National Apprenticeship Week took place 10-16 February. Our schools held a number of activities including employer workshops and live broadcasts as well as interview technique and what to expect in assessment centres. See below for a round-up of some the content we posted, along with useful links.
⁉️ Did you know, UTC leavers are four times more likely to secure an apprenticeship than the national average?
Case study 1 – UTC Reading graduate Alice Greibig who is a few months into a Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship.
“It’s a very competitive field so expect rejection going in, it doesn’t always mean that you aren’t good enough for the job, but you just might not fit the workplace or there were 300 other people also going for that one position. Have a good knowledge of the company and their product and make sure you fully understand the job you’re going into and why before sending in your application as that will make the later stages of the interviews a lot easier.”
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❓ This National Apprenticeship Week we ask what is an apprenticeship❓
⚙️ Apprenticeships are a genuine job that allows you to get paid as you learn.
🖐 Whatever your age or experience, an apprenticeship can be a valuable investment in your future! Particularly if you’re looking for a hands-on approach to your education.
🙋 By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
✨ There are so many amazing apprenticeship opportunities across a variety of industries. Find out more about apprenticeships and see current vacancies at www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Case study 2 – UTC Oxfordshire graduate Floyd Rayner who has gone on to study nuclear mechanical engineering at a major national defence company.
Of his apprenticeship he says: “I’ve gained a lot of independence and confidence since starting the apprenticeship. I found that the changes to my lifestyle made it crucial to develop an extent of accountability, especially while working in the nuclear sector!
“While most leave education with no work experience to talk of, an apprenticeship teaches you both the required knowledge for your qualification but also provides relevant working experience in the industry, meaning that employment is substantially less challenging.”
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💡 Deciding between university or an apprenticeship❓
An apprenticeship can be a viable alternative to university, offering:
🖐 Hands-on experience – in a specific trade or profession, which can be valuable for certain careers
👷♀️ On-the-job training – which can be a more effective way to learn certain skills compared to classroom instruction
🆙 Clear career pathway – often leading to well-paying jobs and a successful career
💸 Cost-effective – tend to be less expensive than traditional university degrees
🤑Earn while you learn – learn and earn simultaneously
💪 Flexibility – can be tailored to the individual’s needs and can be full-time or part-time, dependent on the person’s circumstances
😲You might also be surprised at the scope of apprenticeships on offer, spanning a range of industries, including engineering, health, construction, IT, business… there’s something for everyone!
Find out if your goals align more with an apprenticeship or university: https://lnkd.in/gP463A27
Case study 3 – UTC Swindon graduate Nathan Plenderleith who is doing an Aeronautical Engineering apprenticeship with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
“The reason I chose this apprenticeship is because it gave me the opportunity to explore the world and develop new skills in areas I never previously thought of. If you want to join any of the military apprenticeships then do as it’s the best thing you can do I think. I would definitely say that I’ve become more mature and organised as a person.”
All four of our UTCs hosted incredible Employer Days, giving students hands-on experience in key employability skills. From mock interviews and CV workshops, to public speaking, LinkedIn sessions, and insights into apprenticeships and university pathways, these events provided a crucial step towards their future success.
Case study 4 – UTC Heathrow graduate Dhruv Salanki is undertaking a Building Services apprenticeship at CBRE Data Center Solutions.
Dhruv found out about CBRE when he worked with the company with our Digital Futures Programme. He says the UTC helped him land his apprenticeship: “100% – I knew my stuff with my engineering background and the interviewers liked that.”
Read more about Dhruv’s experience: https://lnkd.in/eeGY48fn
We delivered Mock Assessment Centre events, held across all four of our UTCs with our Digital Futures Programme partners acting as mentors. Pathway CTM delivered engaging and insightful sessions, helping students understand what assessment centres and group interviews, often encountered at apprenticeship level, are all about and how to excel in them!
✅ Students learned top tips for performing in interviews
✅ Worked in teams to develop and present solutions to a business brief
✅ Gained confidence and skills for their future careers
Case study 5 – UTC Heathrow graduate Sakina Ladak who is an Digital and Technical Solutions apprentice at Airbus.#
“Getting my BTEC really helped with my knowledge. You get asked lots of technical questions in your interview and you don’t expect it. And I think just having attended at UTC makes lots of companies notice you. They know UTCs are supported by companies and the students will already have certain skills others don’t.”
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