Schools login area
How to get work experience in health and care roles in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Information and guidance for Apprentices, Employers and those thinking about starting an Apprenticeship.
Resources
Just like with any new job, starting an apprenticeship can be a daunting experience. But don't panic! We've got you covered, from first applying for your apprenticeship to the interview right through to your first day on the job. Take a look through the pages below to get the best from your apprenticeship experience.
Each apprenticeship programme lasts a minimum of one year and includes some kind of an assessment at the end. This could be a project, a discussion, or an observation of practice. Entry requirements to apprenticeships vary but it is useful if you have GCSE A-C (9-4) in English and Maths to start, although some employers will let you do this at the same time as your apprenticeship.
Depending on what qualifications you have already will depend on your starting point. Some employers use apprenticeships to develop their existing staff into different or more senior roles. They might also employ new staff members as apprentices and use this opportunity to train them over at least a year to work safely and competently within their organisation. If you are looking for an apprenticeship it is useful to know what area/s you wish to study. This might be based on your GCSE, A-Level, or college course or on your interests. Do some reading on careers that might interest you as this will help you search later.
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
Level
Equivalent educational level
Intermediate
2
GCSE
Advanced
3
A level
Higher
4,5,6 and 7
Foundation degree and above
Degree
6 and 7
Bachelor’s or master’s degree
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
To start an apprenticeship you have to be aged 16+, living in England and not in full-time education, or have a similar qualification to that which you want to study.
You need to do some reading and investigating in your search for an apprenticeship. It is the same as applying for a job, so you must give it the same focus, and dedicate a good amount of time and energy into preparing yourself and writing your applications.
It is important to know what kind of field you want to train in. Having a look at current vacnacies really helps to see what's available. If you are looking for degree apprenticeships, and you already have, or are studying on A Level courses then you will need to start searching in October of Year 13. A number of large employers advertise early, and although they may leave the advert open for months, applying early gets your application started and gives less pressure later.
It is best to go for a general area at first, then read as many adverts as you can – this will help you to understand what roles exist in your chosen fields, you might have lots of choices, and then you can eliminate those you don’t like the sound of, or are too far to travel to. This reading will help you understand what your role might be as an apprentice, what responsibilities you would have and what qualification you will study during your apprenticeship. It also helps you to understand what the entry requirements are and what the required grades might be for key subjects. This is especially important in key areas where your apprenticeship builds on GCSE study in the sciences, or maths and English.
Wether you are still researching or you're ready to apply, we've brought all the apprenticeship vacancy information into one place.
If you are applying for an apprenticeship in the NHS, you will most likely use the NHS jobs website to make your application. This means you will put your information into an online form - you won't need to upload a CV.
Social care and organisations in the voluntary and community sector might have different ways for you to apply, like using a CV for example.
A CV is a useful way of having all your exam results and any other work or volunatry experience in one place and you can refer to it when doing your applications. When you write your supporting statement make sure you refer to the job you’ve applied for and include points on how you meet the person specification. This is your opportunity to show them that you have the skills and experience that make you suitable for the apprenticeship you’re applying for.
Getting the best out of your interview.