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Higher education

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Original poster

Apprenticeship Withdrawn

251 replies

Perplexed20 · 10/07/2025 07:13

Not sure why I'm writing apart from maybe to vent.
Ds applied for a degree apprenticeship with the civil service. Tests and interview in April. He applied with A level results in hand. A*AA (requirement is CCC).They took until the end of June to let people know. He was told successful and then yesterday they withdrew his offer and put him on the reserves list (dept he was allocated now not doing). He does have a uni offer but in a different subject he's now not sure about.
Anyone had experience of this? Any advice. He's pretty upset and want to support him in making the right decision for him.

OP posts:
Jumbojem · 24/08/2025 16:09

Oh I'm so pleased! Been loosely following this thread and felt for what you and your son were going through. It's a tough time for young folks at the moment. Also felt like you had to deal with some rather odd and unhelpful comments on this thread so can understand the frustration with those.

Wishing him all the best with it and that the path is a bit smoother from here.

ClearFoundation · 24/08/2025 16:14

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 18:01

Glass of wine out in the garden on a warm summer’s evening for you (and maybe a gummy or two) @ClearFoundation

Doctor’s orders! 😊

Show quote history

Doctor, heal thyself.😗

Returnofjude · 24/08/2025 16:16

ClearFoundation · 24/08/2025 16:14

Doctor, heal thyself.😗

Show quote history

Hope you enjoyed last night and feel better for it today x

GreenSweeties · 25/08/2025 20:35

@Perplexed20 Excellent news particularly the department he wanted. My DD did her placement year in a department that she didn't love (didn't hate either) but wouldn't have wanted to spend 3+ years of an apprenticeship in that area.

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 27/08/2025 20:22

Just thought I'd update. Post the recruitment bit (and the bit that's outstanding and related to them is still slow - which makes me wonder if they are very stretched) the actual department have been brilliant. He has met with different people to get to know them and him them. His first bit is at uni with his cohort and he is clear about what support he will get and how it will work.

And his current work has been v supportive re the ad hoc meetings, so all good. It looks like he is going to have a good end and a good start. V pleased for him!

OP posts:
PoppySaidYesIKnow · 27/08/2025 20:49

Excellent news, he got there in the end, I’m sure he’ll be an asset to the civil service.

Juja · 27/08/2025 23:28

@Perplexed20 how encouraging - sounds like your DS will have a great time on his degree apprentice. Top marks for tenacity - to you and your DS

Laxonaweekend · 01/09/2025 06:20

Perplexed20 · 27/08/2025 20:22

Just thought I'd update. Post the recruitment bit (and the bit that's outstanding and related to them is still slow - which makes me wonder if they are very stretched) the actual department have been brilliant. He has met with different people to get to know them and him them. His first bit is at uni with his cohort and he is clear about what support he will get and how it will work.

And his current work has been v supportive re the ad hoc meetings, so all good. It looks like he is going to have a good end and a good start. V pleased for him!

Amazing news!

When does he start?

The first bit is at university?

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 01/09/2025 21:16

First week is in uni, in a few weeks time, then he starts his job. He did a trip to London over the weekend to find his office and have a wander.
Fingers crossed plain sailing from here.

OP posts:
Fruitlips · 19/09/2025 06:12

OP, how is your DS settling in to his new job?

Quintsharkfishing · 19/09/2025 06:23

My DH is just taking on some apprentices into his CS team. I'll ask him to ask them if they have Mumsnet parents 😁

Fruitlips · 19/09/2025 06:24

Quintsharkfishing · 19/09/2025 06:23

My DH is just taking on some apprentices into his CS team. I'll ask him to ask them if they have Mumsnet parents 😁

Huh?

Fruitlips · 20/09/2025 14:32

Really hoping that no op doesn’t mean this poor boy had another offer withdrawn or it hasn’t panned out as expected

Zanatdy · 20/09/2025 18:26

probably due to the recruitment freeze. I’d take up the Uni place if I was him.

Zanatdy · 20/09/2025 18:28

GinandGingerBeer · 10/07/2025 18:40

I’m a civil servant and also have a son who went to Warwick. If he is privately educated he’ll do ok at Warwick. If not, as he’s been in work too he might struggle. My son did. Students pretty much treated it as an extension of boarding school. There’s bugger all around it and leamington spa is a bit of a shit hole if your son is used to a city. My son absolutely hated it. But he was state educated and lived in a city. I’m sure many do get on with it who aren’t privately educated but my DS has very left field views! Hated the privilege and lack of awareness.
re the apprenticeship I’d get him to call and ask where on the reserve list he is. He has his grades in hand, not all of them will.

My state school educated son loved Warwick.

Cakeandusername · 20/09/2025 18:29

@Zanatdy Op has updated and her son has started the degree apprenticeship.

Fruitlips · 20/09/2025 19:15

Cakeandusername · 20/09/2025 18:29

@Zanatdy Op has updated and her son has started the degree apprenticeship.

Well has he? I hope so!

Doyouship · 23/09/2025 14:15

Oh I was one of the early posters, and this poor lad had a run of bad luck.

The OP was very responsive so perhaps lack of a response is that it’s not great news and this time - he isn’t holding up so well. Understandably. If he’s been let down again…. 😡

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 23/09/2025 18:12

He has started!
Last week was a week in uni, getting to know the other apprentices and finding out about the course. Few lectures etc.

Today is day 2 in job. He has got a great department. V supportive and seems like lots of opportunities. Had a v good day 1. Commute fine too.

His department really helped to get things progressed quickly. His last job really helped in being on top of sending back references and giving him a really good send off.

All going well! In the end I think he's ended up in a better dept than the original placement.

OP posts:
Star458 · 23/09/2025 18:31

Great update OP! DS is in his second year at his degree apprenticeship and still loves it. He spends all day programming which suits him to a t. I'm glad your son got what he was hoping for (and better!) in the end, he deserved it after all the stress they put him through!

BloominNora · 23/09/2025 19:06

Perplexed20 · 23/09/2025 18:12

He has started!
Last week was a week in uni, getting to know the other apprentices and finding out about the course. Few lectures etc.

Today is day 2 in job. He has got a great department. V supportive and seems like lots of opportunities. Had a v good day 1. Commute fine too.

His department really helped to get things progressed quickly. His last job really helped in being on top of sending back references and giving him a really good send off.

All going well! In the end I think he's ended up in a better dept than the original placement.

Good luck to your son @Perplexed20 - he sounds like an impressive young man and I am sure he will have a bright future.

I am a very strong believer in everything happens for a reason (in a optimistic way, not a religious or pre-destiny way), and the public sector is a great place to work with lots of opportunity to create change if you are the sort of person who wants to make a difference

The Civil Service is going to be a very interesting place to work over the next 20 years, nationally and internationally, which will allow him to put those problem solving skills to good use and have a great career.

ButterPiesAreGreat · 23/09/2025 19:22

Star458 · 23/09/2025 18:31

Great update OP! DS is in his second year at his degree apprenticeship and still loves it. He spends all day programming which suits him to a t. I'm glad your son got what he was hoping for (and better!) in the end, he deserved it after all the stress they put him through!

My DS is just starting his second year doing project controls. Lots of spreadsheets, he knows more than me now and I’ve been using spreadsheets since Lotus 1-2-3 😂. If this placement goes as well as his first, he’ll be amazing. The only downside is he became very close to his line manager as he has similar interests. Tho I’m sure he’ll be in touch, his new desk is only 5 mins walk away.
I really like degree apprenticeships, provided they are well supported. I wish there were more of them!

Agapornis · 23/09/2025 19:39

That's great! So pleased for him and you.

Ellebelieve · 24/09/2025 10:31

What great news!

How far is his commute?

Glittertwins · 24/09/2025 10:54

good news OP, hope he really enjoys it