The CfA have devised a series of Frequently Asked Questions to assist you in your search for information.

What is the Young Apprenticeship programme?

The Young Apprenticeship programme is an option at Key Stage 4 that you can choose to take. The programme is designed to give you a taste of what 'real' work is like and you will spend an average of 2 days a week on it. For part of the programme, you will be required to spend time outside of school, learning about Business & Administration. This time may be spent in a college, with a training provider or in an actual workplace and within the two days a week, you will spend 50 days on work experience over the 2 year timeframe. In some cases, you may spend 1-2 weeks in a work placement. This will all depend on your school's arrangements. Throughout the programme, you will study towards a Level 2 qualification in Business & Administration. On the days when you are not working towards your Young Apprenticeship, you will study towards your core GCSE subjects; Mathematics, English, Science (Double award) and ICT.

How do I get involved?

Involvement will depend on whether your school is part of a Young Apprenticeship partnership. You should speak to your school tutor to find out more. Alternatively, this is something that you could mention on your options day in year 9.

Why should I consider the Young Apprenticeship in Business & Administration as my option?

This Young Apprenticeship programme in Business & Administration will allow you to develop work-based skills which employers will recognise. It will also give you an insight into the Business & Administration sector and enable you to make a more informed choice at the age of 16. You will still study towards your core GCSE subjects; Mathematics, English, Science (Double award) and ICT alongside the programme which means you will gain a wide range of learning experiences.

Is work placement the same as work experience?

Both are very similar. Work placement simply means that you are in the work place for a lot longer that the usual 2 week work experience that you undertake in Year 10. A work placement gives you an opportunity to gain a much wider and valuable experience of the work environment.

What will I do for 50 days in the work place?

You will spend 50 days over the 2 year programme in a fully supported work placement. This 50 days may be in week blocks or one day a week depending on your local arrangements. You will undertake administrative duties plus a Level 2 work-based project.

Will there be support available should I need to catch up with my core GCSE studies?

The Young Apprenticeship in Business & Administration will be an option for you to take in years 10 and 11. Due to this, your school should have timetabled your core subjects in such a way that they will not be affected by your participation in this programme. If, at any time, you need extra support, all partners in the programme will be willing to help you. You should initially speak to your school tutor who will advise you on what to do. Don't forget, you will be chosen to do this programme on your school's belief in your ability!

What is an NVQ?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. On a Young Apprenticeship in Business & Administration you will study towards an NVQ in Business & Administration at Level 1 (equivalent to D-G grades at GCSE). This qualification is assessed in the work placement and requires that you put together a portfolio of evidence to prove that you have performed work based tasks. You will be assessed by your supervisor or training advisor who will observe you in the work place. Your training provider will show you how to do this during the early part of the programme.

What is a Technical certificate?

A Technical Certificate is a Level 2 (equivalent to Grades A* - C at GCSE) class room based qualification which gives you the knowledge and understanding you need in order to perform the skills for your NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). Essentially, it is the theory behind the practice. The Technical Certificate in Business & Administration will be taught by your training provider and will be tested either online or through coursework. It can be worth up to the equivalent of 3 GCSEs (this will be dependent upon your partnership).

What is GCSE Applied Business?

GCSE Applied Business is a double award. It is taught in the classroom by your school, training provider or college and will involve some contact with employers. This is to enable you to apply your knowledge. It is made up of themes such as Investigating Business, People and Business and Business Finance. It is assessed by two pieces of coursework and one written examination and is taught over a 2 year period.

What is a BTEC qualification?

A BTEC (Level 1/2) is a qualification in Business that will be taught to you by a training provider or a further education college. This qualification may include a project which can be undertaken in your work placement.

What is a training provider?

A training provider is similar to a school but is allowed to teach older age groups as well as under 16s. A training provider will tend to teach courses which prepare people for work.

What if I don't like my work placement?

If you are unhappy in your work placement then you should discuss this with your training provider or your school tutor. It is possible that they can move you into an alternative placement.

Will I still be able to go on to college and university if I take part in the Young Apprenticeship?

Yes, of course. You will still be studying towards your core GCSEs in English, Mathematics, Science (Double Award) and ICT and you will have been selected to take part in the Young Apprenticeship due to your ability to achieve A*-C in these subjects. Providing you achieve 5 A*-C in your core GCSE subjects, you will be able to pursue an academic route into college and university.

Why should I study Business & Administration if I'm not sure that I want to be a business person or an administrator?

Business & Administration is a very useful subject to study. It is relevant to all types of work, even if you wish to be an accountant or a journalist you will still need to have an understanding of business and you will certainly need to be able to do your own administration. By taking part in the Young Apprenticeship in Business & Administration programme, you will gain valuable skills that will assist you when pursuing the career of your choice.