Secure Your Spot in the UK’s Most Competitive Degree Apprenticeships
Unlock your potential with expert guidance, proven strategies, and personalised support to help you stand out and succeed in the UK’s top apprenticeship programs.
| Module / Theme | Time | Gatsby Benchmarks | Intended Output | Evidence for Ofsted/Gatsby |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Apprenticeship Foundations | 2 × 50 min | BM 2, BM 7 | LinkedIn profiles + 5 target employers | Screenshots of student LinkedIn profiles; employer research sheets |
| 2. Work Experience | 3 × 50 min | BM 5, BM 6 | Work experience applications submitted | Application tracker; confirmation emails; reflective logs |
| 3. Finding Apprenticeships | 2 × 50 min | BM 2, BM 3 | 20+ apprenticeship opportunities identified | Completed opportunity tracker; student presentations |
| 4. Organisation & Tracking | 1 × 50 min | BM 3 | Live application tracker in use | Individual trackers with deadlines logged |
| 5. CV Mastery | 3 × 50 min | BM 4, BM 8 | Professional CV tailored to roles | Final CVs uploaded; teacher review forms |
| 6. Written Applications | 2 × 50 min | BM 4, BM 8 | Real applications completed & submitted | Cover letters; application answers; submission confirmations |
| 7. Interview Skills | 3 × 50 min | BM 5, BM 8 | Students interview-ready | Mock interview recordings; peer/teacher feedback forms |
| 8. Online Tests | 2 × 50 min | BM 3 | Confidence in psychometric tests & SJTs | Practice test scores; reflection sheets |
| 9. Assessment Centres | 2 × 50 min | BM 5, BM 8 | Preparedness for AC activities | Observation checklists; group exercise feedback |
| 10. Offer Decisions | 1 × 50 min | BM 3, BM 7, BM 8 | Clear framework for choosing offers | Decision matrix; copies of offer letters |
| Theme | Benchmarks | How Delivered in Elite Apprenticeship Academy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Programme Overview | 1 | Full structured curriculum with tracking, Q&A calls, and pre-mapped modules |
| 2. Labour Market Insight (LMI) | 2 | Company research tasks, sector breakdowns, salary analysis, application open dates |
| 3. Personalisation & Needs | 3, 8 | Progress tracking, CV iterations, review notes, mentorship support |
| 4. Curriculum-Linked Skills | 4 | Subject-linked CVs (e.g. Maths → Finance), reflective tasks that connect learning to work |
| 5. Employer Engagement | 5, 6 | Guest sessions, employer videos, real-world application tasks, STAR bullet rewrites from real firms |
| 6. Work Experience / Exposure | 6 | Work experience confirmations, student-submitted experience logs, employer contact logs |
| 7. Apprenticeship Pathways | 7 | Application walkthroughs, higher/degree apprenticeship comparisons, interview prep |
| 8. Career Guidance | 8 | Review notes, parent involvement, Q&A sessions, optional 1:1 calls for Signature students |
Subject: New Apprenticeship Support for Our Sixth Form Students
Dear Parent/Carer,
We are delighted to share that [School Name] has partnered with Vanguards Academy, the UK’s leading apprenticeship preparation programme for ambitious 16–19 year olds.
This partnership gives your child access to expert resources, live coaching, and proven strategies to help them secure elite degree apprenticeships at top firms such as PwC, KPMG, Rolls-Royce, the BBC, and J.P. Morgan – while earning a salary and a fully-funded degree.
What this means for your child:
All safeguarding is in line with KCSIE (2024), Prevent Duty, and the school’s safeguarding framework.
You can read the Parent FAQs and Information Sheet here: Parent Pack
We encourage you to review these resources with your child and discuss how they can make the most of this opportunity.
Kind regards,
[Careers Lead Name]
[School Name]
Dear Parent/Carer,
We are pleased to inform you that [School Name] has partnered with Vanguards Academy, a leading apprenticeship preparation programme for sixth form students.
Through this partnership, your child will receive structured training, live coaching, and tailored tools to help them secure highly competitive degree apprenticeships with top UK employers.
The programme is fully safeguarding-compliant and complements our existing careers provision, ensuring your child has the very best preparation available.
If you have any questions, please refer to the enclosed Parent Info Sheet or contact our school careers team directly.
Kind regards,
[Careers Lead]
