Apprenticeship

What's an apprenticeship?

This is a fellow class mate (Claire) that is taking an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship is a course you do for a year with a certain person, company, shop or others. There are two levels of Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. You can take apprenticeships at the age of 16 and above. Apprenticeships last at least 15 months, while Advanced Apprenticeships last at least 2 years.

Still confused?

An apprenticeship is basically...Say you want to work in a hospital. You have to apply for it and if you get accepted, you'll be able to study there for about a year (Or even more). What you do there is watch your teacher (Trainer or who ever is guiding you) and of course listen to them. It's basically school but instead it's just you and your teacher. You could take notes and stuff like record what's happening so when it's your turn you can do it successfully. 

So it's really just an offer to young people giving them the opportunity to learn on the job with an employer, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time.
To apply for an apprenticeship, you go to the place you want to work at. You could also apply online as well. For more information, check on the sites. Or go seek help at 'connextions'

This is my cousin Lucy that's taking an apprenticeship.

I suggest you take an apprenticeship because it gives you a better chance to get your dream job. Also it would be better for your studies. But you have to decide whether you can work under the required job conditions which can sometimes be hazardous, dirty, uncomfortable, or otherwise unpleasant. Also apply to an apprenticeship program that suits you best (you may apply to more than one).

So my tip for this one is, take it if your desperate. But it's really important that you're a clever student. You need atleast grades A-A* GCSE grades in maths and english, or if you don't, you'll be most likely to be asked to take a test on these two subjects.
Plus this means you don't really need a job, like me!