Young Apprenticeship

Will I get paid?
As this is part of your education, you won’t receive any payment, but you will have travelling expenses reimbursed.

What will I gain from being a YA?
You’ll receive a Level 2 nationally recognised vocational or equivalent qualification. You’ll gain an invaluable insight into the career opportunities available in the industry, and you’ll have developed loads of personal and business skills, which will help you when you apply for jobs in the future.

I’m interested, where do I find out more?
Ask at your school to find out if it is one of the many which are taking part in the YA programme in your area. You can also talk to Connexions before, during and after the programme to help you make the right choices.
If you’re a parent or guardian, we know you’ll want to make sure your son or daughter is making the right choice. You’ll find more answers here [link to parent/guardian FAQs.

Parent/guardian FAQs

Will it have a negative impact on other qualifications?
It shouldn’t. Past experience has shown it can actually enhance other subjects due to the personal skills developed by being on the programme.

What do employers/Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) think about the YA programme?
Employers who are involved with the YA programme see it as an ideal opportunity to promote their service and attract young people into the workforce. When it comes to HEIs, the evidence shows that students who have completed a YA programme have a higher retention rate on post 16 programmes that students who have not done a YA.

Do YAs need a CRB check?
A Criminal Records Bureau [CRB] check is carried to check an individual's record for criminal information, and is a legal requirement for jobs which involve working with children. However, strictly speaking CRB checks should not be necessary for YAs, as they are supervised 100% of the time. Some employers do insist on it, and as parent/guardian you will need to give your consent to it being carried out. The risk assessment undertaken prior to the start of the placement will have identified if there is a need, and the Partnership will pay for it to be carried out.

What sort of placements are available?
Placements will cover health care, social care and early years sectors in equal proportion. This generally equates to 17 days in each sector. All placements are health and safety checked and a full risk assessment completed to cover the types of activities the YA will be involved with. YAs will not be placed in high risk environments where the risk outweighs the experience, so far example, it’s unlikely they will be placed in an A&E dept.

Will they be safe at placement?
It is the responsibility of the school to ensure the health and safety of the Young Apprentices. The school is either the lead partner for the YA programme or is part of the partnership. There will be a designated person who is responsible for the risk assessments for every part of the programme. As the YA is under the minimum school leaving age (MSLA) the parent or guardian should receive a copy of the risk assessment relating to the placement the YA will attend for work experience.

How much will it cost?
It won’t cost anything to be part of the programme as it is funded via the Government. Travel to placements will be met by the partnership.

What are the hours of attendance?
In most cases, they will be within school hours and term time. However, to get the most from the experience there may be times when YAs will need to work beyond the normal school day and perhaps in the holidays. You’ll be told in advance if this is the case, so you and the student can decide if you wish to undertake this commitment.

Will students have to give up any time in their holidays?
Ask your partnership for more information as some run summer schools or offer additional work experience in the holidays.

How can I support/help my son/daughter?
As with any course, the best support is encouragement. You will be invited to information sessions to ensure you are fully informed and understand the level of commitment necessary from your son or daughter.

As a parent, what parental consent will I need to give?
It is likely that you will be asked in the first instance to sign the application form completed by your son/daughter to give approval to them applying. If they are successful, you will have to give consent to such things as photographs being taken, being taken out of school, attendance at training days etc. Your Young Apprenticeship coordinator will keep you well informed and be in regular contact.

I’m confused about all the different Apprenticeships. Where can I find out more about them?
Go to http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/