A Parent's Guide to Apprenticeships

Engineering is the combination of creative and practical applications of Science and Mathematics. Engineers use their experience and knowledge to overcome and solve mechanical and electrical problems.

The most well-known industry for engineering is the automotive industry; however, there are a variety of industries that engineers are required in, for example at Ishida and within the food production industry.

An apprenticeship programme offers your child the opportunity to develop both their theoretical and practical skills & knowledge, all whilst gaining a plethora of valuable experiences within an engineering environment.

From an apprenticeship they will gain professionally recognised qualifications (BTEC, HNC, NVQ) whilst providing a starting point for a life-long career. Typically, an Ishida apprenticeship lasts 4 years, and involves a mixture of attending college and day release at the Ishida Woodgate Valley manufacturing facility in Birmingham.

For more information on Apprenticeships please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/662464/Parent-Guide-Apprenticeships.pdf

Types of Apprenticeship programmes:

Advanced Apprenticeship

• Entry requirements for an Advanced Apprenticeship programme starting on a BTEC Level 3 Engineering Qualification are 5 GCSE grades A*-C (5-9) in Mathematics, English and Science or an equivalent related qualification, e.g. BTEC Level 2 Engineering or Resistant Materials.

Higher Apprenticeship

• Entry requirements for a Higher Apprenticeship programme starting on a Higher National Certificate (HNC) level 4 are 3 A-Levels and/or BTEC Level 3, or an equivalent related qualification in an engineering or science-related subject.

Degree Apprenticeship

• Entry requirements for a Degree Apprenticeship programme starting on a Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5 or Foundation Degree Level 5 are a Distinction*/Distinction Level 4 HNC in an engineering related subject and/or 3 A-Levels A*-B in a mathematics, engineering or science-related subject.

• Alongside the qualifications and experience that the apprenticeship provides your child, they will also be paid a competitive salary which is subject to an increase each year

• An apprenticeship can offer your child more opportunities than other career pathways. Not only do they gain accredited qualifications, but they also gain priceless knowledge and experience within the engineering industry.

• The qualifications an apprentice gains are recognised within the industry, with Ishida apprentices having the opportunity to complete a BTEC Level 3 all the way up to a Foundation Degree.

• An apprenticeship sets your child up to accelerate their career. There is constant progression during the apprenticeship with their entire programme being planned from the day they start to the day they finish. Once they finish they have the opportunity to progress even further within the business and in their education.

Apprenticeships

• Valuable business experience and knowledge - gain experience within the business whilst learning
• Theoretical knowledge -  the chance to start on a BTEC Level 3 and work up towards a Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5 or a Foundation Degree
• Practical knowledge - start by learning the basic practical skills, such as bench fitting, electrical wiring & testing, milling, turning and more.
• Opportunities to develop - begin to enhance  soft employment skills, whilst integrating into the business
• Costs - with an apprenticeship your child will get all of their training sponsored, whilst earning between £140 to £210 per week on average.

University

• Theoretical knowledge - gain a Degree in a subject they choose
• Possible industry experience - sandwich Degrees offer the opportunity to enter industry whilst studying
• Social life -  experience the university lifestyle, meeting new people and developing soft skills
• Responsibility and accountability - university offers independence, providing your child with the opportunity to live away from home
• Costs - studying at University costs on average £9,000 per year with living costs on top