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Apprenticeships

🛠️Thinking about an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme, designed to focus on developing knowledge, behaviours, and skills for a particular career through combining paid, practical on-the-job training alongside study. Apprentices spend 20% of their programme completing flexible, theory-based learning with a specialist provider (such as a college or university), which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

One of the ways Peterborough City Council (PCC) can support all care experienced young people wishing to take the apprenticeship route is by recognising that PCC officers are corporate parents to children in care and care leavers. As part of our corporate parenting responsibilities and commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for you our care leavers. All of our internal service areas are asked to consider ring-fencing appropriate roles/apprenticeships for care leavers.

To ensure the best outcomes for you there are a number of processes in place. The process begins with scoping, where a member of the Virtual School will meet with a prospective manager to ensure the potential role is appropriate. We then consider entry requirements, experience required, salary, etc. The manager will then receive training from the Virtual School on the bespoke needs of care experienced young people and how best to support them. The Virtual School will support both the young person and the manager through the recruiting period (such as by providing information sessions and interview prep sessions) and ongoing support in the role itself.

💰What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship

  • Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeships combine paid, practical on-the-job training with study, leading to nationally recognised qualifications.
  • Real Job from Day One: Apprentices are employed from the start, with contracts aligned to the duration of their training.
  • Career Development: Apprenticeships support both new recruits and existing staff, helping individuals build knowledge, skills, and behaviours for long-term career success.
  • Supportive Environment: Apprentices receive guidance from mentors, line managers, and dedicated advisors, including access to bursaries and equipment if needed.
  • Inclusivity and Opportunity: Apprenticeships are open to all ages and backgrounds, including care leavers who receive tailored support and financial assistance

You can find a step by step guide here that will help you identify your goals and how you can research apprenticeship opportunities yourself. Please remember if you need that little extra help just contact the Virtual School virtualschool@peterborough.gov.uk to arrange and appointment with one of our Education Officers.

🔗 Get Started with These Links

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