Cannot cope with A levels wants to do an apprenticeship

[Suzie2005]

My son is 18 and I learnt today that he failed his A level course for the second year running. He had A and B for GCSEs but is not coping with A levels. The school does not want him to continue after Christmas and suggested he should look for an apprenticeship.

Has anyone got any experience on how easy/difficult it is to get onto a scheme where he can also achieve a level 3 qualifications? I am worried he will be looking sitting at home chasing something impossible.

What does he want to do?

There are lots of apprenticeships around, the pay isn't great but they are there. He could also look for a job. He could also look at FE college courses.

If he is not passing A Levels then there doesn't seem much point continuing.

What is he interested in? Not just as a career but as a hobby?

My sons did A levels but struggled a bit and certainly didn't want to go to university.

They did apprenticeships with power companies but I think all the utilities and the railways do similar schemes. The first part of the process was online but there were lots of tests and interviews and a medical over several months and it's not easy to get one of the few places each year. Getting to university is easier than getting the best apprenticeships. They also need to be very fit and willing to do hands on work.....use power tools etc.

My 21 year old is now working on the job. Outside in all weather/shifts but loves it. He still has a fair bit of classroom based stuff to do and goes on courses but the book work also has to be done in is own time. His is maths and physics mainly and he is coping well because he did A level maths and sciences at school. Some lads are struggling with the academic side now so it really isn't an easy option.

The advantage is they will earn money while they train. Not much in the first couple of years but to balance that everything they need is provided free. All work clothes, travel costs, food and board, and textbooks etc.. They go on residential courses (most of the first year is spent in training schools) and will be debt free and well qualified.