The Engineering Trust

Where can you go after GCSEs

Finishing your GCSEs this year? Many of you will currently be in the process of working out where you want to be over the next couple of years, and beyond.

You must be in education or training until you are 18

You pretty much have 3 places you can be after you have completed your GCSEs.
You could attend a sixth form and complete A levels.
You could attend a college and do a course such as T-levels or a diploma.
The third option is an Apprenticeship, which in our opinion, is a great route for those looking to mix a job and training. It is unique in terms of the 3 places you can be because it is the only one where you are paid to learn.

We’re concentrating below on Apprenticeships because that’s what we specialise in as an organisation.

Top 3 things you need if you want to do an apprenticeship

  1. Passion for the subject or industry 
  2. The motivation to learn 
  3. The commitment to a full-time job

 

Apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes 

Pretty much every industry offers apprenticeships from level 2 up to 7 which is a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
After your GCSEs, you need to look for either a L2 or L3 apprenticeship. You can move to higher levels of learning after you have completed the first apprenticeship however at 16, your current level of learning will allow you only to start a maximum of L3.
You will need to apply for apprenticeships within an industry that interests you - we’ve called it a ‘passion for the subject or industry’ in the key points above. That doesn’t mean you have to decide now on what role or industry you will work in for the rest of your career! However, you need to find an apprenticeship within a business that engages you.  
 

Entry requirements

The employer, in most cases, sets what existing level of learning they want from the people applying for their apprenticeship role. We, as a Training Provider, also must check that you have the ability to learn at the level of apprenticeship you have applied for. By way of example, there might be one employer offering a L3 apprenticeship who wants candidates to have achieved a 6 or above in Maths, English and Science. Equally, there may be an employer offering a L3 apprenticeship who is happy considering candidates who have achieved 4 or above in those same subjects. When looking at each apprenticeship opportunity, be sure to check what each advert states as the entry requirements.
 

Training & Qualifications 

Much of the training is done within the business, learning from experienced staff members. Different apprenticeships have different qualifications associated to them, and any that are required will be achieved by either day release or block release to your Training Provider. Every apprentice has to be given 20% of their working (paid) time to complete new learning so an apprenticeship really does give you the opportunity to be paid to learn. You do however, have to have the motivation to learn and be ready to take on as much information as you can both in the workplace and in an academic environment.
 

Earn while you learn! 

We’ve already said it, but it is worth repeating. Apprenticeships give you the ability to earn a wage while also learning. Of course, you will have a full-time job and be treated like any other employee of the business, benefitting from the same rights and terms. Whilst wages can start quite low (Apprentice minimum wage £7.55 per hour from April 2025), you can expect your salary to increase throughout the apprenticeship as you become more competent in your role.
 

Work Experience 

The key benefit of an apprenticeship is the industry experience you gain in the workplace with a typical level 3 Engineering apprenticeship being 3 years long. That is 3 years of work based knowledge and skills that you can put on your CV and an excellent foundation on which to build your career. A great number of apprentices will stay at the company within which they complete their apprenticeship, far beyond their completion date. The training is an investment in time and money for the employer, used to safeguard their workforce of the future, so there is a benefit to all involved when an apprenticeship is completed successfully. 
 

Getting an Apprenticeship - it’s a competitive process

Like any job application and recruitment process, there is no guarantee of getting an apprenticeship. This means you must submit a full and engaging application form plus do your research into any businesses you are put forward to. Practice your interview techniques and be prepared to give yourself the best possible chance of success!
 

There is no right or wrong route to take

We always advise people to consider multiple options when planning how you take your education and career forward. Different people learn in different ways, have different ambitions and different motivations in life so there isn’t one solution that fits everyone. Whatever route you choose, make sure it is the one that feels right for you, follows something you have a passion for and makes you happy!
 

Useful links…

Governments ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 
National Apprenticeship Service: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ 
UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/