Update: Following government decision the YA programme came to a close at the end of Cohort 7, July 2012. Have you seen AutoStart? The new automotive based vocational training programme designed for learners in school who are aged 14-16.
Step one - talk to your school contact
The first step is to find out more about the Young Apprenticeship programme being offered in you local area.
Every school will have a person that you can talk to about the options available for you from year 10. If your school offers the Young Apprenticeship programme as an option, you should discuss this with the named contact. This may be your head of year, a work placement co-ordinator, or your Head Teacher. If your school has run the programme before you may be able to find out more about it from pupils who are already taking part in the programme. Ask them what they think about the programme and ask them where they think it will lead.
At school, you will be told about the requirements of the programme. You will need to assess if you are able to do this as well as GCSE’s, what it will mean to your core subject studies and what the programme has to offer. This discussion may also include your parents.
Step two - meet with programme provider…
The different organisations in the partnership will organise events for you and your parents to explain what the programme is all about. This will provide an opportunity for your parents to talk about any concerns they may have about the programme. It’s also a chance to get more detail on what you will be doing if you are successful and selected onto the programme. You will also see where you will be learning and meet the teaching staff. You may also get to meet a prospective employer.
This event will aim to give you as much information as you need to ensure you make an informed choice. At the end of this event, you will be asked to complete an application form, this will starting the motor going and get you set for driving down this interesting and challenging road.
Step three - go through selection process…
Every provider that offers the Young Apprenticeship programme will have a selection process they use to get young people onto their programme. But the process is likely to include the following requirements:
- You will be asked to complete and submit an application form.
- The partnership will ask for your predicated grades for English, maths and science to get a general picture of your ability.
- Some providers will ask you to write a brief statement as to why you want to do the programme and what interests you about the motor industry.
- Providers will also use their own in-house assessment tools that will look at your engineering ability and manual dexterity.
- You will also be asked to attend an interview, which could include your prospective employer.
- All of this will happen before a final discussion is made with your school and you find out if you have managed to secure one of the limited places on the programme. Competition to get on the programme is likely to be fierce.