Apprenticeships, A-Levels & T-LevelsThe post-16 routes that matter to you now
Why this matters
Pinned to National Apprenticeship Week. Year 10 needs to start understanding post-16 in detail - not just labels but actual entry requirements, timelines, application processes. Students compare three routes through the lens of their own career goals.
Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson
I can compare A-levels, T-levels and apprenticeships across 5 dimensions
I can map my top 3 career goals to the strongest route for each
I can name 2 specific apprenticeships I'd be eligible for at 16
ActivityActivity 1: Five-dimension comparison
On your own25 min
Build a table: cost, time, UCAS points, salary at 18, university acceptance. Three routes.
ActivityActivity 2: Route-fit for my goals
On your own20 min
For each of your top 3 careers, which route is strongest? Why?
ActivityActivity 3: Two real apprenticeships
On your own15 min
Use UCAS apprenticeships search to find 2 specific apprenticeships you could realistically apply to at 16.
Success criteria
How we'll know it worked
Three-route comparison sheet completed
Two named apprenticeships saved to Chapter goals
Chapter Student Game
Action
Add 2 specific apprenticeship pathways to your Chapter post-16 goals
Skills: Problem Solving, Planning
Compare A-level, T-level and apprenticeship for your top career. Save the comparison to Chapter.
What's next
Bring data: 2026 apprenticeship pay, T-level UCAS points, university acceptance rates from each route.