Latest News

THE SIXTH FORM CELEBRATES NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Date Posted: 11/02/2022 | Posted In: Apprenticeships, Careers, Student News
THE SIXTH FORM CELEBRATES NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEKTHE SIXTH FORM CELEBRATES NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Our fantastic Careers Team have been really busy this week signposting students to some of the excellent events that have been arranged as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

On Monday morning, we welcomed Andy Moore from Manchester Metropolitan University who came to speak to students about Degree Apprenticeships, which are becoming an increasingly popular progression route for our learners. Andy talked through the types of apprenticeships available, explained the recruitment process and gave students some top tips for applications and interviews.

Andy Moore from MMU speaking about Degree Apprenticeships

 

Our students also accessed virtual events organised by several different national and international companies such as United Utilities, Fujitsu, Savills, PwC and the NHS. One particularly popular session was by the GMCA and featured Grant Thorton, one of the largest Accountancy and Business Advisory firms in the UK.

 

Grant Thornton National Apprenticeship Week Presentation

Alumni Success

Many of our students have gone on to fantastic apprenticeships. Last year, students secured apprenticeships at companies including PwC, Cisco, BT, Aldi, West Midlands Police and DWF Law.

Tamanna Abdullah is in the second year of her Software Development Degree Apprenticeship at Fujitsu and said:

“I studied BTEC Information Technology at B6 and in my second year, I undertook an industry placement two days a week at a local web design agency called Think EQ. Whilst there, I learned a lot about programming and how a business works and it was great to get the real-life experience. I am now a Degree Apprentice Software Developer working at Fujitsu and studying towards a Digital and Technological Solutions Degree at MMU. Applying for a Degree Apprenticeship was one of the best things I have done. I am learning so much and not only am I having the advantage of gaining experience and studying, but my University degree is also getting paid for, so I am not going to be in a lot of debt in the future.”

Former Student, Tamanna Abdullah

 

The B6 Apprenticeship Academy

The Sixth Form offers fantastic support for students hoping to progress onto apprenticeships. We run an Apprenticeship Academy for second-year students who are focused on securing an apprenticeship after the sixth form. Through a series of workshops run by guest speakers from industry and bespoke 1-1 guidance from our careers team, we support these students throughout the process of securing apprenticeships. The next workshop scheduled for after half term is a mock assessment centre, being delivered by a local employer.

B6 Careers and Employability Advisor, Emily Dover

Top Tips for Securing an Apprenticeship

Emily Dover, a Careers and Employability Advisor here at The Sixth Form, has these top tips for students considering progressing onto a Higher Level Apprenticeship:

  • Extracurricular activities are key- Employers want more than just your grades. Virtual work experience, volunteering, or having a part-time job will help!
  • Know your sector—make sure you keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector you wish to work in, many companies will ask questions around this at interview.
  • Sign up for sessions run by employers. Many large companies such as PwC, KPMG, MBDA and BT run live application masterclasses or Q&A sessions. This will give you an insight and look good on your application.
  • Make a LinkedIn account – this is a bit like Facebook but for your professional work profile. Create an account and follow companies, connect with people, write posts and tag people or companies when you attend talks or virtual experiences.

We would like to thank all of the companies and professionals who have given their time to share their expertise and experience with our students and to help them explore the myriad of apprenticeships available to young people today. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories

Careers & Employability