Experiences with post-16 engineering, carpentry or cooking apprenticeships. Is it worth it?

[WishfulThinkingToday]

I am wondering what are people’s experiences with post-16 apprenticeships for engineering or carpentry or even cooking? We have never tried this route before in my family.

My DS is really struggling being at school and in a classroom environment, and this might be the way forwards (after we blast revision and get him past GCSEs)! Nothing worse than pushing for more classroom time during A levels.

I think someone should only do an apprenticeship is they actually want to work in that field.
Does your son have an interest in being an engineer, carpenter or cook?

It doesn't have to be alevels or apprenticeship.
Dc1 did a btec as was not ready for the world of work but struggled with the exams/academic work.
I also agree you really need to want to do a job to do an apprenticeship. Have you looked at local colleges? We went to look at the engineering course for dc3 (it was the back up plan) was quite impressed but each college is different.

A-levels are a terrible choice for someone who struggles to get through GCSE's IMO, but btecs are an alternative option that might suit better. I agree with others though that if you're going to get an apprenticeship then you need to be interested in the role - you're probably not going to get the apprenticeship if you can't really demonstrate an interest. Definitely check out local colleges as they often do more practical subjects, quite a few of our students end up going to agricultural college for example.

What is your DS interested in?

You are right… I was only looking at general ideas - his engineering BTEC is the only lesson he seems engaged with, and his teacher says he is doing ok. Carpentry was my idea and cooking is something he has shown interest in before, but never studied at school.

I was wondering what people have experienced with apprenticeships.

We are going to look at different colleges very soon as another option. I am just trying to get a broad view of things and just hoping to find something to motivate him.

To answer your question.
My niece did an apprenticeship in a job she wanted to do.
Had a full qualification after 2 years and entered into a full time job at 18.
She's mid 20s now and still working in that field and doing very well for herself.
My nephew did an in-house management training scheme (so not an official apprenticeship but similar) for retail.
He is also mid 20s and is now working as a full time store manager and has bought a house.
So a good and successful experience.

Is he doing GCSEs right now? If so, it might be a bit late to secure an apprenticeship for September.
If he's Y10, then loads of time to look into it.

My limited experience suggests that unless definite of route, it's better to do a Level 3 qualification (for example, engineering, hospitality BTEC), then look for apprenticeship after that.

DS did a level 2 construction / engineering qualification at college for 1 year after school. During that year he passed his driving test and then started level 3 as an apprentice. He’s now in the second year of level 4. 1 day in college and 4 days working suits him brilliantly. He really needed to be able to drive for his apprenticeship

Yes, we came to that conclusion - worst thing would be for him to struggle through A levels.

I was really just guessing what he might be interested it, I know for a fact that Engineering seems to be engaging at BTEC, cooking is a hobby at home and carpentry was just a guess. I don’t know anything about it all, apart from the grade requirements I just saw on the internet.

Maybe some volunteering would be ideal in the summer? I wish there was a way to try on ‘different hats’ before he chooses….

Wow, brilliant! They sound like they have a good head on their shoulders. Impressed with the house.

Yes, he is in year 10. I looking at all options - I am used to it being very much GCSE to A levels to university, it is definitely an eye opening post.

A level 3 I guess would be good experience before getting an apprenticeship. Thanks.

It is great how he worked his way up to a level 4! This sounds like something my DS might like. Thanks.

We are in the same situation. Son not interested in anything, hates school, hates being in a classroom. No way could do a levels.
Our local colleges are miles away , 2 bus journeys each way which add another level of difficulty. The slightest issue and he will just give up.
I really do think this new way of keeping them in education until 18 is unfair. So many kids would do much better going out to work at 16 and working their way up that way.
Infact, when I look at a lot of people I went to school with. Those who have done best were the ones who messed around in school, left to go to work at 16. They now have their own businesses in trades, hairdressers, barber shops .

@Onedaysoon9273 to be honest if someone is happy to employ them at 16 then they can just go straight into work.
It's "Education, Employment or Training" the government wants.
If a 16 year old school leaver goes into a job then it's actually fine (as long as the employer follows the legal rules for 16 year olds - ie no night shift work etc).