Apprenticeship then back to college?

[user1487671808]

Would it be possible for a 16 Yr old at sixth form college currently on an extended level 3 course to leave, do a 12 month intermediate apprenticeship and then return to college in September next year to do an advanced diploma?

DD16 has been offered a brilliant opportunity but is worried that unless she then does a level 3 she won’t be able to go on to university. The apprenticeship could continue as a level 3 possibly but the provider requires her to complete level 2 first even though she is already on a level 3 course at college.

Also we’re she to return to college at 18 would it still be free or would she have to pay fees?

Confused - yes we are! Any advice most gratefully received.

So the apprenticeship is Level 2? She is correct that she needs level 3 in order to go to university.

What's the timing like? When would she finish the apprenticeship and return to college? I think if she started a full time level 3 qualification at college (not a level 3 apprenticeship - I doubt this would do for uni), in the September before she turns 18 she'd be funded fully, but a year later she'd only get 1 year of funding. Basically post year 11 you get three consecutive years funding for level 2/3.

Adult learning loans, or an Access course might be worth looking into.

THANK your titchy that’s really helpful. She would be 18 when she went back to college so would only have one year funding I guess for a 2 year Level 3 course. Why is a level 3 apprenticeship not suitable for university? It’s an animal based course so very hands on anyway.

Usually the quals associated with Level 3 (and 2) Apprenticeships are only the equivalent of a part of a full level 3 programme - say 1 A level rather than 3, which wouldn't be enough. If it's only a one year apprenticeship it would be that sort of equivalence I'd imagine.

That said check the qualification she'd be aiming for and then get in touch with some universities and see what they say. A degree with a foundation year might be a way forward.

What course has she been offered? And where does she want to end up?