To start an apprenticeship whilst pregnant?

[RubieWoo]

This week I received my results for my first year at uni and I completely flunked. I submitted extenuating circumstances for the exams I missed, due to morning sickness and it looks like they haven't taken my pregnancy into consideration and I've been asked to repeat the year. I don't want to do this, I feel like it would be a complete waste of my time.

I was thinking about applying for an apprenticeship in fashion. I want practical hands on experience. I'm just not cut out for studying, I'm far from book smart.

I've worked for a fashion designer before and I've had various jobs in retail so I think I would do quite well on an apprenticeship.

WIBU to start an apprenticeship in August, when I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant? Has anyone done this?

[Earlybird]

What were you studying at school, and what sort of work did you imagine / hope it would lead to?

If you do an apprenticeship in fashion - what exactly do you imagine you'd be doing? Specifically, what sort of work do you think it would lead to?

Am I correct in thinking you'd be 5 months along in the pregnancy when the apprenticeship would begin? So at most, you could work for 3 months?

[RubieWoo]

I was studying psychology. I was hoping to do a grad scheme in buying or merchandising. The apprenticeship I want to apply for is in buying and merchandising.

[HagOtheNorth]

Don't apprenticeships run for a year, linked to college work in many cases?
Why not do it after you've given birth?

[ifgrandmahadawilly]

Not unreasonable at all. Maternity leave applies as normal during an apprenticeship. Can you appeal the extenuating circs application though?

[RubieWoo]

hagOthenorth
The apprenticeship runs for 12/18 months. I don't want to wait because I'm depressed sitting at home 5 days a week and working the night shift in retail. I feel like I need to do something. I can't even get volunteer work.

ifgrandmahadawilly
I thought about appealing but I don't think it will be successful. I'll try!

[fastdaytears]

Do you mean an apprenticeship aimed at school leavers? If you do it's difficult to apply for those when you're over qualified. Pregnancy shouldn't be a huge issue though.

[fastdaytears]

Sorry easy to apply- difficult to get accepted due to funding. Most funding is for under 19s with a lower qualification than is being offered.
I'd appeal your degree result for sure. You've worked for 3 years for that!

[angstybaby]

i'm a lecturer and deal with students and extenuating circumstances a lot. the first thing i would say is: appeal. go and see your personal adviser and explain the situation and get them on side. these systems are generally family forgiving, providing you supply the evidence, usually a doctor's note. for us, once we have that, we never quibble. however, it doesn't sound like you enjoyed your year at uni, which is a different thing to loving it but failing your first year.

second thing: you don't sound like uni is for you. there's nothing wrong with this! it's good that you realise it. an apprenticeship you enjoy will do far more for your career than a 2:2 that you hated getting.

third thing: life doesn't stop because you're pregnant: apply for the apprenticeship. don't, under any circumstances, tell them you're pregnant. you don't have to and to have a perfect right to pursue your career. i've done job interviews when 7 months pregnant and with a 5 week old. you're not doing anything wrong - parents are part of the work force!

do what you love.