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Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development
The CIPD is the professional body for those involved in the management and development of people.
What is involved in an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships give you the chance to work for an employer, learn on the job and earn money. You can choose from a wide range of job areas depending on local availability. You can then work towards a level 2 qualification or you may be able to choose an Advanced Apprenticeship, which will allow you to work towards an NVQ level 3 qualification.
An Advanced Apprenticeship can lead onto higher-level qualifications such as a HNC/HND, foundation degree or part time honours degree, which can be studied whilst you are working. Your Personal Adviser in school will help you to apply for Apprenticeships in Year 11.
Professional Apprenticeships – if you're between 18 and 24 you can do a Professional Apprenticeship which gives you the chance to get level 3 or 4 qualifications and a Foundation Degree.
Can I get an apprenticeship if I don’t have any qualifications?
YES! But you’ll probably have to spend more time at college or in training and your options will also be reduced as you need certain GCSE grades for some courses. You may also be able to join training initiatives such as ‘Entry to Employment’ (e2e).
How do I find out about jobs?
Use our cnx2jobs website to find out about jobs for school leavers. Your Personal Adviser will be able to tell you more about these vacancies, which may also be displayed on your school's Connexions noticeboard. The jobs won’t start until after the official school leaving date, which is the last Friday in June each year, but you often have to apply earlier in the year. You can also find job vacancy information on our website at Cnx2jobs.
What employment opportunities are available to me at 18?
Most young people leaving college at 18 go on to Higher Education but a number choose to go into jobs and Professional Apprenticeships. There are good opportunities in areas of growth such as Finance and Retail. There are also opportunities in Central and Local Government, the Armed and Public Services, Engineering, Health and Social Services and ICT amongst other sectors. Your Connexions Centre will have more details, as well as the following websites:
Where can I get more advice and guidance if I need help in making my decisions?
There are a number of people who can help you. Contact your Personal Adviser who can help you choose which option is right for you and give advice on opportunities, training and funding. You can also contact Connexions Direct, which offers quick access to advice and information on a range of topics. Connexions Direct or call them on 080 800 13 2 19 to speak to an adviser. For advice on going to University or anything to do with higher education you could also use the Email an Adviser service at Uni4Me.
What help can I get if I’m in a job without training?
The Learning Agreement is for young people in employment without training. Your Connexions Personal Adviser will talk to you about getting an accredited qualification, which will help you progress in your chosen career. You will receive bonus payments of up to £250 for achievement. They can also talk to your employer about the Learning Agreement.