National Apprenticeship Week 

As part of our flexible Sixth Form Pathways, we encourage students to explore different options that match their learning style and career aspirations. Workplace experiences with Grove Business Partners, tailored A-levels and BTECs, and enrichment opportunities all help prepare students for their futures.

With many considering apprenticeships, National Apprenticeship Week and the online resources provided are a fantastic way to learn more. We caught up with recent Grovians who have chosen this pathway to find out more.

Jack Popely (2013–2020) is completing a Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship at Leeds Beckett University while working at Rex Procter & Partners. 

🔹 Why an apprenticeship? – “Full-time university didn’t appeal to me, and this route allowed me to gain experience while earning.”
🔹 Is it what you expected? – “It’s exceeded my expectations! I’ve taken on major responsibilities, led projects, and travelled nationwide.”
🔹 Career benefits? – “I’ll graduate with five years of work experience alongside my degree—giving me a head start over traditional graduates.”
🔹 Would you recommend it? – “Absolutely! You gain real-world experience, a salary, and no student debt.”

Advice from other Grovians regarding their apprenticeship;  

💡 Best & toughest parts? – Gaining experience across different roles is invaluable, but time management is crucial when balancing work and study.

💡 Support from employers?

“Employers provide great support, from training sessions on communication and confidence-building to mentorship from experienced colleagues. At university, lecturers check in regularly to track our progress. Plus, working alongside other apprentices means we can support each other. While the workload is demanding, the support system makes it manageable.”

💡 Are there good career progression opportunities?  
“Definitely. Many apprentices transition straight into full-time roles after completing their programme. My company actively encourages career growth, with promotions every 18 months and opportunities to explore different functions within the business.”

💡 Networking benefits? – Engaging with professionals, both within and outside my organisation, makes work smoother and opens future career doors.

💡 Skills needed? – Resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability are key.

💡 What they wish they knew? – “I wish I’d learned more about Microsoft Excel! Knowing formulas and shortcuts would have saved me so much time when managing data and reports.”

💡 How does an apprenticeship compare to university?
“An apprenticeship allows you to apply what you learn in lectures to real-world scenarios, which deepens your understanding. However, it requires self-discipline, as university work is condensed into one day a week, meaning you have to balance studying with a full-time job. The social life may not be as lively as a traditional university experience, but the financial independence makes up for it!”

💡 How to apply? – Gov.uk, UCAS, Bright Network, and company websites offer apprenticeship listings.

“Be prepared for a competitive process with multiple stages including submitting a CV, completing online tests, attending assessment days, and participating in interviews. I applied for over 25 apprenticeships before securing mine.”

 Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

✔ Earn while you learn – Gain practical experience while working towards a qualification.
✔ No student debt – Your employer covers tuition fees.
✔ Career-ready – Enter the workforce with years of hands-on experience.
✔ Great opportunities – Many apprentices move straight into full-time roles with strong career prospects.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to explore your options!