Vocational Pathways
If you are interested in a future STEM related career but do not think that University is for you, then there are still options that are available to you.
Check out the https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship website to search for Apprenticeship vacancies right now. Take care to search for the right level of apprenticeship for you. The different levels of apprenticeships are as follows...
Degree/Higher apprenticeship – a university Degree or Diploma (Level 5 or 4)
These Degree or Higher level apprenticeships are highly sought after with good reason. Normally taken after a programme or relevant A levels, these top quality apprenticeships provide an equivalent qualification as if you were going to university but whilst getting paid by a company, working 4 days and going to university of a fifth. They are fully funded by the employer and usually take 5 or 6 years.
Higher or Degree level apprenticeships generally require you to have achieved 3 good A levels or equivalent vocational qualifications.
Advanced level apprenticeship – equivalent to two A level passes (Level 3)
An apprenticeship is a great way for those who want to get trained up in a specific career to learn from the people who do it every day. Apprentices earn a modest wage while working to gain a qualification in their chosen field. Level 3 apprenticeships are available in courses such as: Engineering, Construction, ICT, Manufacturing etc.
Advanced level apprenticeships generally require you to have achieved 5 good GCSEs (grades A*-C)
Intermediate level apprenticeship – equivalent to five GCSE passes (Level 2)
This is an entry level apprenticeship which can provide a way into a particular job, including a qualification to those who might not be able to meet the entry requirements for an Advanced Level Apprenticeship.
Further information on Apprenticeships can be found on the UCAS website.
Level 3 College Course – an alternative to traditional A Levels
This is an option for those wanting to continue their education but on a Vocational course that is equivalent to A levels. This would typically be in year 12 and 13 at college.
STEM Pathways News
- British Science Week: Ideagen Apprenticeship Trip
15 yr 10 students visited Ideagen in Ruddington & learned a lot about STEM careers & apprenticeships (13/03/2024) - British Science week kicks off with a year 9 STEM day
The University of Nottingham visited to deliver the excellent STEM Superstore workshops to 48 yr 9s (12/03/2024) - Year 7 STEM Roadshow!
All of year 7 were lucky enough to get to see (and join in with the BAE Systems/RAF/Navy roadshow! (09/02/2024) - STEM: Secret Science Show was great today at Woolaton Hall
25 year 8 students attended as part of Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity (06/02/2024) - THINK BIG! Creativity and Careers at the year 10 STEM morning
We were delighted to welcome Nottingham Forest Community Trust back in for another great STEM event (12/12/2023)