Choose geography apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to gain practical skills in the workplace whilst studying at the same time. Most of your time is spent doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification.
You鈥檒l get paid a salary and be part of a team, just like a standard employee, but you鈥檒l also get dedicated study time throughout the week. Some people choose to undertake an apprenticeship instead of going to university.
Apprenticeships work differently across the UK, between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The information here answers key questions you may have about apprenticeships and applies to apprenticeships in England.
Find out more about apprenticeships in , and .
On this page
- What are the different types of apprenticeship?
- How long do apprenticeships last?
- Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
- How do you choose an apprenticeship?
- How do you apply for an apprenticeship?
- How can I use geography in an apprenticeship?
- Why might you consider undertaking an apprenticeship instead of going to university?
What are the different types of apprenticeship?
There are four broad levels of apprenticeships:
- (Level 2);
- (Level 3);
- (Level 4 and above);
- (Levels 5-7).
Each level has different , and each apprenticeship vacancy will specify what these are, along with the qualities the employer is looking for.
If you are considering an apprenticeship after studying A Level geography, you would likely be looking at 鈥楬igher鈥� and 鈥楧egree鈥� apprenticeships, for 鈥楬igher Technical Occupations鈥� and 鈥楶rofessional Occupations鈥�.
The lower level apprenticeships are a good way to get a foothold into a sector of occupation if you don鈥檛 meet the entry requirements for higher apprenticeships. There is often the possibility of further study or higher apprenticeships later in your career.
How long do apprenticeships last?
The time it takes for an apprentice to complete training and receive their certification varies. Apprenticeships can last between one and six years. Factors like industry, the specific role and the level of apprenticeship will all play a key part in how long the actual apprenticeship is.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you鈥檙e still at school. To start one in England, you鈥檒l need to be:
- 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays;
- Living in England;
- Not in full-time education.
Whilst some people choose to start apprenticeships from the age of 16, some also choose to undertake this later on in life through an .
How do you choose an apprenticeship?
One good way to start your search is to look for apprenticeships by your preferred location 鈥� as this is likely to be a significant factor in making a choice. The UK Government's is a great tool for this.
It also helps to have an occupation or sector in mind when you're looking for an apprenticeship. The occupations are structured by broad sector groups, which might help you to think about the type of company you might want to work for. Occupation Maps from the describe all of the available apprenticeships.
Other sources such as the and may be useful in your search for an apprenticeship. NTGU also has blogs and case studies from those doing apprenticeships, materials for parents and more.
How do you apply for an apprenticeship?
Each apprenticeship will have its own application process and timescale. For most apprenticeships you can apply directly to the employer through their website.
You can also use the service to apply for some apprenticeships. If you are looking to undertake an apprenticeship after you leave school, it is a good idea to start looking at what is on offer in Year 12.
For many apprenticeships, you will need a CV and a cover letter to apply. When preparing these, it is a good idea to think about how you can demonstrating how you are qualified, what qualities you would bring, and why you think you would make a good apprentice for that organisation.
More information and tips on applying for apprenticeships can be found on websites such as and . You can also read our guidance on making a successful application.
How can I use geography in an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships focus on delivering the necessary training for a specific occupation, so there is no single geography apprenticeship. There are, however, a range of apprenticeships that require the use of geographical skills and will work with . You may, for example, wish to undertake a . Below are some examples or apprenticeship roles you could undertake which related to geography and the types of organisations which may offer these.
If you are interested in working with the natural environment, you may wish to consider undertaking an which could involve working for the . Other areas of interest may also include and . Take a look at for more examples of roles working in this area.
If you are passionate about the development of cities and urban society, you may consider an apprenticeship in . Examples of roles in this area include working as a town planner or . You may be interested in completing an apprenticeship with an infrastructure consultancy company. You may also be interested in working in or completing an apprenticeship with the .
Working for an insurance or finance company in risk management is an interesting way to explore human and physical geography themes. Apprenticeships in this area may involve working as an insurance risk surveyor or a .
As geography degree provides you with a broad skill set, and it lends itself well to a range of occupations. Other related industries include working in travel and tourism, working with natural resources, which may involve working for an energy or water company or working in Geographical skills are also valued by corporations looking to become more responsible and sustainable in their activities.
Choosing a non-geography occupation or an occupation in a non-geography organisation doesn't mean you're leaving your geographical knowledge and skills behind. Many people who have studied geography at A Level take that mindset with them into their future career. Keeping in touch with geography through professional development, by being a member of the Society, or by joining in other local geography interest groups, can help to foster interests and skills as your career develops.
Why might you consider undertaking an apprenticeship instead of going to university?
It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of pursuing an apprenticeship and going to university to study geography. Apprenticeships can provide a great opportunity to learn practical skills in the workplace, and to earn while you study. However, there are many excellent geography degrees available and their graduates go on to a very wide range of careers and other opportunities. to help you think about which option is right for you.
Read more about a student鈥檚 decision to pursue an apprenticeship on and hear about the .