College leaver applying for Apprenticeship - positive spin on choosing wrong A Levels

[Loopzy]

Hi, just wondering if anyone could advise how I could help my son, as I'm not sure of the right approach. He is currently in Year 13 studying A Levels and has decided he no longer wants to go to Uni. He wants to do something completely different and there's a few Apprenticeships he would like to apply for. However, he's not sure how to explain why he chose the subjects he loved at A Level, but then also sound enthusiastic and passionate about Maths and Physics, and the different career path. He achieved good GCSE grades in Maths and Physics, but didn't want to take them at A Level.

He spoke to his form tutor, who told him to add his predicted grades to his CV, but not mention the subjects in his cover letter. Whereas the careers adviser told him to mention them, but add a positive spin on it.

Please could someone advise, as I'm useless at this kind of thing! I would have just been honest about it, but he needs to make it sound more positive apparently.

Thank you.

What kind of apprenticeships is he applying for and what are his A level subjects?

He's applying for Engineering, but he's taken A Level PE, Psychology and Biology.

Hmmmm I took A levels then went into an engineering apprenticeship, but I had slightly more relevant subjects - physics and computing etc.

I'd just be honest with the subjects and the predicted grades and not feel the need to elaborate. Plenty of people change direction with their careers, if he's bright and can apply himself then that ought to go a long way.

Thanks @Mooselaurels. Being honest was my approach too, as I feel if it isn't explained in his application, he will have to elaborate if he was to get an interview.

I think the advice from the form tutor is a bit silly, it is either going to be the first question or he might even get overlooked as it is not exactly selling himself.

I am also not really sure how he can put a positive spin on it. I think he can only point to his good grades at GCSE and indicate that he has changed his mind, I think teenagers are allowed to change their minds.

Can he focus on why he has decided on Engineering - why did he? what happened between Year 11 and year 13 to make him sway towards engineering - what did he read - who did he speak to - what project did he get involved in, what programme did he watch, did someone famous inspire him?If they asked for specific A levels I go for the positive spin approach - otherwise I think the form tutor is right mention the grades only - but do talk about the why Engineering.

Thanks @Mydogruns, I have spoken to him at length this afternoon, but haven't really got far. He is focusing on the Engineering, but needs to go into more detail I think. They haven't asked for A Levels, just GCSE's and a passion for Engineering! It's just so different from his original career choice and a sudden change too, unless he has been thinking about it for a while.