Advice for Parents and Carers
Navigating career options can be overwhelming, but as a parent or carer, you play a vital role in supporting your child during this important time. That’s why we’d love to share our apprenticeship advice for parents and carers.
Apprenticeships offer young people a fantastic opportunity to earn while they learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience and qualifications that can set them up for success. Here’s everything you need to know to guide your child in making an informed decision about their future.
Explore Apprenticeships with Your Child
Did you know it’s likely that your child has already been introduced to apprenticeships at school or college? From assemblies and tutorials to careers fairs and guest speakers, schools often provide foundational knowledge about apprenticeship opportunities.
Start by asking your child what they’ve learned so far about apprenticeships. This will give you a sense of their understanding and interests, creating an open conversation to explore career pathways together. From there, you can both plan how to discover more about apprenticeships to make informed choices.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give individuals practical experience while earning a salary and gaining qualifications. Apprentices spend part of their time at work and part of their time studying (often one day a week or through online learning). Unlike traditional academic routes, apprenticeships offer a hands-on approach to career development.
At HBTC, apprenticeships are available in a variety of fields, including:
Research Apprenticeships with Confidence
Once you understand how apprenticeships work, it’s time to explore the opportunities available. Researching together is a great way to ensure you’re both confident in the path your child chooses.
We recommend:
Checking available vacancies
Browse our apprenticeship vacancies or Gov Find an Apprenticeship to see what roles are currently open. This can provide insight into the types of roles your child might aspire to.
Exploring resources for parents and carers
Websites like Amazing Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships.gov offer comprehensive resources, including guides, stories, and alerts about upcoming events.
Learning from success stories
Get inspired by real-life stories of apprentices who’ve gone on to thrive in their careers. We love to shout about the success of apprentices, why not check out some recent stories below or read all of our success stories here.
5 Tips for Parents and Carers
1. Be open-minded
Put aside preconceptions and explore all options together. Your child may surprise you with what ignites their interest.
2. Discuss technical vs academic pathways
Help your child evaluate whether they prefer hands-on work (technical) or theoretical study (academic). Neither route is better—it’s all about finding the perfect fit.
3. Consider learning styles
Does your child learn better by doing, or are they more classroom-focused? Matching their learning style to a pathway is a great way to ensure their success.
4. Use available sypport
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school or college for help. They have resources and dedicated careers advisers to assist in making informed choices. The Recruitment Team at HBTC are also happy to help.
5. Be patient and flexible
It’s okay if your child doesn’t know what they want to do right now. Many young people explore multiple career options before settling on a path.
Where to Look for More Information
Educational institutions, online portals, and social media are excellent places to find more information about apprenticeships.
School or college
Most schools have a designated Careers Leader and may host events for parents and students to explore career pathways.
Government website
Visit Apprenticeships.gov for stories, resources, and updates on available roles.
Social media
Follow apprenticeship-focused organisations, companies, and government accounts for live updates, new vacancies, and inspiring success stories.
Apprenticeship FAQs
What are the entry requirements for apprenticeships?
Entry criteria differ for each apprenticeship. Generally, they require GCSE passes in core subjects (Maths and English). However, some apprenticeships may have no formal requirements and instead focus on work ethic and enthusiasm.
Are apprenticeships only for certain types of careers?
Not at all! Apprenticeships are offered across a wide range of industries, from tech and healthcare to construction and creative roles.
Can my child still pursue higher education after an apprenticeship?
Yes! Many apprenticeships offer progression into advanced qualifications, including degree apprenticeships, which allow your child to gain a university education while working.
Are apprenticeships really paid?
Yes, apprentices earn at least the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage, with many earning significantly more depending on the industry and employer.
How do I encourage my child to take the next step?
Encourage open communication and research opportunities together. Introduce them to successful apprentice success stories to help them visualise their future.
Take the Next Step
Empower your child to unlock their potential with an apprenticeship. Visit our vacancies page for current opportunities or check out our success stories to see how others have built rewarding careers with apprenticeships.
Want to learn more? Discover resources and tips at Amazing Apprenticeships or Apprenticeships.gov.
