National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Top Apprenticeships in the UK

by GT Scholars Guide to Apprenticeships Parents What's new?

When thinking about their future, most young people don’t immediately consider UK apprenticeships as their first option. But these opportunities are becoming more popular, offering a professional experience that combines learning, earning, and gaining hands-on skills in ways traditional paths often cannot.

Whether you’re a parent helping your child or a young person thinking about your next step, knowing what opportunities are out there can make a big difference. This National Apprenticeship Week is a great time to highlight some of the UK’s apprenticeships that are set to stand out in 2026.

In this blog, we will explain what apprenticeships are and what makes them a unique post-secondary option. By the end, you will have a clearer sense of the top apprenticeships for 2026 and how they combine real-world experience with long-term career potential.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid, work-based training programme that lets people gain practical skills while earning a salary. Unlike a full-time degree programme, apprentices split their time between on-the-job training with an employer and classroom-based training.

According to the Department for Education, about 353,500 people started an apprenticeship in England in the 2024/25 academic year, with approximately 21% under the age of 19.

The benefits of apprenticeships might not be clear at first. But with more young people choosing apprenticeships instead of the usual school or university route, parents and students need to understand why they can be such a great first step into work and future careers.

Benefits of Being an Apprentice

Most UK apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries, from technology and engineering to healthcare and creative roles. This allows students to start a career suited to their interests while gaining practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.

Apprenticeships also let young people earn a salary from day one, giving them financial independence while they learn. By working in real workplaces, apprentices gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and develop skills that are highly valued by employers.

A 2025 report states that around 85% of apprentices remain in full-time work after completing their programme, with many continuing with the same employer. This shows how apprenticeships can lead directly to long-term jobs and employability after completing the programme.

Apprenticeships can also help young people discover their strengths and interests in a real-world setting, providing a clearer sense of direction than classroom learning alone. For many, apprenticeships become a stepping stone to higher-level roles, further education, or exciting career opportunities.

Top Apprenticeships in the UK in 2026

With so many options available, it can be hard to know which apprenticeships are worth paying attention to. As we look ahead to 2026, certain industries and roles are set to grow, offering exciting opportunities for young people to gain skills, earn while they learn, and build a strong start to their careers.

Vantage Point Global (Finance, Technology & Professional Services)

Vantage Point Global connects talented individuals with leading financial, tech, and professional services firms worldwide. Their Elevate Programme offers hands-on training, personalised learning pathways, and professional qualifications. Participants earn a salary from day one, gain real-world experience, receive ongoing support, and may have the opportunity to secure a permanent role with a client.

Apply for the Elevate Programme here.

WSP (Engineering & Design)

WSP, a global engineering, design, and consultancy firm, is offering a paid, full-time degree apprenticeship. This programme combines university study with on-the-job experience across areas like Civil, Building Services, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Environmental, Project Management, and Rail Engineering. The programme lasts five to six years and supports career progression toward professional registration or chartered status.

Apply for the WSP 2026 Degree Apprenticeship here.

Skanska (Digital Technology & Software Development)

Skanska, a global construction and development company, is shaping infrastructure, communities, and transport worldwide. This paid degree apprenticeship allows participants to study for a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions while working as a Full Stack Developer. Apprentices will also benefit from mentoring, networking, professional accreditation support, and access to wellbeing and diversity initiatives.

Apply for the Skanska Digital Degree Apprenticeship here.

PA Consulting (Digital Technology)

PA Consulting is a global innovation and consulting firm across multiple sectors, including government, health, finance, defence, and transport. This paid, full-time degree apprenticeship combines hands-on software development experience with study for a Level 6 BSc in Digital & Technology Solutions. Apprentices work on real client projects, gain mentoring, coaching, and exposure to the full development lifecycle, while building technical and professional skills.

Apply for the PA Consulting Digital Degree Apprentice programme here.

Grant Thornton (IT & Auditing)

Grant Thornton is a global audit, tax, and advisory firm supporting organisations across finance, technology, consumer sectors, and the public sector. The programme combines paid, hands-on audit work with either an accredited accounting qualification or a digital & technology degree apprenticeship. Participants work on real client projects, develop analytical and technical skills, and build a strong foundation for a long-term career in technology audit and consulting.

Apply for the Grant Thornton IT Audit School Leaver Programme here.

Southeastern (Rail Engineering)

Southeastern, one of Britain’s busiest train operators, is offering a three-year Engineering Apprenticeship starting September 2026. Apprentices gain hands-on experience at engineering depots while studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering. The programme provides real-world skills, team collaboration, and opportunities to progress in engineering, alongside benefits such as salary, rail travel, and a pension.

Apply for the Southeastern Engineering Apprenticeship here.

HS2 (Project Controls for Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction)

HS2 is offering a Level 3 Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship starting September 2026. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in planning, scheduling, cost management, risk, and project controls across the HS2 programme while studying for their apprenticeship. The programme combines real-world placements, core skills workshops, and professional development, preparing participants for a career in project controls within the UK’s high-speed rail network.

Apply for the HS2 Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship here.

Association for Project Management (Project Management)

Offered through the Association for Project Management, these apprenticeships develop skills in planning, risk management, leadership, and stakeholder engagement. The Level 4 Associate Project Manager runs for two years, while the Level 6 Project Manager runs for four. Apprentices complete real-world projects, gain professional qualifications, and are assessed through presentations and professional discussions, creating a pathway into senior roles across industries.

Apply for an APM Project Management Apprenticeship here.

Hypnos (Furniture Making)

Hypnos, a British maker of luxury beds and mattresses, offers accredited apprenticeships designed by the Sector Skills Council. Apprentices gain practical experience in furniture production or business support, develop industry-relevant skills, and receive mentoring, all while contributing to innovative, sustainable products and supporting local communities.

Apply for a Hypnos Apprenticeship here.

BlackRock (Financial Services)

BlackRock’s 18-month Apprenticeship Programme gives school leavers the chance to gain hands-on experience in the financial services industry while studying for an industry-recognised qualification. Apprentices work alongside experts across teams such as Client Experience, Data Operations, Investment Operations, and Portfolio Management, building practical skills, professional networks, and career-ready experience. Successful completion may lead to a full-time role at BlackRock.

Apply for the BlackRock 2026 Apprenticeship Programme here.

Thales Group UK (Aerospace, Defence, Security, Digital, and Transport)

Thales is a global technology leader across aerospace, defence, security, digital, and transport industries. Their UK apprenticeship programmes provide hands-on experience across engineering, software, data, cyber, project management, and finance roles. Apprentices work alongside industry experts, gain mentoring and structured training, and develop the technical and professional skills needed for long-term career growth in cutting-edge technology sectors.

Apply for a Thales UK Apprenticeship here.

HSF Kramer (Law – Solicitor)

HSF Kramer’s Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme offers a six-year, structured route into law for ambitious school leavers. Based in London, apprentices gain hands-on legal experience, world-class training, and academic study while earning a competitive salary. The programme combines a law degree (LLB) with qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales via the SQE route, providing a fully supported pathway into a rewarding legal career.

Apply for the HSF Kramer Solicitor Apprenticeship here.

Creative Alliance (Digital Marketing & Culture)

Creative Alliance is a specialist training provider offering creative, digital, marketing, and cultural apprenticeships in production, marketing, media, and events. Apprentice programmes include mentor support, industry coaching, practical projects, and recognised qualifications, helping you build skills for careers in media, marketing, digital and creative sectors.

Apply for Creative Alliance Apprenticeships here.

Pareto UK (Digital Technology)

Pareto Apprenticeships offers a range of digital and technology apprenticeship programmes that give learners real‑world experience and industry‑aligned training tailored to employer needs. Their digital apprenticeships span areas such as software development, data analysis, IT support, AI solutions, network engineering and other tech‑focused pathways, equipping apprentices with practical skills for future careers.

Apply for a Pareto Digital Apprenticeship here.

Shell UK (Energy)

The Shell UK Apprenticeship Programme is designed for school leavers and individuals without a degree, offering a 30-month journey to develop skills, gain hands-on experience, and work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Apprentices work on meaningful projects that contribute to the energy transition, while receiving mentoring, training, and support from managers, mentors, and buddies. Opportunities are available across leadership, management, and digital programmes, providing a strong foundation for a career in energy.

Apply for the Shell UK Apprenticeship Programme 2026 here.

TechTrack (Government Civil Services Digital Technology & Data)

TechTrack is the UK Government’s advanced digital apprenticeship, designed to build critical digital skills across public services. The programme focuses on four key roles: Software Developer, DevOps Engineer, Business Analyst, and Cyber Security Technologist. Over 18–24 months, apprentices receive hands-on experience, immersive training, and mentoring, preparing them for leadership roles and a pathway to permanent positions within the Civil Service.

Apply for the TechTrack Civil Service Apprenticeships here.

Network Rail (Rail Industry)

Kickstart a career in rail with Network Rail’s 2026 apprenticeship programmes. Opportunities are open across engineering, business, IT, and finance. Roles include signalling, track, telecoms, and overhead line maintenance. Apprentices gain practical, hands-on experience, mentoring, and formal training, helping you build skills for a long-term career in the railway. With clear progression pathways, you can move into permanent roles and grow within the organisation.

Apply for the Network Rail Apprenticeships here.

Berkeley Group (Construction)

Start your career in construction with Berkeley Group’s 2026 apprenticeship programme. Opportunities are available in Construction Support, Quantity Surveying, Technical Build, and Business. Apprentices gain hands-on experience on site and in the office, develop skills in planning, site supervision, health and safety, and sustainability, and work towards nationally recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Level 4. Supported by mentors and a structured programme, apprentices build the foundations for long-term careers in the built environment.

Apply for the Berkeley Group Apprenticeships here.

Big Creative Education (Content, Marketing & Events)

Big Creative Education (BCE) offers creative apprenticeships in partnership with leading creative employers across the UK, helping learners break into media, marketing, events, and digital careers. Programmes combine classroom learning with on‑the‑job experience and mentoring to develop industry skills and confidence. BCE placements are designed to help apprentices hit the ground running and often lead to full‑time creative roles.

Apply for Big Creative Education Apprenticeships here.

Final Thoughts

UK apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route for young people and career changers alike, offering the chance to earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and develop skills that lead to long-term careers. From engineering, law, and digital technology to creative industries and construction, there are programmes to suit a wide range of interests and ambitions.

GT Scholars offers programmes that complement apprenticeships by helping young people build confidence, develop key skills, and prepare for their next steps. If you want to explore structured support and mentoring alongside tailored learning pathways, register your interest here.

7 Unexpected Signs Indicating Parental Burnout! Here’s How to Avoid It

by GT Scholars Guide to Apprenticeships Parents What's new?

Parenting can be rewarding yet challenging, and for many parents in the UK, managing their professional and family commitments while attending to their children’s emotional and academic demands can leave them feeling completely worn out. Unnoticed, this emotion can affect your physical and mental well-being and cause symptoms like anxiety and worries. Although many parents in the UK may write off exhaustion as a normal part of life, parental burnout symptoms are quite real and can have serious consequences if ignored for an extended time.

In this article, we have listed 7 unexpected signs to help you figure out whether you’re headed toward burnout. We’ve also listed some necessary steps to help you avoid and address it.

1. Irritability Over Small Issues

Are you snapping at your teen over things that wouldn’t have bothered you in the past? Being irritable over minor inconveniences is often one of the first signs of burnout. UK parents, particularly those balancing work or family responsibilities, may find that constant pressure leaves them on edge. The daily demands can make it difficult to keep cool, even when faced with trivial issues.

How to Avoid It: Create breathing space for yourself during the day, even if it’s just a 5-minute walk or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. This small moment spent with yourself can help you gather yourself and can make a big difference.

2. Feeling Emotional Disinterest

According to research, in the UK, the majority of parents show warning signs of burnout. However, they tend to overlook the early warning signals of burnout by going about everyday tasks without paying attention to how they’re feeling. Feeling emotionally cut off from your child is one obvious sign. You may be feeling worn out if you find it difficult to get involved or find joy in activities that used to make you happy.

How to Avoid It: Set aside time for small moments of reconnecting with your teen, such as talking over dinner or watching a movie together. Restoring your sense of connection might be facilitated by identifying and addressing your feelings of distance.

3. Constant Fatigue Despite Enough Sleep

Even after resting during the night, do you still feel worn out? This is an ongoing tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest, rather than just fatigue from a hectic schedule. This constant tiredness is an indicator of burnout for parents managing their jobs with their family responsibilities.

How to Prevent It: It’s critical to give priority to both sleep and mental relaxation in order to treat the root cause of your fatigue. You may increase your energy levels throughout the day by incorporating self-care activities like reading or light exercise into your daily routine. To ease the burden, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or family members.

4. Frequent Pains or Illnesses

The physical manifestations of stress can include headaches, tense muscles, or more frequent than usual illness. Burnout could potentially be the source of these symptoms. According to studies, long-term stress may damage immunity, making it more difficult to maintain good health. This can be overlooked by parents as “just part of the job,” especially those in the UK who must balance demanding professional duties with familial responsibilities.

How to prevent it: Put your mental and physical health first by participating in regular exercise, even if it’s only taking a daily stroll around your community. Your energy and ability to handle stress will increase if you take good care of your body. Speaking with a healthcare provider might also assist in ruling out any underlying problems.

5. Feeling Like a Terrible Parent

Do you find yourself feeling like, regardless of your best efforts, you aren’t doing everything for your teen? This feeling of failure is a typical but little-discussed burnout symptom. Many parents in the UK struggle with managing parenting and other responsibilities, especially those with hectic work schedules. It can eventually cause anxiety and worsen symptoms of depression.

How to Avoid It: Remind yourself that parenting isn’t about being perfect. Talking openly with your child has a greater impact than trying to accomplish everything. By discussing your child’s needs and how you can best support them, you can manage your expectations and lessen feelings of inadequacy.

6. Lack of Interest in Anything You Used to Enjoy

Burnout might become obvious if you’ve experienced a decline in your interest in social events, hobbies, or even quality time with your family. When fatigue sets in, the activities that once gave you energy begin to seem like routine chores.

How to Avoid It: Bringing little pleasures back into your daily life. Whether it’s a hobby, getting coffee with a friend, or just spending some peaceful time by yourself, schedule out time each week for activities that help you relax. You may rekindle your enthusiasm and vitality for life and parenting with even tiny doses of happiness.

7. Breakdowns or Outbursts of Emotion

It’s important to identify oneself as possibly nearing burnout if you notice yourself crying uncontrollably or being overwhelmed by small issues. In the UK, parenting teenagers can be quite demanding, especially when combined with the demands of GCSEs, A-Levels, and social issues. It’s critical to recognise these emotional outbursts as signs that stress levels are getting too high and to take the necessary steps.

How to prevent it: Take into consideration basic mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to control emotional tension. Seeking professional assistance, such as from a therapist or a parent support group, is crucial if stress levels continue to be significant.

Parental Burnout’s Impact on UK Families

Burnout is more common than many individuals understand, and it may seriously affect not only your health but also that of your family. Research indicates that parent fatigue can have an impact on the actions, academic achievement, and emotional growth of their teens. Burnout is frequently made worse by the stresses that parents deal with, such as difficulties juggling a job and personal obligations, financial strains, and academic requirements.

For parents who suffer from burnout, this research presents a startling picture with alarming findings. According to recent studies, one in five parents in the UK suffers from poor mental health, 46% report anxiety, and 82% experience burnout. Furthermore, in the previous year, one in five working adults—including parents—had to take time off.

How to Avoid Parental Burnout

Establish Boundaries: Don’t spend too much time on work or activities that tire you. Even if it’s just thirty minutes a day, make sure that your schedule allows for some personal time.
Consider Self-Care a Priority: Don’t neglect your health. Taking care of yourself will eventually make you a happier, more present parent, whether that means attending a local fitness class, swimming, or hanging out with friends.
Delegate Tasks: Address duties with your spouse or older kids. Teens may develop responsibility and lessen the workload by taking on additional household tasks.
Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to get in touch with mental health specialists or support organisations. Speaking with other parents who have experienced the same thing as you might offer compassion and helpful suggestions.
Put More Focus on Quality Time Than Quantity: Making the time you do have with your teen meaningful is far more significant than making the most of every moment. Stress is lessened, and your relationship is strengthened.

Discover How GT Scholars Can Help You

At GT Scholars, we are mindful of specific challenges that parents in the UK face while struggling to raise teens. Our Parent Hub is meant to give you the tools, support, and direction you need to conquer these challenges. We give guidance on managing stress, improving interpersonal connections, and supporting your teen toward academic success.

To discover more about how we can support your family and help you avoid burnout, schedule a Discovery Call with us right now. You can also check out other useful articles by GT Scholars on our website!

Now, you can take back control of your health and create a happier and healthier family dynamic by identifying the warning signs early and acting properly.

7 Ways Parents Can Help Their Teens to Make Best Career Choices

by GT Scholars Guide to Apprenticeships Parents What's new?

A big portion of a person’s life is spent doing a job based on their initial career choice. That’s why it is important to assist your child in exploring potential career paths for the future. Parents play a key role in helping their teens determine what they want to do for work. They can also help their teens gain an understanding of making the right career choices. By supporting and guiding them, parents can help their teens make smart decisions about their future careers. Here are seven effective ways parents can accomplish this.

1. Consider Yourself A Facilitator

Consider yourself a facilitator rather than a decision-maker when helping your teen figure out what they want to do for work. While it’s natural to want to impart wisdom, focus on empowering your child to take ownership of their decisions. Rather than trying to steer your teen towards what you think is the best path, encourage open conversation. Instead of dictating choices, practise active listening and initiate collaborative brainstorming sessions with your child. This supportive and non-judgmental environment will allow your teen to express their goals and areas of interest.

As a parent, your role is to support your teen and provide them with career guidance, not career decisions. Your child will need resources and encouragement as they figure out their potential career path. Give your teen access to your own wealth of knowledge, while respecting their independence and individuality.

Encourage your child to independently explore different options, try new experiences, as well as learn from their successes and setbacks. This can help a young person who isn’t sure of the career path they wish to take. Independence and self-reliance play a part in helping a teen with the confidence and skills needed to make informed decisions. Self-reliance will also empower them to make fulfilling career choices that are in line with their passions and goals.

2. Start Your Teen’s Career Journey Early

Try to read about all possible opportunities available, so you can present them to your child as suggestions. You can do this while still letting them be the ones making their own decisions. Remember that we all lead by example and that our children absorb all our attitudes and expectations that we have for them. It is advisable to avoid imposing your career preferences on your child. Rather, as you observe their skills, abilities, dreams and passions, you can suggest and guide them to potential career paths that can align with them.

As you guide your teen and advise them on their potential career choice, avoid forcing your goals upon them. Instead of telling them what job they should have in the future, help them discover their interests, strengths and values. Allowing them to explore different options they might enjoy can increase their independence and curiosity. Avoid driving them toward a specific career path by constantly labelling them. Encouraging their unique interests can nurture a sense of freedom to pursue their passions.

It is helpful to begin this journey of helping your teen explore careers early on. Take the time to research and familiarise yourself with the opportunities available in various fields. Doing this will equip you with the tools to present a wide range of options to your child as suggestions. This will then allow them to explore and make informed decisions. Remember, the process should empower your teen to take ownership of their career path.

3. Encourage Your Child To Get Some Work Experience

Encouraging your child to receive work experience is a great step in helping them make an informed career choice. Gaining experience gives a greater understanding of different professions, helping teens understand the day-to-day realities of different jobs. You can encourage your child to look for part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities in fields they’re interested in.

Whether it’s shadowing a professional or assisting with projects, these experiences offer firsthand knowledge that can shape their career choices. Another great way to gain experience is to volunteer at local organisations. By engaging in different work environments, your teen can discover their interests, strengths, and preferences. These opportunities can ultimately guide them towards a fulfilling career path.

Work experience allows teens to develop needed skills that are highly valued in the professional world. Each job opportunity brings occasions for growth and learning, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management. With each role, encourage your child to reflect on their experiences. Your child can identify the skills they’ve gained and the areas they excel in. This not only boosts their confidence but also provides valuable information for future career planning.

Not only does work experience enhance your child’s CV, but it also boosts their university applications. This helps set them apart from their peers. It also helps your teen identify their capabilities and skills. Your teen’s consideration for university admissions, scholarships, and future employment opportunities will ultimately increase. As a parent, you get to empower your child to take charge of their academic and professional development. You can help your child become proactive by assisting them in making the right career choice.

4. Support Your Child’s Decisions

Supporting your child’s decisions as they explore the right career choice for them is key to their growth and confidence. One way parents can do this is to actively listen to their teens’ interests and goals. Encourage open conversations with your teen about their passions and any concerns regarding potential career choices. By showing interest and respect for their thoughts, you create a supportive environment where your child can explore different options.

Another important way to support your child’s decisions is by providing them with access to resources and information. Help them research different careers, educational paths, and job markets. By empowering them with knowledge, parents enable their teens to make informed decisions about their future. Help your teen understand that careers are very flexible. This means that your teen doesn’t have to stick to one career path for the rest of their life.

Parents can also encourage their teens to pursue their interests and passions wholeheartedly. Providing opportunities for hands-on experience allows teens to explore their interests and develop valuable skills. Creating a sense of self-discovery and independence will help your child build confidence in their abilities. This will ultimately grow their informed decision-making for their future career goals.

5. Take Your Child To As Many Career Events As Possible

According to this article, the more young people are educated and informed about their careers, the better they are prepared for it. Taking your child to career events can help them make informed career choices. Exposing them to different industries, professions and job roles can inspire your child to pursue a new industry. You and your teen can attend career fairs, industry conferences or networking events together. Allowing your teen to explore different career paths and interact with professionals from various fields can open them up to new careers.

Joining your child to these events shows your support and commitment to their future. It also opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations about their interests, personal goals and concerns regarding their potential career choice. Your support can encourage them to think about their options and ask questions. It will also help them realise that they are in the discovery phase and do not need to decide on a career immediately.

Attending career events together as parent and child builds a sense of shared discovery and excitement. It allows the two of you to bond over shared interests and learn from each other’s perspectives. You can use these opportunities to discuss your own career journey, share career advice and provide guidance based on your experiences. When you participate in these events as a team, you empower your teen to make knowledgeable decisions. You also strengthen your relationship as you explore together and support them through their career learning.

6. Involve Guidance Counsellors

Involving guidance counsellors in your teen’s career choice journey can greatly enhance their decision-making process. These professionals possess knowledge about various career paths, educational opportunities and industry trends. Parents can ensure that their teens receive personalised support and guidance by working closely with guidance counsellors.

Guidance counsellors can offer great resources such as career assessments and aptitude tests. They can also offer tools like personality assessments to help teens gain clarity about their interests and strengths. Guidance counsellors can give guidance on which educational routes to take. They can suggest university subjects to study, vocational training programmes or alternative paths, based on your teen’s goals and academic performance. Counsellors can also connect scholars with industry professionals, alumni networks and internship opportunities. All of this will allow your teen to gain real-world experience and a glimpse into their potential field.

Involving guidance counsellors in the process of exploring careers opens your child to a collaborative approach to decision-making. Parents, teens, and counsellors can work together as a team to brainstorm ideas, address concerns and develop a plan for achieving career goals. Taking advantage of the knowledge and support of guidance counsellors can empower your child on their journey toward a fulfilling career.

7. Promote Academic Excellence

Education is important and everyone should constantly be in a learning state because we can never stop growing. This is why you should emphasise the importance of education to your teen. You can do this while also acknowledging that academic success looks different for everyone. This can be achieved by balancing a mix of your teen’s academics and other helpful pursuits. A combination of academic learning with personal and professional growth can lead to good career choices.

Promoting academic excellence is a good way for parents to support their teens in making the best career choices. Encouraging a strong academic foundation gives your child the knowledge and qualifications they need to pursue their desired career paths. You can never go wrong by motivating your teen to aim for academic success and reach their career aspirations. Challenge your child to set higher goals that you know they have the potential to reach. Also, you can provide them with learning resources and promote a positive attitude towards education.

Academic achievement opens doors to a wide range of opportunities. It also grows valuable qualities such as discipline, critical thinking and perseverance, which are needed for success in any career path. When parents show their children the importance of education, they nurture teens who become lifelong learners. Because of this, your teens can be adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. Growing their hunger for knowledge can equip teens with the tools needed to do well in a competitive job market.

Check Out Our Career Insights Programme

Knowing the importance of picking the right career is not enough. Understanding how to identify the right career is key. GT Scholars offers a programme perfect for this, which answers questions such as how to choose the right career path for yourself. The career insights programme grants teens aged 14-16 an idea of careers suited to their abilities and personality. Another added bonus is that the programme is free for teens. To learn more about this programme and to find out how to register, click here.

How to Choose a Career That’s Right for You

by Maddalena Onyehara Guide to Apprenticeships Young people

Knowing how to choose a career can be challenging for many young people. They need to discover what their talents and passions are and also learn about the different career paths available to them.

Choosing the right career is also one of the toughest decisions that we have to make in our lives. The career we choose has a significant impact on our quality of life.

This decision is even more challenging for young people because they have to decide what they want to do at an early age and with little experience about how the job market works and about what they might be good at

Luckily, there are several criteria and methods that you can use to help you choose the right career. We’ll be discussing this in more detail in this article.

Increase Your Self-awareness

When learning about how to choose a career that’s right for you, it’s a good idea to work on increasing your self-awareness skills. Self-awareness means paying attention to your own behaviour, how you think and how you feel.

Being more self-aware helps you to understand your strengths and weaknesses better. A strong self-awareness leads to making better decisions because you’ll have a clear sense of self. Only you will be able to determine what you may or may not enjoy.

Even though you’re likely to change and grow as a person, there are definitely certain personality traits that are always going to be stable in your life. Knowing these “building blocks” can help you exclude taking certain paths that you probably won’t enjoy when you’re thinking about how to choose a career.

It’s important to understand what these traits are so that it’s easier to decide the right career path for you. For example, if you’re someone who’s introverted and prefers to spend time on your own, going for a career path that involves a lot of public speaking and relationship-building might not be the right choice for you.

A great way to increase your self-awareness is through journaling. You can journal about anything like when you’re going through a difficult time, or when you’ve had an argument with someone, or when you’re happy about something and so on.

Journal and reread your journal from time to time to understand more about yourself. You will notice what has and hasn’t changed in you. All of these will help you to pick the right career for you.

Consider Your Passion

What are you passionate about? And what are your hobbies? We spend most of our time at work, so it’s important that you try to choose a career that represents what you enjoy and what you’re passionate about.

You might be thinking, “I don’t know what my passion is”. Ask yourself these questions: what do you do when you’re not studying or maybe even working? What type of books, Netflix series, YouTube videos, or podcasts do you like listening to? Which activities do you enjoy so much that you would do them for free?

Something else to think about is your energy levels when you do an activity that you like. What is something that excites you, as opposed to something that drains you?

Consider Your Skills

When you are on your way to finding a job, you’ll hear a lot about hard and soft skills.

A hard skill is a skill that you gain through practice. An example of this is computer programming. A soft skill instead is a skill that is more attached to your individuality. An example of soft skills is teamwork, which is how well you collaborate with other people.

You can master a hard skill through perseverance and repetition. You can also learn certain soft skills. However, they are more challenging to grasp because these are skills that you learn by exposing yourself to real-world experience.

At a young age, it’s difficult to assess your hard and soft skills because you still need to develop them. However, you still have some degree of knowledge on which skills you enjoy and are good at when you choose your career.

Some example questions that can guide you to analyse your hard and soft skills can be:

Are you good with numbers?
Are you able to learn foreign languages pretty quickly?
Are you good at writing or designing?

For soft skills:

Do you play a type of sport that requires team collaboration?
Are you good at managing your time?
How good are you at organising stuff?

Your grades can also help to assess your hard and soft skills. Even though grades are a flawed methodology to examine one’s capability to choose the right career, from your grades, you can gain insight on which career path you should consider.

Think About Your Desired Lifestyle

Part of learning about how to choose a career that’s right for you is to consider the lifestyle you want for your future. Your lifestyle will depend a lot on the type of career path you choose.

You’ll need to ask yourself questions like do you want to choose a career that requires you to travel internationally? Or would you prefer to stay closer to your family and friends? Do you like spending your time outdoors?

With the recent Coronavirus pandemic, there is an ongoing debate on whether companies should force employees to return to the office or not. Still, remote working has become popular because it can save companies a lot of money by avoiding renting office spaces.

Some employees prefer to work from home five days a week and not have to commute. They might be more family-oriented and choosing to work from home makes childcare more manageable and flexible for them.

Others prefer working from the office whereas some employees would like to go to the office only a few days per week. Then, not all jobs are doable from home because some career paths will require you to be present on site.

It is therefore important to consider what you want your life to be like and pursue career opportunities that allow you to build that life.

You may need to compromise at times

Some jobs are in higher demand than others and some pay better than others. Knowing how to choose a career that’s right for you isn’t always straightforward. There may be something you’ll need to compromise.

Some university degrees, on average, also allow you to make more money than others. These degrees are, for example, medicine, dentistry, computer science, engineering, etc.

If you’d like to know more about the highest paying degrees in the UK, read our blog!

But, what if you’re not interested in any of those? Should you try to get into this field just because of the money? If you’re that type of person who doesn’t enjoy career options that fall on this list of highest-paying jobs, you might want to consider finding a good compromise between what you like and what the job market can offer to you.

A clear example of this is: are you someone who likes to draw? The job market can offer careers in graphic design and digital design. Another ongoing problem is that some jobs have become (or are on their way to becoming) obsolete due to technological advances.

For example, pursuing a career in a travel agency can be a risky choice because people can find all possible information with a simple Google search.

Addressing this issue can feel challenging because it depends on your situation, your background, and what you are looking for in a career. But it is possible, with research and gaining practical experience in the fields you’re interested in! The important thing is knowing what you’re willing to compromise in a career and what you’re not.

Qualifications Needed Vs Willingness To Study

Specific career paths will need you to have either a degree or some sort of certification to prove your competency. How much time do you want to spend studying before getting into your desired career path? Years or months?

Whatever route you decide to take, you’ll need to get some education to improve your chances of getting employed. This can take both time and money.

Depending on your situation, you might not have the finances to afford formal education. You could then consider doing online courses in your area of interest.

Nowadays, there are many pathways that you can take to get more educated: university, boot camps and online classes or in-person workshops.

Universities also offer distance learning, as well as part-time degrees. For example, the UK Government has a list of free boot camps to address the UK’s skills shortage, and you can attend them at the comfort of your home.

When you’re thinking of how to choose a career path that’s right for you, you’ll need to assess how much time (and money) you would like to spend educating yourself to get into a particular career or field of work.

Seek Mentorship

A mentor is someone who can give you valuable insights into a specific field. They serve as a bridge between the mentee and the job market. They can also help you understand what you need to get into a particular career path. They’ll give you practical advice, motivation and reassurance.

A mentor can fast-track your career by guiding you towards doing things that are relevant to choosing the right career for you. They help you to feel more motivated to make solid decisions.

You may be wondering: how do you find a mentor? A mentor is often someone you already know and admire within your circle. If you cannot find anyone, maybe it’s a sign that you’ll need to expand your network. Try to attend your local youth community, social club or a volunteering event. Also, leverage your social media.

We’re passionate about providing mentorship to young people, which is why we offer mentoring as part of our 1:1 online programmes! You can get in touch with us if you’d like to know more!

In Conclusion

In this article, we discussed a range of things to think about when it comes to choosing a career that’s right for you. We have seen that the earlier you start considering your skills and passions, and start gaining practical experience, mentorship and expanding your network, the more likely you are to find a career that you enjoy!

If you’d like the opportunity to explore careers in various industries including Technology, Medicine, Finance, Engineering and many more! And if you’d like to meet professionals from a range of universities and corporate organisations such as PWC, University of Oxford, BT, JP Morgan, EY, BRIT Insurance and Blackrock bank, you can attend our online Careers Summit by registering here!

The Differences Between Internships, Learnerships and Work Experience

by GT Scholars Guide to Apprenticeships Young people

Before delving into what makes internships, learnerships and work experience different, it is good to know that all three do provide a platform for you to learn and gain some exposure in whatever field you choose to pursue.

Like all things, however, there are aspects to each of these that make them different, and it is always beneficial to know what route to take when pursuing either an internship, learnership or work experience.

Internships
One of the key points to note regarding internships is that every internship has a set period in which an organisation will allocate to the fulfilment of that internship. Some internships will run for a period of 1 month, sometimes 3-6 months or even a year. An internship can be paid or unpaid, with some internships also providing the option of a full- or part-time internship.

An unpaid internship often has some students questioning the fact that they will not be receiving any form of pay or minimum wage for the hours they put in. This issue is all dependent on the type of organisation or company you are working for and the type of internship you are doing. To find out more about the applicability of minimum wage and who qualifies for this, you can go to the Government website and read up on the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

Most internships are taken up by students and graduates in the hopes of attaining a level of experience and skill-building. Internships provide a structured working experience and exposure that is aligned with your particular field of study. The main focus of an internship is to give you a feel of a full-time working environment and what a particular role is like, while simultaneously facilitating the enhancement of both your personal and career development.

If you are looking to find some internships and do not know where to start, the government graduate talent pool is quite useful. GT Scholars is also a good starting point if you are feeling a little lost and not sure what career path you would want to take, and need some guidance and assistance with gaining confidence in your skills and personal development.

Learnerships
Learnerships are slightly different from internships, and they are a popular approach being used by companies in order to develop individual skills and gain real work experience. A learnership is essentially a structured training programme that has both practical and theoretical elements that allow those undertaking it to obtain a national qualification without having a formal education from a tertiary institution.

This simply means that those doing learnerships are able to gain the exposure of working that an intern would without having the qualification of a graduate. Learnerships tend to target students or individuals who have their GCSE as their highest qualification. The learnership is an avenue that allows them to obtain a national qualification while simultaneously working. Simply put, a learnership is a work-based learning programme, and yes, most learnerships are paid.

Unlike an internship, which involves an agreement between an employer or company and the intern, a learnership contract involves an employer, you, the learner, and a training provider. The practical aspect of a learnership is facilitated by your employer through the provision of training, mentoring and guidance for the time that you will be taking on the learnership. The training provider facilitates the theoretical aspect of a learnership. This is the same as having a typical classroom session in which you are taught specific things in order to apply them to your role in that learnership.

Work Experience
A work experience programme, sometimes known as a work placement, differs from an internship or learnership as this role has less extensive training or requirements than the previous two. It is more of an observatory learning role. Student work experience can be gained in several ways, with the most common work experience programmes being work placements, volunteer programmes, careers events, and insight days set by certain employers for school-leavers.

Work placements can be arranged by your school, or you can take the initiative yourself, and this runs over a short period of a week in a certain organisation or location in order to give you a first-hand look at what working at a particular organisation can be like.

Careers events are usually organised by either schools or organisations in order to meet employers who will give insight into what their organisations are about and what opportunities they offer to students and school-leavers. Some organisations will have a careers day or an after-school career programme in which students can participate.

Volunteering is an open-ended field, and there are always opportunities to apply yourself to and serve in your community. You can go look at the Volunteer Matters website to get you started and help you with both your career and personal development.

Other working avenues to get yourself involved in are extracurricular activities such as after-school academic, social or entrepreneur programmes or clubs and applying for competitions that focus on the working world. Applying for student leadership roles in school and after-school clubs is also a good way to develop your working experience and personal skills.

Whether you decide to go for an internship, learnership or work experience, all three provide a platform for you to develop yourself both personally and professionally. Being prepared for them is just as important as applying for them. One of the best ways to prepare for them is to invest in your personal development, and these are your skills, confidence and all-around performance in and outside of school.

Choosing the right opportunity is easier when you understand your strengths and goals. If you want guidance with career exploration, skill-building and personal development, GT Scholars offers programmes designed to support young people at every stage. Contact us to learn more and get started today!

6 Misconceptions That Young People Need to Address Before Embarking on a Degree or an Apprenticeship

by Temi Kamson Guide to Apprenticeships Young people

University debt has now risen to £100 billion in the UK, and it’s set to keep rising. Many young people are now looking into alternatives to university. You can read more about apprenticeships as an alternative to university here. But what happens if you’re not sure which path to take?

There is no reason for anyone to throw themselves into an apprenticeship or go to university just for the sake of going! There are a lot of things to consider. In this blog, we’ll do our best to address some of the typical misconceptions of young people about apprenticeships.

1. If I do an apprenticeship, I’ll earn less than a graduate.

When you’re studying for a degree, you’ll need to pay for your course and most people do. This means taking up a student loan. During an apprenticeship, you get paid to work and gain your apprenticeship certification, and you won’t have a student loan to pay off. The reality is that your salary as an apprentice and even beyond your apprenticeship will always depend on the profession you’ve chosen, the type of apprenticeship you’ve chosen and the company you work with. The same applies to graduates. It will depend on the work experience you gained before and during your degree, your qualities and what you have to offer, the degree you studied, the university you attended and the profession you chose. There are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to say one is better.

2. An apprenticeship is more accessible than studying for a degree.

Again, this is not necessarily true. So many young people believe that doing an apprenticeship instead of a degree is an easy way out. There is a belief that an internship doesn’t require good grades and that it’s a safety net that will secure them a well-paid job after school and ensure that they are debt-free.

Many students mess around in their final year of school because they believe they need 5Cs for a suitable apprenticeship. They didn’t attend any revision sessions, hardly prepared for exams and did the bare minimum to get 5Cs at GCSE, and who could blame them? Why work so hard if you feel you have the safety net of an apprenticeship waiting for you? Instead of looking for the easy way out, you should probably take the time to decide on your ideal career and then choose the path that will take you in the right direction.

3. It’s easy to get an apprenticeship with a top company.

The reality is that the top apprenticeships and school/college leaver programmes are competitive. Just like graduate programmes, you’ll face a lot of competition. Top companies want top-quality candidates, so you’d better be prepared to have a brilliant CV and get good GCSEs and A-levels if you want a job with the highest-paying companies. Some of the more glamorous apprenticeships will pay £400 per week, but most will pay about £200 per week. You only need to look online at the apprenticeships to understand what is available.

4. Doing an apprenticeship means I’ll never have to study again.

Unfortunately, this is not true. Most apprenticeships will require some form of assessment or examination as part of the apprenticeship. And, of course, even after your apprenticeship, your career may still need you to take regular exams or build qualifications if you want to move up the career ladder. Instead of thinking about how to get out of exams, why not look for a way to get better at doing them?

5. Apprenticeships are for people who didn’t get good grades or don’t like studying.

Doing an apprenticeship or studying for a degree is something that requires a lot of thought. The decision shouldn’t be based purely on your grades. The real question should be – what are you passionate about? What would you like to do with your life? If the career you want requires a degree, you’ll need to get good grades and go to a top university. If the career you want doesn’t necessarily require a degree, e.g. Accounting, IT or Management, then you’ll need to get good grades and go and work for the best company you can find that will support you to achieve your career aspirations. Alternatively, if the career you want requires you to go to a specialist Art/Fashion/Music/Dance college, you’ll need to get good grades to get into the specialist college.

6. I’ve been predicted low grades. I probably won’t get good GCSEs, and I’ll have no choice but to do an apprenticeship.

Predictions at school are based on a range of factors. Even as a teacher, I remember being baffled by what the computer spurred out as the predicted grades for my students. The problem is that many students then rest on their laurels, believing there’s just no hope and they’re only as good as the prediction. My view on this is to work hard. Don’t give up because your predictions aren’t that great. I’ve met bright students who gave up on themselves at the most critical point in their lives, and I’ve always wondered what would happen if they put in just a little more effort to get better grades.

If you’re unsure about what you want to do, you should probably take some time to get work experience in a field you are interested in before embarking on an apprenticeship or signing up for a degree.

Do your research into universities and the types of degrees that you could study. Meet people currently on an apprenticeship and ask about their experience. You may also want to look into apprenticeship degrees, where you work full-time while gaining a degree through your employer and graduating debt-free! Remember that no matter which path you choose, you’ll probably still need to work hard and get good grades by the end of school.

Apprenticeships Are Fast Becoming an Alternative to University

by GT Scholars Guide to Apprenticeships Young people

As you may already know, at GT Scholars, we believe that getting into a highly competitive university is an excellent way to get into a highly competitive career. But what if university is not your cup of tea? What if you already know what you want to do? And what if you want to start sooner rather than later? An apprenticeship is a great alternative to university, allowing you to gain experience and knowledge before your career begins.

An apprenticeship is fast becoming the alternative route for young students choosing to fast-track their careers. Although a great alternative to university, apprenticeships are highly competitive. You will still need good grades to stand out from other applicants. Read our blog to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships.

So here are our top 10 apprenticeships or special schemes for anyone looking to fast-track their career by entering the corporate world.

One of the ‘BIG 4’:

Consultancy:

Accenture

An investment bank:

Goldman Sachs

JP Morgan

UBS Apprenticeships

A commercial/investment bank:

An engineering or technology company:

BAE Systems

Atkins

For more apprenticeships within different industries, visit this www.bba.org.uk or this one, https://www.future-talent.com/ or https://www.directions.org.uk/ and search for apprenticeships at www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk.

The get noticed by top companies, you need to have more than just a great attitude; you will still need to have good grades.

If you are struggling to achieve good results in school, our Success Academy has helped hundreds of young people worldwide achieve success at school and beyond.

If you are interested in one of our programmes, you can register your interest here, and one of our team members will contact you to discuss things in more detail.