Apprenticeships

An increasing number of Blue Coat Sixth Form students are securing competitive apprenticeships after Year 13 and we are committed to ensuring that every student has the support they need to make well-informed decisions about their future and feel confident throughout the apprenticeship application process. We work closely with students interested in applying for apprenticeships, offering comprehensive support designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. This includes: 

• Apprenticeship Awareness Lectures: Students attend informative sessions on where to find apprenticeship vacancies, with guidance on companies and training providers offering apprenticeship schemes. 

• Application Support: We provide detailed advice on crafting compelling CVs and cover letters, as well as step-by-step guidance on completing application forms. 

• Interview Preparation: Students have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews and receive tips on how to succeed in the selection process, including how to showcase their strengths and skills effectively. 

• Contact with Employers: Students have presentations and opportunities to network with companies, including Ultimate Products, Diodes and Browne Jacobson. 

Degree Apprenticeships

A degree apprenticeship enables you to gain a full undergraduate or master’s degree while you work. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course level. You’ll spend most of your time working and you’ll also study part-time at university. For example, you might go to university one or two days per week, or in short blocks, such as a week at a time. Overall, you spend about 20% of your time studying vs. 80% of your time working.

What are the benefits of Degree Apprenticeships?

• You’ll get real-life experience working alongside your degree.
• Your degree is fully paid for, so there’s no cost to you.
• You’ll get paid a salary just like a normal employee.

At Blue Coat Sixth Form, we are committed to providing our students with exceptional pathways to success. Whilst a lot of students go directly on to University, we encourage the exploration of all options including opportunities to pursue degree apprenticeships. Our links with local, national and international businesses and organisations such as Wilmott Dixon, PWC and GCHQ, mean that we are well placed to provide students the links to these programmes. These partnerships ensure our students have access to unique pathways that combine academic study, professional experience, and financial independence.

Blue Coat Sixth Form has formed a strong and unique partnership with Ultimate Products, an international multi-million pound PLC with headquarters in Chadderton. The company, who design, develop and distribute branded consumer goods such as Salter, Beldray and Russell Hobbs, has over 400 employees across 6 offices worldwide. Blue Coat’s relationship with Ultimate Products provides exciting opportunities for our sixth formers including degree apprenticeships, non-degree apprenticeships and paid work experience to name but a few.

In the video below, we discover how ex student Lottie started her apprenticeship, the balance between learning and earning, and how the mentorship she receives can support her development.

Higher Level Apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, with most apprentices gaining an NVQ Level 4, HND, or foundation degree. Some offer the opportunity to progress to Level 7 (which is postgraduate degree level).

What are the benefits of Higher Apprenticeships?

• Apprentices are employed and paid a wage throughout the course.
• Apprentices will gain a head start in their chosen profession.
• Training costs are co-funded by the government and the employer.

Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers is the national league table that recognises England’s leading apprenticeship employers for their overall commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of their new apprentices, and the progression of their apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment. The annual rankings have been developed by the Department for Education and RateMyApprenticeship.

Support for Parents and Carers

If as a parent / carer you need guidance on how you can support your student on their apprenticeship journey, click on the following link for more information:

National Apprenticeship Show

The number of students seeking alternatives to university at the end of Year 13 is growing each year, with many being interested in securing an apprenticeship. Every year we take our Year 13 students to the National Apprenticeship Show, the perfect opportunity to discover more about apprenticeships.

The National Apprenticeship Show showcases all levels of apprenticeships, including Higher and Degree, and offers our students the opportunity to engage with the region’s top employers, colleges, universities, and training providers in a face-to-face, interactive environment.