What exactly is the Apprenticeship Summer School? And who can apply to the programme? Find out from our Senior Programmes Manager for Apprenticeships and Employability, Katherine Doherty. 

Last week applications opened for our fourth Apprenticeship Summer School cohort. 100+ students are set to benefit from taking part in the programme this year.  

At the Sutton Trust we believe that high-quality apprenticeships have the potential to be a great tool for social mobility and as such, have been developing our work on apprenticeships in recent years. Through our research we have been building our understanding of the challenges that young people are facing in accessing apprenticeship opportunities and in 2020 we translated our learning into our first apprenticeship-focused programme. 

What is the Apprenticeship Summer School? 

On the Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School you’ll spend three days living away from home at the University of Warwick. You will gain an in-depth understanding of what apprenticeships are, what they involve and meet like-minded students from across the UK.  

The programme is run in partnership with leading apprenticeship employers to ensure you gain real life, practical advice and you are left feeling inspired and confident about whether an apprenticeship is right for you. You will undertake sessions with employer partners to understand what they value in their apprentices, get introductions to their businesses and have the opportunity to meet with current apprentices. 

“I really enjoyed my time on the Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School. Because of the information I learnt in this summer school, I was able to go away and do proper research and have come across loads of opportunities that I am going to keep an eye on. Before this summer school, I was fairly certain I was going to go to uni but now I am wanting to do a degree-level apprenticeship because many myths have been busted and I am a lot more well-informed about the benefits.”

2021 Apprenticeship Summer School Participant 

What is an apprenticeship? 

An apprenticeship is a post-16 option where you can work and study at the same time. You will be hired by an employer and get paid a salary while you learn. The majority of your time is spent doing on-the-job training and working with colleagues, alongside studying towards a qualification. Amazing Apprenticeships have put together 8 key facts you need to know about apprenticeships that will be useful to read before deciding whether you want to learn more about apprenticeships by attending the summer school.  

Why should I take part in the Apprenticeship Summer School? 

The Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School is a unique opportunity to find out what apprenticeship life could be like and it’s completely free to attend! 

By taking part in the programme you’ll be able to make a more informed choice about whether an apprenticeship is right for you and if so, get an idea of which apprenticeships you might be interested in with which kind of employers. You’ll gain skills and receive advice that will help you navigate the complex world of apprenticeships and increase your confidence. 

I found the whole process amazing and so full of information. I love that I got the chance to have a practice interview; all great preparation for my future

2020 Apprenticeship Summer School Participant 

Who can apply? 

The Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School is open to individuals currently studying in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland) or S5 (Scotland) who have always attended a state-funded school or college. 

There are a number of other factors we look at when offering places. The more of these you meet, the more likely you are to be offered a place. These include: 

  • Academically high achieving (have achieved five 6-9 grades at GCSE including two 7s/five A or B Grades at National 5 including one A) 
  • Have been eligible for Free School Meals 
  • Will be the first in family to attend university 
  • Live in a socio-economically deprived area 
  • Attend a low performing school 

If you are care-experienced you only need to meet the academic criteria to be offered a place. 

Is there any other support available? 

Alongside our face-to-face Summer Schools, we will also support you virtually through our STO Core Programme delivered on Sutton Trust Online. This is an 18-month structured journey that will guide you through your last two years of school or college, providing you information, insights and tailored support as you prepare for the next steps in your education or work journey. You will be able to access exclusive content and webinars from both university and employer partners, speak to current students and apprentices about what life is really like for them and receive personal statement and interview support. 

Anyone who applies for any of our Summer Schools, including the Apprenticeship Summer School, who meets our grades threshold and one of our other social mobility criteria will be offered a free place on Sutton Trust Online.  

Applications are open now until midday on Friday 10th March. To find out more about the Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School including previous employer partners and eligibility, please visit our website.  

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