Inside ApprenticeshipsYour first look at apprenticeship pathways
Why this matters
Pinned to National Apprenticeship Week. A high-energy intro to apprenticeships for Year 7 - what they are, who does them, levels, and stories from current apprentices in your local area. Plants the apprenticeship option early so it's not a last-minute discovery.
Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson
I can explain what an apprenticeship is in one sentence
I can name three sectors that offer apprenticeships
I can describe one real apprentice's day
ActivityActivity 1: Apprentice's day
Whole class15 min
Watch a 5-minute 'a day in the life' clip of a Level 3 apprentice. Note: pay, training, on-the-job time, what they like.
ActivityActivity 2: Sector lottery
In groups20 min
Each table draws an apprenticeship sector card (digital, engineering, healthcare, hair, finance, hospitality, construction, creative). 5 minutes to find 3 surprising apprenticeship roles in that sector.
ActivityActivity 3: Apprenticeship vs uni: the myth-buster
Whole class15 min
Three myths on the board (apprenticeships are only for trades / they don't pay well / you can't get a degree). Class debunks each with one fact.
Success criteria
How we'll know it worked
Apprenticeship one-pager completed
Three sectors named on exit ticket
Chapter Student Game
Action
Unlock the 'Apprenticeship Curious' badge in your Career Profile
Skills: Listening, Planning
Pick an apprenticeship that interests you. Add it to your goals with one sentence on why.
What's next
Use Amazing Apprenticeships free Year 7 toolkit. If possible, invite a current apprentice for 15 minutes via video call - even better impact than a polished slide deck.