Apprenticeships and GCSEs

NeedAssistance

Hi all

My son failed his Maths and English yesterday (although looking to possibly appeal depending on how close he was).  My question is, he would like to do an apprenticeship.  He hated school so doesn't want to spend any more time in there than he absolutely has to.  He has got an interview with a car mechanics at the beginning of September for an apprenticeship but obviously no longer has the required Maths and English GCSEs.  My question is two fold: (a) can he start an apprenticeship and retake his maths and English alongside doing the day release college course and (b) once/if he secures an apprenticeship does he then look for a college course or would the garage suggest a college and course to do?  Apologies for the questions but the school have been extremely unhelpful

Thank you all in advance

Jillanddy

I don't think the school have been unhelpful. They simply can't answer questions about something that is nothing to do with them. 

It is certainly possible to take / retake qualifications whilst on an apprenticeship - our apprentices usually have a "window" where they must obtain the required levels. Whether that is true in all circumstances I couldn't say. Where I work apprenticeships are already supported by our approved training providers, but again, I do not know if this is true of everywhere - my friends son had to apply for his college place then find a work provider. 

If he has an interview, perhaps these are questions to address to the employer interviewing him? 

NeedAssistance

Thank you, that is really helpful.  Yes I'm probably being very unfair about the school just not feeling very positive about them at the moment. 

I'll get him to have a word with the employer but apply to colleges in the meantime.

NBLondon

NeedAssistance said:

(a) can he start an apprenticeship and retake his maths and English alongside doing the day release college course

a) the training provider may well provide coaching or access to self-teach methods to support the retake.   Or they may arrange Functional Skills exams as an alternative which will also meet the requirements of the apprenticeship.

NeedAssistance said:

(b) once/if he secures an apprenticeship does he then look for a college course or would the garage suggest a college and course to do?  

b) the employer will usually be partnered with a training provider (which might be a college anyway) who will specify the courses.

Or as Jillanddy mentions - you can start with the college who will have links with employers.

TadleyBaggie

I failed my English GCE (way before they added the "s") and was able to start my apprenticeship, on the understanding I retook it. Which I did and I failed it again. I retook it a second time and failed it again. I didn't bother to tell my employers and nothing was ever said.