Presenter Notes - and Gap Years

Overview: - exploration – company insight day opportunities - Understanding the options available to students early in the year - Higher apprenticeships, work placements &

Slide 1: Pathway Logo

Slide 2: Learning Outcomes - Students will learn about the basics of what apprenticeships and gap years are - Students will find out where to get information on and gap year programs - Students will learn how to make informed decisions

Slide 3: What is an apprenticeship? - Intermediate (Level 2) - Requirements - 5 good GCSEs - A*-C - Advantages - Apprentices will receive vocational qualifications and valuable work experience - After completing an intermediate apprenticeship, they can move onto higher levels - Advanced (Level 3) - Requirements - 2 A level passes - Advantages - Higher level vocational qualifications - BTEC - Higher (Levels 4-7) - Requirements - Completed level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent work/ experience - Advantages - Some higher level apprenticeships are degree programs and can receive as high as a master’s degree

Slide 4: Why is this Important? - Why is it important to start thinking about my options now? - RESEARCH - Start to do research early to avoid time pressure - Get insights into all your options and know which path is best for you - TIME - Take your time to evaluate your options and the opportunities available - Get to as many Pathway Insight days as possible in order to explore your options fully - CONFIDENCE - Develop your confidence in applying and interview skills - Not everyone gets it right the first try - Allow yourself a chance to get used to the process and the environment so when you find something you are passionate about, you know you have the skills and confidence to do well

Slide 5: What are gap years?

- Work - Gain work experience in a field you are interested in to decide if that is a field you would like to continue to work in or if you want to choose another area - Volunteer - Volunteer for an organization or charity associated with a cause you are passionate about - Build up your CV for or just gain great life experience - Travel - Join a program or plan a trip on your own - Travel through places like Europe, Africa, Asia - Spend a little as a few weeks or as much as a year in other countries meeting new people and trying new things - A gap year can provide you with insights into your own goals and aspirations - A gap year is a time to find yourself and decide on the next steps for your future while gaining rare life experience from travel, working in another country, or for life-changing organizations

Slide 6: Why is this important?

- RESEARCH - Make sure you know all the opportunities that are available to you - Find out the process for application or planning - TIME - Don’t rush your decision - Make sure that you have time for applying for visas, travel programs, or - CONFIDENCE - By being knowledgeable about the path you choose, traveling or working in a new environment will be less intimidating

Slide 7: Conclusion

- Apprenticeships - “Earn while you learn” - Work - There are many options for part-time and full-time - Take a much or as little time away from school to earn money and save up for your future - Volunteer - Great opportunities for life experience and CV components - Working for charities can be fulfilling while also giving students work and life skills - Travel - Travel for work, volunteering, or for fun - There are many programs that are designed for different travel styles or students can choose their own travel plans