I spent the first years of my teaching career listening to students and parents talk about UCAS. University was the prime route young people took, and that was primarily because there was a limited understanding on the value of an apprenticeship as the first step into a career.

If you have students who are interested in the work/study route, you may want to provide them with the following apprenticeships advice.

* Getting an apprenticeship is not an easy option. You will need to plan ahead - research is key. Don’t expect college or training providers to find your students a placement. In fact, colleges or training providers will happily recruit but not necessarily find work placement, so it really is important your students are proactive and willing to complete their own research.

* There are different levels of apprenticeships available and entry requirements will differ accordingly.