We asked learners and those already in the trade to tell us the issues that are affecting them, with experts across the industry helping to answer questions and provide advice. Got something that's concerning you? Get in touch and we’ll get your question answered!
@ABPLUMBINGHEATING_BEN (BEN GRADDON) Apprenticeships need to be pushed more in schools rather than just the typical A-level route. While I wholeheartedly agree that apprenticeships need to be given more prominence in schools, there are some signs the situation is improving. For too long, apprenticeships and vocational qualifications have been seen as second best whilst schools openly favour academic routes such as A-levels. In 2019, research by Careers England highlighted that only 10% of secondary schools had sufficient funding for career advice services - a symptom of a system that invests in and measures exam grades above all else. With the Government’s renewed focus on STEM subjects and the introduction of T-Levels as an alternative to A-Levels, technical and vocational education is being given a new-found prominence and with it, we hope, attracting a more diverse interest in apprenticeships.
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It’s important to note that apprenticeships can only truly take off with significant support for the small business owners required to provide them. The CIPHE highlights these issues in its new manifesto and will continue to make the point that, whilst an increased focus on technical routes in education is a positive first step, there is much more to be done before apprenticeships really do sit at the centre of the Government’s ‘green industrial revolution’. Tim Sainty Membership Director CIPHE
@RUSSHAKA (RUSS HACKER) I’m concerned about information gaps in college courses. Utilise the support available in your college: You’ll get 3-month progress reviews throughout your course, with your Mentor and Tutor. Bring up any concerns you have during those. Mock exams will help identify any gaps in knowledge. Utilise your Personal Tutor. Never be afraid to ask a question, and always ask for support. Your college support team will help you with everything from studying issues, mental health, finance, partner issues - there is nothing they can't help you with. Consistent learning: It’s important that you work at home and study consistently rather than trying to cram everything into the last few months. Read a section of your text book every night – just ten minutes really works. Or watch a YouTube video on different parts of your course. Mix it up to keep it interesting. Know your learning style: Some learners work best making notes from white boards, others from handouts. Some students prefer videos or demonstrations, others group discussions. Think about your own learning style – do you learn best from seeing, hearing, reading/writing or doing? No one is ever 100% one type of learning style, just try to find yours. Most of all it’s important to be selfmotivated: You get out of something what you put in. Never be afraid to ask a question (no matter how stupid you may think it is) or put your hand up and say you don’t understand something. Tony Sandon Gas, Heating and Plumbing Lecturer City College, Norwich
APPRENTICE VOICE A PPRE N T I C E VOI C E I S U M M E R 2021 I H IP
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