Young Apprenticeship
School Teacher
Help students who want to combine practical studies with their GCSEs.
Many 14-16 year olds are keen to pursue their interest in vocational learning – especially if much of that learning can take place in the context of ‘real work’.
Young Apprenticeships offer them this opportunity: they offer bright and motivated Key Stage 4 students the chance to spend up to 50 days over two years gaining valuable work experience, whilst they work towards an additional vocational qualification and continue to study for their GCSEs.
We’re now entering our 4th year of offering YA and experience has shown that with good planning, and support, the logistics of studying off-site can be catered for within the existing timetable.
How does it work?
Students at Key Stage 4 are recruited onto the YA programme. Mainstream education continues as normal, with all Young Apprentices being required to continue with the statutory curriculum for three days a week, whilst the other two are spent at college, with a training provider or with a local employer.
Each YA is required to complete a portfolio demonstrating work experience. This can be taken forward and used to provide evidence of underpinning knowledge and give credits towards other qualifications and programmes. Each student is also encouraged to develop reflective learning practice through the use of journals and diaries demonstrating their work-based learning and experience. The whole process is personalised and each YA has full support through the programme.
Progress in terms of skills and knowledge is recorded through reviews at each work site; the submission of employer feedback and the information gathered by pupils themselves with the aid of a YA Progress Log.
Ofsted's findings
Ofsted found that the YA programme is providing a successful addition to traditional Key Stage 4 provision. It comments that students on the YA programme are highly motivated and achieving well, that the curriculum meets their needs and teaching is effective.
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