Skills Funding Agency
With this being the first year that young people are required to stay in education or training until they turn 18, theres never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship.
Apprentices now have the opportunity to get in and go far with an apprenticeship at some of Britains biggest and brightest companies, including Google, ASOS and ITV. With three levels of apprenticeships, intermediate, advanced and higher/degree, people with varying skills and qualifications can consider apprenticeships as a great option for a successful future.
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said:
This is an exciting time of year for young people, but it can also be worrying as they wait to hear what their future holds. We want young people to know that whatever their results, an apprenticeship can offer them a successful future. We want it to become the norm for young people to choose between an apprenticeship and university as equally prestigious routes to a great career and secure finances.
Apprenticeships have increased at a record rate. More than 850,000 people were earning and learning on an apprenticeship in the 2013/14 academic year. And its easy to see why. Apprenticeships enable young people and adults to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification, up to degree level, and a real future. Theres never been a better time to become an apprentice.
To start an apprenticeship, you need to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education. All apprentices should work for at least 30 hours a week, except in exceptional circumstances. All apprenticeships must be at least 12 months duration and lead to the achievement of an apprenticeship standard.
The new Find an apprenticeship vacancy site, managed by the National Apprenticeship Service, enables people to search and apply for an apprenticeship anywhere in England.
For anyone receiving their results, and not sure what to do next, the National Careers Service offers free, confidential, expert advice to help young people make well informed choices, based on their individual circumstances.
Advisers are available on the phone on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm seven days a week or online by searching for National Careers Service.