The Flagpole

This programme presents the very latest news, information and research about degree apprenticeships and the opportunities available in 2023, including:

• an introduction to degree apprenticeships, the different types of programmes currently available, how they are funded and the qualifications they lead to

• how degree apprenticeships can provide a fast-track, tuition fee-free entry route into graduate careers such as engineering, technology, banking & finance, management and even law

• an interview with special guest Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of UCAS

• exclusive new research revealing which employers will be offering degree apprenticeship programmes for Sixth Form school-leavers in 2023

• case-studies and insight from current apprentices working on degree apprenticeships in different industries, professions and business sectors

• expert advice and guidance from leading employers on when & how to apply and the selection process for degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeship employers featured in the programme include Rolls-Royce, PwC, Dyson, Lloyds Banking Group, BDO, Eversheds Sutherland, NHS and the Royal Navy.  

The programme is being presented by Martin Birchall, research director for the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Levi Jouavel, a presenter on BBC Three and former BBC apprentice.

The link to watch the programme is here. Available only until the end of October 2022.

This insight event introduces BAE Systems, engineering, and the early careers programmes.

Taking place over four days throughout January and February 2023, students will have the opportunity to learn more about BAE Systems plc, gain hands on experience, and visit their sites. There will also be opportunities to meet current engineering apprentices, who will provide information about their role and share their experiences.

Following the sessions, students may be offered a full-time position on one of the BAE Sysytems engineering apprenticeships, starting in Autumn 2023

Find out more information here.

Each summer, you can apply for an 8-week placement with GCHQ or one of their partners. There are over 100 organsations to chose from around the UK including Lloyds, BT, Thales and Airbus. Every placement will offer something slightly different. You could be in a technical or non-technical role, and you might be based in an office or working remotely. Day to day, you will be working on different tasks, helping to resolve issues or coming up with new ways of doing things. You will get the chance to learn from others, build confidence, work as part of a team, practice your presentation technique and collaborate on various projects.

Depending on your current level of experience, you might be invited to attend the CyberFirst Academy in the first year of the bursary. 

At the end of the bursary, you will come away with something very valuable - real work experiences, new skills and a better understanding of your career options. You will also have the confidence to succeed in the world of cyber and you will have made vital new connections, growing your professional network and finding your place in a community of technical and non-technical experts. 

If you are succesful in securing a student bursary you will earn £4,000 per year, plus an additional £2,000 upon completion of either the CyverFirst Academy or an 8-week placement. 

Applications will close at 11.00pm on 21 November. To register your interest click here. 

Applications are now open for the Level 7 finance apprenticeships at Jaguar Land Rover.

Entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme include: five GCSEs Level 6 (B) or above or A-levels at grade B or above; one of which must be a STEM subject. The apprenticeships last four years and the salary per annum is £24,480

The aim at Jaguar Land Rover is to define the future of movement, and you will be involved in shaping the future of finance. This is because in order to drive the next generation of luxury, sustainable vehicles, they will have to make sure the numbers add up: for their customers and the planet. Finance sits at the very heart of what they do. As part of a team that affects every element of the business, you will have the opportunity to turn your hand to a vast range of fascinating challenges.

Find out more here.

Allied Healthcare Mentor is running a 'LIVE' work experience day on Sunday 6 November.

With the UCAS deadline for NHS health careers in January, students considering a career in healthcare need to gain as much work experience as possible. 

This programme is suitable for students in Year 10 upwards who are interested in the following careers:

- Nursing

- Midwifery

- Paramedicine

- Physiotherapy

- Occupational Therapy

- Dietetics

- Radiography

- Prosthetics and Orthotics

- Speech and Language Therapy

- Pharmacy

Students are awarded a work experience certificate for every session they complete. Those who complete the full 5-month programme will be awarded a highly commended reference from the Presidents of Allied Healthcare Mentor. These are fantastic additions to student CVs and UCAS applications.

During the work experience day, students will follow two patients from their initial presentation to recovery. They will gain a unique insight into how patients interact with various healthcare professionals and what it’s like to work in an NHS multidisciplinary team.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals throughout each day. This will empower students to make informed career decisions and demonstrate their commitment to healthcare in their UCAS applications.

Students can register individually at any time throughout the 5-month programme using this link. Places cost £10 a session to cover administrative and technological costs.

The Graduate and Apprentice Engineer Show brings together the UK's biggest and most successful engineering businesses in one major national event.

Held at the fabulous Holywell Park Conference Centre in Loughborough, the event is the UK's largest dedicated engineering talent event aimed at school leavers and undergraduates.

​Exhibitors include some of the UK’s most prestigious companies such as the BBC, GKN Aerospace British Airways, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Zerovia, Johnson Matthey, Jet2, AWE, Saint-Gobain and many more. 

​This event is aimed at students in Year 11 upwards interested in learning more about the amazing career opportunities in the engineering sector. It provides the opportunity to meet with some of the UK's more prestigious employers, to learn about how to stand out from the crowd and how to plan the next steps in your personal development.

Visitor entry is free. However, due to the expected demand, they recommend early registration in order to avoid disappointment.