How To Help Your Child Explore Apprenticeships

According to Government statistics, apprenticeships are on the rise. Figures show that in the 2023/24 academic year, around 339,580 apprenticeship starts were recorded – an increase of 0.7% from the previous year. Of this, 23.2% apprenticeship starts were under 19s. 

With the rising cost of living, the ability and a growing demand for experience in industry, apprenticeships are an illustrious option for young people deciding what to do next. They offer the ability to ‘earn while you learn’ and provide the hand-on education that many children prefer. 

As parents, you play a pivotal role in helping your child decide on their education, and ultimately their next steps in their career. While this may be a daunting prospect, it’s essential to support them in finding the path for them. 

Starting the conversation about apprenticeships

It’s very likely that your child will have some information on apprenticeships when they start showing interest in them. This could be from an assembly, a tutorial, speaking to past students, watching a film, or attending a careers fair.  

The perfect place to start is by speaking openly with your child to learn what they know and understand about different career paths. Once you understand what they know and are interested in, you can plan, discover with them, and learn more about the possibilities to help make an informed decision. 

Here are some questions to help you start the conversation: 

• Have you thought about what kind of work you’d like to do in the future? Do you know if an apprenticeship could help you get there? 

• Do any of your friends or classmates talk about doing an apprenticeship after school or college? 

• Have your teachers or career advisors mentioned apprenticeships to you? What did they say? 

• Would you like to talk to someone who’s done an apprenticeship to hear about their experience? 

• Would you like to visit an open day or event to learn more about apprenticeships and meet employers? 

Understanding apprenticeship terminology

One of the key benefits of an apprenticeship is that it combines learning and working to create and develop skills that are essential to beginning careers. As a parent, it is important to familiarise yourself with the key terms and aspects of apprenticeships so you can help your child understand the responsibilities involved. 

Apprenticeships are classed as a ‘job with training’, meaning that apprentices are paid during their entire apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid in line with the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices, although some employers may decide to pay more than the NMW but are not obliged to.  

As part of their apprenticeship, apprentices are given off-the-job (OTJ) training during their regular working hours to learn the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in their apprenticeship.  

Examples of OTJ training are: 

• The teaching of theory: Lectures, role-playing, simulation exercises, online learning and manufacturer training 

• Practical training: Shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions 

• Learning support: time spent writing assignments and revision where this is specifically required for achievement of the apprenticeship 

Researching apprenticeship opportunities

Once you know the subject area and career that your child would be interested in, you can begin to find information on an apprenticeship programme that matches.  

Research apprenticeships close to you by visiting local training providers and college website. You can also look out on social media, and we would recommend attending events, open days, and job fairs for more information on apprenticeships. 

The Government also has an official website, Find An Apprenticeship, where all apprenticeship opportunities across the UK are posted. This is where your child can apply for an apprenticeship or, alternatively, they may be able to apply directly with a training provider or college. You child may also want to approach an employer themselves, to ask about any apprenticeship opportunities. 

Helping your child make an informed decision 

When helping your child make decisions about apprenticeships, allow them to weigh the pros and cons of an apprenticeship compared to other education pathways. It can help to write down a list or create something visual to compare. 

If your child decides on an apprenticeship, you can help them prepare for the application process. It is important that your child applies for the apprenticeship themselves, but you can support them by reading over their applications, CVs and cover letters, correcting grammar and spelling, and setting up mock interviews to prepare them for their apprenticeship interviews. 

Final thoughts 

Empowering your child to explore apprenticeships can open doors to rewarding career opportunities. By staying informed, asking the right questions, and offering support, you’ll help them navigate this exciting path with confidence. 

Get in touch to find out more about our apprenticeships and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Grimsby and Skegness: 

📞 01472 311222 opt.5 

📧 myapprenticeship@grimsby.ac.uk 

Beverley, Bridlington, Scarborough, and Hull: 

📞 01482 390888 

📧 business.development@eastridingcollege.ac.uk