Apprenticeships combine employment with study and can provide a direct route into a career while allowing students to gain qualifications and practical experience.

Students considering an apprenticeship can receive support with:

• Understanding how apprenticeships work.
• Exploring different apprenticeship pathways.
• Finding suitable opportunities.
• Searching and applying for vacancies.
• Preparing applications.
• Writing CVs.
• Preparing for interviews.
• Understanding what employers are looking for.

Higher and degree apprenticeships can also provide an alternative route into higher-level study and employment.

Some students may choose to move directly into employment after leaving Itchen.

Students can access support to help them prepare for the workplace, including:

• CV writing.
• Job applications.
• Interview preparation.
• Understanding employer expectations.
• Developing employability skills.
• Finding information about employment opportunities.

The College also has partnerships with employers and organisations that can give students opportunities to learn more about different industries and careers. Current partnerships include organisations in areas such as tourism, transport, childcare and the fitness industry.

Work experience gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace, develop practical skills and explore potential career paths.

Itchen has a dedicated Work Experience Coordinator who supports students with organising placements. The College expects students to complete a period of work experience as part of their preparation for life after College.

The large majority of Itchen students undertake meaningful work experience placements with local, regional and national employers. Where possible, placements and work-related activities are linked to students’ courses and their chosen career paths.

Work experience can help students:

• Understand what it is like to work in a particular environment.
• Develop confidence and communication skills.
• Build their CV and experience.
• Develop employability skills.
• Make connections with employers.
• Explore whether a particular career is right for them.
• Strengthen future university, apprenticeship or job applications.

Students are supported to organise their work experience placement and are encouraged to think about opportunities that relate to their interests, course and future plans.

The College’s Work Experience Coordinator works with employers and students to help arrange appropriate placements.

The College also uses its GrowFar work experience platform to manage work experience placements.

Work experience is only one part of becoming ready for the workplace.

Students also develop employability skills through their courses, tutorial activities and wider College opportunities.

These can include:

• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Organisation.
• Problem-solving.
• Confidence.
• Time management.
• Professional behaviour.
• Interview skills.

At Itchen, employability and next-steps planning are embedded throughout the student experience. The College uses the VESPA programme – Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice and Attitude – to help students develop positive habits and ambitious plans for their future.

Parents and guardians can support their child by:

• Talking about their interests and career ambitions.
• Encouraging them to explore different routes after College.
• Helping them identify suitable work experience opportunities.
• Encouraging them to attend careers events.
• Supporting them to prepare for applications and interviews.
• Helping them recognise the skills they are developing through College, part-time work, volunteering and other activities.

The most important thing is to encourage your child to take ownership of their future while knowing that support is available when they need it.

There is no single route that is right for every student.

Your child may want to consider:

University
Higher education and degree-level study.

Higher or Degree Apprenticeship
Employment combined with higher-level study.

Employment
Moving directly into a job or career.

Further Study or Training
Continuing education or gaining additional qualifications.

Our Careers & Guidance team can help students explore the different options and decide which route best suits their interests, strengths and ambitions.

Students can speak to their tutor or Student Support for advice about apprenticeships, employment and work experience.

The College’s current careers information identifies Debbie Finch as Careers Adviser and Nicola Parnell as Work Experience Co-Ordinator.

Student Support

Telephone: 023 8043 5636

Email: awaters@itchen.ac.uk

For general College enquiries:

Email: info@itchen.ac.uk
Telephone: 023 8043 5636