Students are celebrating after being offered fantastic apprenticeship opportunities by leading businesses
Students at Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough are celebrating after being offered fantastic apprenticeship opportunities by leading businesses.
The students have recently taken their A-level exams and are now relaxing in the knowledge that they are already on the ladder to an extraordinary future.
We caught up with them to bag some top tips for securing that dream apprenticeship.
Our top tips
Robbie Boocock, ex-Eskdale School student, has secured a position as a Trainee Accountant with M. Wasley Chapman & Co
Robbie said: “I’d advise you to go with the flow and work hard in lessons.
“I found the apprenticeship through my accounting teacher and only applied for this one as it is close to where I live.
“It took me a day to write up and send my CV before I was interviewed for it.
“I would advise other students to be patient as there are lots of opportunities – even now we are still receiving emails through college about possible opportunities.”
Daniel Bury and Molly Hewitson, both ex-Stokesley School students, have secured Solicitor degree apprenticeships with Watson Woodhouse Solicitors
Daniel said: “I’d advise getting relevant work experience with the environment you wish to gain a degree apprenticeship.
“This is essential to have a strong interview and stand out from the other candidates.
“Research the firm you wish to join. Your future career path and knowledge about the company will be questioned, so be ready.
“Appear smart and put the effort into your appearance – this shows your commitment to joining and will help you stand out.”
Molly said: “Gain some work experience in the field you are wanting to go into – ideally at the firm you are applying to.
“Research the company so you can show an interest in them and the work that they do.
“Show how passionate you are about that profession and what qualities you have that would make you the best candidate for that role.”
Ashton Dick, ex-Huntcliff School student, has gained a Mechanical Engineer apprenticeship with Primetals Technologies Ltd
Ashton said: “Try to be proactive and gain some work experience as it helps with the interview and gives you something to talk about. However, it isn’t the end of the world if you are unable to get some.
“Practise speaking into a computer with no one on the other side of the screen as it can be quite a shock if you haven’t done it before.
“Research the company and the role and check out their social media pages as they can have lots of information.
“If you are unsuccessful in one, don’t let it put you off another and try to get feedback on how you can improve.
“Make sure you have a Plan B, for example, going to university. Apply early and try not to leave it too late as you will have exams to prepare for.”
Sophie Gray, ex-Outwood Academy Bydales student, has secured a position with Atkins Ltd on a Civil Engineering degree apprenticeship
Sophie said: “Do your research on the job and the company beforehand, so you are well prepared.
“Gain some work experience in the field you’re applying for, but don’t worry too much if you are struggling to do so.
“There’s a lot of virtual work experience which you could complete instead which is easily accessible.
“Make sure your CV is up to date and stands out from the rest before you start applying for any apprenticeships.
“When preparing for an interview, practise and plan what you are going to say to the questions which they may possibly ask in the interview.
“Ask a lot of questions during your interview and come across as really keen.
“You may not hear back from the apprenticeship you have applied to for a while. Don’t panic. These things usually do take time.
Evie Martin, ex-Trinity Catholic College student, has secured a Business Admin apprenticeship with Veolia
Evie said: “When applying for an apprenticeship you want to produce a CV that stands out and to keep researching until you find a company that is right for you.
“Sustainable development and the future of the planet are important to me so I wanted to work within a company that supported my values and beliefs.”
Owen Waistle, ex-Unity City Academy student, has secured his dream position as a Nuclear Mechanical Engineering apprentice
Owen said: “Experience and enrichment are essential, start as soon as possible.
“Having clubs and experience to talk about made it much easier for me to convey my strengths and weaknesses.
“Challenge yourself. This could be anything from a difficult assignment to public speaking, getting out of your comfort zone allows you to show how you’ve grown and will continue to.
“Plan for the future. You don’t have to plan every part of your life, but having career or academic milestones in the future helped me explain the reasons why I wanted my apprenticeship and how it would help me progress my career.”
It’s not too late to apply
If you would like to become one of Prior’s successful students, don’t forget it’s not too late to apply for September 2023.
And if you’re a year 10 student thinking about coming to college next year, why not visit one of the college’s Open Events:
- Wednesday, 18th October 2023, 5pm-8pm
- Saturday, 9th December 2023, 10am – noon
- Thursday, 8th February 2024, 5pm – 7.30pm
- Tuesday, 26th March 2024, 5pm – 7pm
Find out more?
Discover more about Prior Pursglove College and the courses it offers at pursglove.ac.uk