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This week, Careers Advisor and Employability Coach Carl Jackson came to speak to our Lower Sixth about the benefits of pursuing higher and degree apprenticeship post-A Levels. Currently, Carl works on behalf of the Education and Skills Funding Agency to deliver their Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) programme to local schools and colleges.

Throughout his session, Carl worked to dispel the myth that higher and degree apprenticeships are the ‘easy’ option, or the back-up plan if your A-Level grades turn out not be as high as you’d hoped. Highlighting the key benefits of apprenticeships—including on-the-job training, university supervision, no student debt, and a salary—Carl stressed their increasing popularity amongst school leavers. It was particularly important for our students to understand the variety of apprenticeships that exist out there, from Engineering to Journalism and Law, that are offered by local, national, and international corporations.

Following Carl’s talk, our students took the time to sign up to the government ‘Find an apprenticeship’ page, and worked in break-out groups to get to grips with this new resource. Challenges included finding placements to fit criteria set by tutors, and the students enjoyed reading more about all of the options that will be available to them upon leaving Hurst.

Thank to you Carl for sharing such insightful advice with the Lower Sixth, and to our Director of Futures Grace McKenzie for facilitating this session.

We look forward to our next careers event!