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Andy Tuck Operations Manager at Bankfield Financial Advisers, Leicester:
"Too many companies are ready to discard the value of young people today. Bankfield feel it is essential to help young people gain the skills to move into the work place."
Young Apprenticeships
Introduction Young Apprenticeships (YA) is a two year programme for 14-16 year olds supported by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). It is aimed at motivated and able pupils who would like the chance to experience workplace life in a supported way and who will benefit from building a strong foundation before moving on. It combines the practical application of skills and knowledge in a vocational context while studying qualifications that relate to particular occupational sectors. This offers students the chance to undertake apprenticeships post 16 or follow traditional progression routes. The programme contributes to a more personalised approach to teaching and learning, centred on understanding the different learning styles and needs of individuals.
The programme is in its fourth year and there are over 12,000 students nationally taking part studying Art and Design, Business and Administration, Construction, Food and Drink, Engineering, Manufacturing, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, The Motor Industry, Performing Arts, Retail, Sports Management Leadership and Coaching, and textiles. In Leicestershire, LEBC has over 100 students participating in a programme that meets their needs and those of the local community and it's destined to grow.
How does the programme work?
In Leicestershire the YA programme is a small scale, high quality route at Key Stage 4 (Year 10) which allows students to have extended experience of work and pursue vocational qualifications, sometimes outside school, whilst continuing with core curriculum studies. Pupils participating in the programme are studying either Health and Social Care, Construction or Business and Administration alongside statutory curriculum qualifications. On the two days per week (or equivalent) that they spend on the YA programme, they'll work towards vocational qualifications. These will be taught through a combination of classroom delivery, training provision and direct experience of work. The programme will include 50 days experience of work and much of the practical learning will be on the job. Industry standard equipment and practices apply, providing direct experience of what it's like to work in a sector and the requirements of the labour market.
Enrichment Activities
Attending work placements will not be the only experience for students for their 50 days experience of work. To give students a wider understanding of business as a whole, part of the 50 days will include enrichment activities. These will involve trips to various businesses as well as workshops and visits from professional personnel. An example of this was an event hosted by British Gas Business. Students on the Health and Social Care and also the Business and Administration programmes visited British Gas Business for a tour of the company and had talks from the on site nurse and a senior manager. The day included team building exercises managed by LEBC and interview technique sessions run by British Gas Business staff.
Developing Through Young Apprenticeships
An important part of the course is developing the social skills needed in the workplace along with the job itself. As well as meeting employees at work, students have the chance to meet others on the scheme. They will also come into contact with other adults as they pursue broader enrichment activities and take part in enterprise education to enable them to understand business in the wider context.
Beyond the Young Appprentice Programme
If students find the vocational route is right for them, they can choose to pursue a post 16 fulltime apprenticeship. Their experience and qualifications may even help in completing these courses early. If they don't choose a full time apprenticeship at age 16, young people can still follow routes for learning as they will have completed the core national curriculum. After any of these options, pupils can progress to higher education - perhaps following a course at university that builds on their industry specific skills.
Click on the appropriate link below for more information:
To contact LEBC to discuss Young Apprenticeships please click here.
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