The programme is available as an option in Year 9 in some schools and you will study towards a Young Apprenticeship whilst also studying for your core GCSE subjects; Mathematics, English, Science (Double Award) and ICT. Like other option subjects, the programme will last for a two year period.

Where the programme is different, is that a large part of the work takes place outside of school. The theoretical side is taught at school, a college or with a training provider but for a total of 50 days, you will work in a 'real' work place with a 'real' employer, learning work skills. On average, the entire programme will be two days a week on average but you may spend one or two weeks at a time working with your employer.

'Real work' with a 'real employer'

Through your work placement you will have the opportunity to develop Business & Administration skills and to learn more about how things work in an office environment. Areas you will cover include:

Attitudes & Behaviour in the workplace

Office administration skills; handling information, post duties, filing and using the telephone

Basic computer skills - Word processing, database operation and using email

Operating office equipment - Franking machine, photocopier, printer...

Understanding office policies; health & safety, team work, comms and discrimination

Work-based projects

Working with people in a team

Understanding a business, its customers and services

These are just some examples of what you can expect to do whilst on your work placement. Everything you learn and the tasks you complete will count towards your final Young Apprenticeship qualifications which can be equivalent to 2-4 GCSEs (Dependent on the qualifications offered by your partnership). Most importantly, you will receive a qualification which is recognised by employers and will assist you when you enter full-time work.

The Young Apprenticeship Programme is for pupils that are able and motivated. If you are keen to learn more about the work place or you are motivated by a more vocational style of learning, this could be the option for you. The programme will provide you with essential work skills that will support you in your future employment. However, the qualifications that you will achieve, along with your GCSEs, will also enable you to continue with academic study, if that is what you decide to do. This programme is designed to provide you with a wide range of experiences that will help you to make the right decision.