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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

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Apprenticeship Withdrawn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:
Returnofjude · 21/08/2025 15:16

averythinline · 21/08/2025 12:18

I think there's likely to be more cuts in civil service not less.. i would advise he goes to Warwick and looks at Grad schemes after with those grades

I wouldn't suggest another year out

I totally agree for my child and your child if you think so
but the Op has expressed real worry about her son going and being unhappy, I’m not entirely sure why but given he also doesn’t want to go - seems odd to force it.

Returnofjude · 21/08/2025 15:17

If you wished to tell us why you’re so sure he’d be unhappy at university op, perhaps we could ease your worries? Did you go to uni?

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 23/08/2025 12:53

Re Uni, he just really doesnt want to do it. I think he thinks he picked the wrong course for him.

But...Last Monday he applied for a job and the on Tuesday he got an offer of the apprenticeship he wants, in the civil service and in a great dept. He can commute from here. So woo hoo and its all worked out in the end. He is really excited and like a weight has been lifted. He is planning and catching up with his friends.

Very releived and again applying for apprenticeships are not for the faint hearted. Very happy as it has worked out for both him and his sister.

OP posts:
Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 13:18

Fingers crossed all works out op and this isn’t the 3rd bloody department to bail!

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 23/08/2025 13:43

They've moved v quickly this time. He has a start date, been given the name of his contacts. So hopefully 3rd time lucky...

OP posts:
Workisntworking · 23/08/2025 14:07

Great news. Hope it works out!

Londonmummy66 · 23/08/2025 14:20

I'm so pleased for him - he sounds like an impressive young man (a future Sir Humphrey perhaps?)

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 14:35

Within a week he’s been accepted, start date and line manager name. That bodes very well! Presumably they have been able to use the references that have been sourced as a part of the other 2 applications to different departments?

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 23/08/2025 14:36

Londonmummy66 · 23/08/2025 14:20

I'm so pleased for him - he sounds like an impressive young man (a future Sir Humphrey perhaps?)

We'll see. Sometimes he can be really annoying! But most of the time he is great.

I'm very lucky bith ds and dd are great (she's off to do her Mphil after a year working).

OP posts:
WombatChocolate · 23/08/2025 14:50

So glad that this happened…after everything else. Talk about a roller coaster for you all!

bumbaloo · 23/08/2025 14:53

Justwaits · 10/07/2025 07:50

Did they give any reason at all?

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Ffs yes. The reason is the department he was going to is not doing apprenticeships this year.
why is this puzzling you

spoonbillstretford · 23/08/2025 14:55

I'm so glad it has all worked out for him, OP. I'd still complain about the shite process though through my MP. They of all people should not be messing young people about like that.

bumbaloo · 23/08/2025 14:57

WondererWanderer · 10/07/2025 08:21

This is his first experience of the adult world, and it won't be the only time you he has setbacks and disappointments with things he wants to do.

He just has to choose another path, and he'll end up somewhere else and probably end up somewhere better.

It's never a good idea to put all his eggs in one basket.So that's a lesson learned. You need a backup plan whatever you do.

Are you hard of thinking? He applied to lots of schemes and also university where he has a place.
what is this one basket you refer to and how many more baskets do you suggest? Precisely what lesson has he learned regarding back up plans when he literally has a back up plan
are you just trying to wind people up ?

bumbaloo · 23/08/2025 14:59

I’m really pleased for him. Smart lad and focussed. You must be proud

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:03

@bumbaloo goodness, you sound on a knife edge

ClearFoundation · 23/08/2025 15:04

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:03

@bumbaloo goodness, you sound on a knife edge

She isn't on a knife's edge, she just paid attention while reading the thread and is in possession of the facts.

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:05

is he still going for the job in the company he currently works for?

Chances are… he will get it and then be facing which one decline! Amazing how things can turn around for the best

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:06

ClearFoundation · 23/08/2025 15:04

She isn't on a knife's edge, she just paid attention while reading the thread and is in possession of the facts.

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Yes but to talk like “ are you hard of thinking” is horrible. Read the post to which this is being said to… hardly warrants this kind of reply

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:08

ClearFoundation · 23/08/2025 15:04

She isn't on a knife's edge, she just paid attention while reading the thread and is in possession of the facts.

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And that’s your only contribution to the thread… to stick up for a posters being nasty to others.

Original poster
Perplexed20 · 23/08/2025 15:21

No, he's not going to go for the other job. Its in the organisation he currently works in which he really likes but the degree apprenticeship is in the field he wants to end up in.

OP posts:
Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:23

Perplexed20 · 23/08/2025 15:21

No, he's not going to go for the other job. Its in the organisation he currently works in which he really likes but the degree apprenticeship is in the field he wants to end up in.

All the best to him OP

Glittertwins · 23/08/2025 15:33

Good luck and hope he enjoys it!

ClearFoundation · 23/08/2025 17:59

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 15:08

And that’s your only contribution to the thread… to stick up for a posters being nasty to others.

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I can't help you if you're intellectually challenged in such a way that enrages other posters, sorry.

Returnofjude · 23/08/2025 18:01

ClearFoundation · 23/08/2025 17:59

I can't help you if you're intellectually challenged in such a way that enrages other posters, sorry.

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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! 😊

NotDonna · 24/08/2025 14:39

@Perplexed20 yaay! 🥳🥳🥳