecturer who gave an employability session on first impressions in interviews. Not only will regular posts inspire companies to get involved, but it will allow you to identify the relevant outreach people for a company.
By working together and promoting accurate information, fostering positive perceptions, and providing comprehensive support, we can help change some of the outdated narratives that can surround apprenticeships.