Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship provision starts at Level 2 so is only suitable for young people already holding Level 1 equivalent qualifications (or working at that level) - some providers will also ask for specific maths and English requirements but this will vary depending on the sector, employer and training provider.
To complete an apprenticeship, young people must be employed. Apprentices need to apply online for an apprenticeship vacancy and be successful at an interview before a training provider will take them on as an apprentice.
If you have a special educational need or a disability (SEND) and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we will support you with applications and interview preparation, as well as helping you to search for an apprenticeship.
There are four different levels of apprenticeship:
- Intermediate - equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
- Advanced - equivalent to two A-level passes.
- Higher - equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
- Degree - comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree. Find out more at degree apprenticeships.
Way2Work deliver all of the internal Apprenticeships for Achieving for Children and some for Kingston and Richmond Council.
If you are interested in working in any of the following areas, your social worker or key worker can work with Way2Work to help find a vacancy for you:
- Business Administration - office roles in private companies, local authority, school reception
- Customer services - call centres roles within local government, caretaking roles
- Child Care - Nurseries and children’s centres
- Supporting Teaching and Learning - Teaching assistant in primary schools
- IT - Local authority IT dept
However, all of the above are dependant on the vacancies available at the time.
For other areas of work, you would have to find a vacancy on the National Apprenticeship Search. We can support you with this.
Vocational Education
There is a range of vocational study programmes run by local providers. These programmes are usually provided in small groups and therefore can be more accessible than a traditional college.
These courses suit young people that want to gain more qualifications in a supported environment and also offer other activities such as gym sessions, visits, taster days and work experience.
Useful links
Traineeships
A Traineeship is an education and training programme with an extended period of work experience. They are designed to help young people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience. Traineeships provide essential work preparation training, English, maths and work experience needed to secure an apprenticeship or employment.
Traineeships can last up to a maximum of 6 months and will include:
- work preparation training provided by the training organisation
- English and maths support if required, provided by the training organisation
- a high-quality work experience placement with an employer
In addition to this, the employer and the training provider can add flexible additional content to meet the needs of the business and the local labour market.
At the end of the traineeship, each young person will be guaranteed a job interview if a role becomes available. If a job is not offered they will be offered an exit interview together with meaningful written feedback to help them secure an apprenticeship or employment with another employer.
Eligibility
You could be suitable if you are:
- Motivated to work
- Unemployed, or work fewer than 16 hours per week and have little work experience
- Aged between 16-24 and qualified below Level 3
Supported internships / Project Search
Supported internships and Project Search are structured study programmes based primarily at an employer. If you have a learning difficulty or disability, a supported internship could enable you to achieve sustainable, paid employment. It will equip you with the skills you need for work through learning in the workplace.
Internships normally last for a year and include unpaid work placements of at least six months. You should be able to move into paid employment at the end of your internship. You will complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if suitable and English and Maths to an appropriate level.
Eligibility
- Supported internships can only be offered to young people with a special educational need or disability (SEND) and that have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Young people must be aged 16 to 24 (or 17 to 24 if the supported internship is through Project Search)
Who should I contact ?
Advice and guidance can be provided by the 14 to 25 team by calling 020 8547 5408 and speaking to Gill Higgins or Mumen Tapandar and booking an appointment if required as a follow up.
What should I do if I’m having trouble with accessing support for training and learning new skills?
If you are having trouble accessing skills support, you should speak to your leaving care personal advisor. They should be able to help you. Other sources of help include the Head of the Virtual School or the designated person for care leavers at the place of education you want to attend. Your personal advisor can put you in touch. If they cannot help, you can get independent advocacy from:
Coram Voice Call: 0808 800 5792
National Youth Advocacy Service Call: 0808 808 1001
TOP TIP
The Define Me app by The Mix can help you find out what skills you have that would help you find a job.