Higher Apprenticeships

A Higher Apprenticeship incorporates a work-based learning programme and leads to a nationally recognised qualification at Level 4 and above:

• a Level 4 and 5 is equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree 
• a Level 6 is equivalent to a bachelor degree 
• a Level 7 is equivalent to a master’s degree

They offer a new work-based route into professions which have traditionally been the preserve of graduates and you enter a Higher Apprenticeship after your have completed your 'A' levels or other Level 3 qualifications.

Over 40 different subjects are currently covered, ranging from commercial airline piloting to legal services, representing hundreds of job roles.  You can see a list of Higher Apprenticeship opportunities here.

Why should you consider a Higher Apprenticeship? Well, a study by ICM Research has revealed that employers in England rate qualified Higher Apprentices as 25 per cent more employable than those who took an alternative route into work.

Morrisby Profiling 2015

Last year the Vocare company ran the Morrisby Profile test in school for approximately 40 students in Years 10 to 12. They are offering to repeat the process this year. The Profile is a series of tests, lasting approximately three hours, which the Morrisby organisation uses to generate a profile of an individual’s interests, abilities and aptitudes relevant to the world of work. You can try some practice profile questions here.   

If there is sufficient interest, Vocare would run the tests in school on the morning of Monday 20th April 2015, which is the INSET day before the start of Summer Term. If only a few Beaumont students wish to take the test, Vocare may offer them the opportunity to complete the profiling at another local school.  This letter and pamphlet from Vocare provide additional information about the Morrisby Profile.  

If you wish your child to undertake the profiling, please return the slip to me at school as an expression of interest.  No payment is required at this time.  The school has hosted Morrisby Profiling in previous years and students and their parents have valued the outcomes but please note that Vocare is a private company and not part of Beaumont School.  Several organisations offer free, on-line, basic skills profiling tests, some of which can be accessed through this blog.

Apprenticeships in Hertfordshire

Current picture for Hertfordshire  -  snapshot 6th October 2014:

Apprenticeship vacancies:

• 171 Vacancies Apprenticeships
• 1.5% Traineeships 
• 75% intermediate 
• 23% advanced 
• 0.5% Higher 

Wages:

• Average wage £136 per week 
• Almost 43% paying over average per week 
• Wage range £80‐£451   (Highest paying £451: HA in Engineering with National Grid in Hitchin)
• Only 10 paying National Minimum Wage – 6% 
• 94% paying above National Minimum Wage

Most Popular Sectors:

Business, administration and law (40% of vacancies ‐ 67)

Retail and commercial enterprise (27% of vacancies ‐ 46 )

[ Source:  Youth Connexions ]

The benefits of an Apprenticeship

A recent article in the Daily Telegraph has the title:  'Avoid £45,000 student debt  -  and grab a £30,000 wage instead'.  Definitely worth a read.  To do so, click here.