This week in school, there was a hive of activity and a special focus on degree apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW).
NAW aims to raise awareness of the many benefits apprenticeships offer and is a fantastic chance to learn about apprenticeships and explore options.
Led by Mrs Becky Southern, Careers Adviser, a voluntary timetable of different events was open to boys across the school interested in taking this route as an option after Sixth Form. The week kicked off with a full-school assembly on Monday which explained the benefits of degree apprenticeships over the traditional university route, as well as dispelling common myths.
A series of live talks took place across lunchtimes and evenings throughout the week for boys and their parents to attend to explain more about what an apprenticeship is, the range of career options, the levels of apprenticeships, where to find them and how to attend an apprenticeship day.
These talks were held by a variety of different employers, including ITP Aero, MARS, Glenair, Compass Group and the NHS.
We were also joined by Old Bedfordian Oliver Mitchell (13-18) who did a degree apprenticeship with EY achieving his Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Ollie gave a talk about his route into this path, the benefits to him and the career opportunities he has available to him now. His talk followed a question and answer session where lots of questions were asked ranging from “Do you see yourself working for EY in the future?” to “Did you regret not taking the traditional university route?”
Also on display all week was a table in the foyer of the Bell Room with leaflets, a post box for questions and Mrs Southern on hand to answer any questions.
The Bedford School Degree Apprenticeship Academy
The Bedford School Degree Apprenticeship Academy was set up in September 2023 in response to more boys showing an interest in degree apprenticeships – a trend which corresponds with national data. Nationally, in October 2023, UCAS launched its apprenticeship service alongside its university service due to the demand that they saw on their website.
The Bedford School Degree Apprenticeship Academy helps boys who are interested in degree apprenticeships get the support needed to make an informed decision on whether it is the right pathway for them as well as more information on how to apply. Boys are given advice on:
- What is a degree apprenticeship? Where do I find them and how do I apply?
- A winning CV for a degree apprenticeship
- A standout cover letter for a degree apprenticeship
- Interview skills and techniques
- Acing your assessment centre
The degree apprenticeship recruitment pathway is quite long and has multiple steps that require many skills from the boys. Lots of these skills have been gained through opportunities at Bedford School, such as presenting, working in groups, problem solving, etc, but boys also need guidance on how to demonstrate and talk about these things using appropriate technical language and in a professional way.
As part of our Degree Apprenticeship Academy, we offer 1:1 specialised support and offer activities such as online or in person mock interviews to support boys’ applications. Unlike university applications, degree apprenticeships can be applied for throughout the year and do not have a set and simple process. It is different for each apprenticeship as it is the company who is in control of the recruitment. Upper Sixth boys need to be very organised in the autumn term if they want to also meet the deadline for a UCAS application and also apply for degree apprenticeships offered by more prestigious companies. Some applications open as early as November for the following September.
Degree apprenticeships starting in September can be applied for right up until the summer of each year. As the recruitment process is three to six months boys benefit from ongoing and adhoc support from our Careers department as they apply for different opportunities. Guiding boys to success in degree apprenticeships takes time and specific expertise, which we offer to them through the Degree Apprenticeship Academy.
Mrs Southern explained, “Here at Bedford School, our boys often run a dual application process with UCAS and Degree Apprenticeships paths, to leave all their options open. Offers made are often greater than positions taken, as some boys receive multiple offers and still go off to university through UCAS, and some boys have the luxury of choosing between competing degree apprenticeship offers. We are already helping boys become more aware of these opportunities lower down the school, and creating more opportunities to engage with employers to network even further.”