Time to decide what’s best
Many who have received their GCSEs may have already decided to study A-Levels at college or sixth form, perhaps with the intention of going to university in two years’ time. However, learning does not have to be purely academic. For those who did not get the grades they needed to study at A-Level, or who do not wish to take A-Levels, there are still a wealth of opportunities available. The Diploma takes the classroom learning style of ALevels and combines it with practical experience, with the advanced level worth threeand-a-half A-levels. Vocational qualifications are another option. NVQs can be studied at work or college and are designed to help people to work in a specific job. BTECs also offer the opportunity to gain relevant work skills and take a practical approach to learning. For young people who want to start earning, an apprenticeship can be an ideal route. By taking this option, young people can not only benefit from training, picking up a nationally recognised qualification as you learn, but will earn too. Apprenticeships cover over 170 industries and 1500 job roles, in a range of sectors from accountancy to veterinary nursing. These are at three levels: intermediate, which is the equivalent to five A*-C GCSEs; advanced, equivalent to two A- Levels; and higher, which can incorporate qualifications up to a foundation degree, BA or BSc degree or MA MSc masters. For those young people not quite ready to start an apprenticeship, a traineeship can provide the essential work preparation training, maths and English skills and work experience needed to get an apprenticeship or other job. For students looking to discuss their options, the Exam Results Helpline, on 0808 100 8000, will be available until Saturday August 23, closing at 12.30pm. For more information, visit the website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk or telephone 08000 150 600. The National Careers Service can be contacted on 0800 100 900 or at the website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk.
in 1996, Taylor’s Training Ltd in Brighouse continues to be committed to high quality hairdressing and barbering apprenticeship training and is an Ofsted Grade 1-Outstanding workbased learning provider. Taylor’s mission is to make certain the qualifications offered are valuable, and valued, to employers and apprentices alike; apprentices must be ‘work-ready’ which is why they only offer real work-based apprenticeships with accredited, national vocational qualifications for the hair and barbering sector. Apprentices begin working on real clients from day one . Taylor’s realise that making the transition from school to the workplace can be difficult and aim to give apprentices both confidence and the skills required. Small group sizes of six ensure each apprentice has the individual attention they deserve and staff will work closely with employers to offer advice and guidance, along with flexible training arrangements, if required.