Access Apprenticeships icon
Applications open:
09 January 2024
Applications close:
07 March 2024
Age:
YEAR 12 (ENGLAND & WALES), YEAR 13 (NORTHERN IRELAND) OR S5 (SCOTLAND)
Location:
London and Birmingham

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 and a rapid read specifically on degree apprenticeships.

Teacher Resources

If you’re a teacher interested in promoting this programme to your students, we have a page dedicated to all our marketing materials via the link below.

What the programme offers

Over the year-long programme, you will have the opportunity to gain:

Peer Networking and Social Activities

Peer Networking and Social Activities

You will have the opportunity to meet peers from across the country who are also interested in apprenticeships while taking part in a variety of social activities.

Insight Days

Insight Days

You will attend in person and virtual days run by leading employers on:

  • Introductions to their business
  • Descriptions of what they look for in a candidate

And interactive sessions on:

  • The different levels of apprenticeships
  • The variety of apprenticeships available
  • What an apprenticeship may entail

Tailored application support with a mentor

Tailored application support with a mentor

You will attend interactive sessions on the application process, including where and when to make applications, and the processes employers will use in recruiting apprentices to their competitive programmes.

You’ll also have a personal mentor who will focus on supporting you in your applications.

Apprenticeship Skill Sessions

Apprenticeship Skill Sessions

You will attend skill development sessions, including mock interviews, practise applications, and the selection process.

Work Placements

Work Placements

You will have the opportunity to gain three to five days of work experience during the programme with one of our corporate partners.

What are the benefits?

Increased Confidence

In-Depth Understanding Of Apprenticeships

Improved Application And Professional Skills

Increased Knowledge Of Chosen Sector

Work Experience For Your CV

A Professional Network To Lean On When Looking For Apprenticeship Opportunities

How to apply

Applications for Access Apprenticeships 2024 are now closed!

Register your interest for 2024/25 on the link below.

Who can apply

Eligibility

To apply to Access Apprenticeships, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non fee-paying school/college.
  • Be in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland) or S5 (Scotland) at the start of the programme.
  • Live within 90 minutes of London for our Banking and Finance and Law programmes or Birmingham for our Engineering programme.

In addition, we are looking for students who:

  • Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 – 6 (A*-B), including English and Maths. A minimum of two of these qualifications should be at grades 9 – 7. Or five A or B grades at National 5 including one A.
  • Would be the first generation in their family to gain a degree/degree-level qualification.
  • Have been eligible for Free School Meals whilst at secondary school.
  • Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education or a high level of socio-economic deprivation.
  • Have attended schools with a lower than average progression to higher education, or a higher than average proportion of students who qualify for Free School Meals.
  • Have been looked after or in care.

The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to get a place on the programme. Not meeting all of the additional criteria will not disqualify you.

We believe that apprenticeships gives all students (regardless of social or economic background) the opportunity to gain vital work experience and hands-on training. Accenture
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 alum
In the CPS, we aim to become an employer of choice for talented individuals from all backgrounds, we believe a diverse workforce will make our organisation stronger. We welcome anyone who has the ability, talent and dedication to flourish into careers in the CPS, so that we are properly representative of the public we serve. CPS
Working with the Sutton Trust enables us to focus and promote the real opportunities available to everyone, regardless of what their background is. We are excited to continue to support the fantastic work the Trust delivers. Irwin Mitchell LLP

Previous Partners