Guidance for Parents & Carers
As a parent or carer, you want to be able to guide and advise your child towards the best opportunity for them. So, where do you start?
There are so many options available to your child on leaving school. They could join the sixth form, begin an apprenticeship, commence a T Level, develop their confidence through a traineeship, apply for full-time university, consider a gap year or even move into volunteering!
Being open-minded about the range of opportunities, and equipping yourself with knowledge and information is the best way to build your confidence, and ultimately to support your child to make the best decision for them.
Through this Parent Zone, we aim to help you to explore those options.
Get started by downloading our Hints & Tips for Parents & Carers below.
Hints & Tips for parents & carers
'The Parent Perspective' Podcast
“The Parent Perspective” is an exciting new podcast series for parents and carers, helping them to support their children with careers advice and guidance.
This podcast provides a space for listeners to:
- Explore which careers are available today
- Showcase the experiences of interesting and diverse role models
- Provide real-time insights into how the world of work is changing
…all through a parents’ perspective.
Each episode features a panel of diverse parents, bringing their questions and insights to expert speakers to try to tackle and offer practical solutions to some of the challenges parents currently face in supporting their children to make informed decisions.
Find Out More
Whether you already know a little bit about apprenticeships, or you are starting from scratch, here are our top resources to arm you with all the apprenticeship knowledge you’ll need to inform and guide your child.
RESOURCES TO GET YOU STARTED
Choices Magazine – November Parent & Carers Guide
Welcome to the November edition of Choices Magazine, the ultimate parent & carers guide to apprenticeships and technical education!
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Choices Magazine – October Parent & Carer Guide
Welcome to the October edition of Choices magazine, the ultimate parent and carer guide to apprenticeships and technical education!
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Choices Magazine – September Parent & Carer Guide
Welcome to the September edition of Choices magazine, the ultimate parent and carer guide to apprenticeships and technical education!
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The Parent Perspective Podcast S3 E10 – The Minister is back: Robert Halfon MP and National Apprenticeships Week
In this episode Rachel Burden is joined by Anna Morrison from Amazing Apprenticeships and the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon.
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The Parent Perspective Podcast S3 E8: The Options for Re-training: how apprenticeships can lead to a new career
In this episode, find out why apprenticeships are also a positive option for parents & carers if you fancy a career change.
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The Parent Perspective Podcast S3 E7: The Options Post-18: the choices facing 18 year olds
University, a gap year, an apprenticeship or maybe a job? Just four of the many options facing 18 year olds leaving college. But how can you help your young people make the right decision?
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The Parent Perspective Podcast S3 E9: The Engineer
In the final episode of this series we’re talking about the green agenda and how apprenticeships - particularly in the trade and engineering sectors - can help us hit our targets and live a little more sustainably.
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The Parent Perspective Podcast S3 E6: The Options Post-16
This episode is all about the options open to young people post-16, after their GCSEs.
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The Parent Perspective Podcast S3 E5: The Army
What does an apprenticeship in the British Army look like? What options are available? And how do you go about getting on an Army apprenticeship?
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Resources for your child
Your step-by-step guide to applying for an apprenticeship
This guide will help you to prepare for the apprenticeship application process and be ready to show you are the right person for the role you want.
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Apprentices Are Amazing Film
Watch this short film to discover the amazing world of apprenticeships.
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This Is My Story Film: with BSL
Our inspiration This Is My Story film showcases the diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities on offer, featuring a chef, software engineer, personal trainer and more.
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Rapid Read: How to write a covering letter
This quick guide sets out what you should include in a covering letter.
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Green Apprenticeships Film
Meet some amazing apprentices in green roles, from organisations including Amazon, GEA and Leonardo.
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Higher and Degree Listing
Explore 2,300 Higher and Degree apprenticeship vacancies in the October edition of the Higher and Degree listing 2024.
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The Apprenticeship Quiz 2025
Test your knowledge with our fun quiz and learn a little more about what roles are available!
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Apprentice Story: Broadcast Operator @ BBC
Meet Ben, a Broadcast Operator at the BBC, and hear his apprentice story.
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Apprenticeship Facts
Apprenticeships are a safe and secure alternative route to university. They offer a wage, holiday pay, benefits, cover study fees and offer practical experience alongside the theory of study.
With over 600 different apprenticeships covering everything from accountancy to zoo-keeping, there is an apprenticeship out there for everyone.
Apprentices spend the majority of their time ‘on-the-job’ (doing their role), and a minimum of at least 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job’, which means studying or working towards their qualification.
100% of the time is paid, 100% of the fees covered and employers will range from blue chip companies to SMEs and independents.
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