Welcome from the Principal
Important Apprenticeship information for Year 11
23rd February 2026
The Online Apprenticeship Academy Restarts This Week, Cummins Deadline + CK Apprenticeship Event at the Accu Stadium
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are pleased to let you know that our Year 11 Apprenticeship Academy starts again this week . This is a fantastic opportunity for students who are interested in apprenticeships. Y10 students are also welcome to join , this will support them ahead of work experience and next years applications
Online Apprenticeship Academy – Every Wednesday
Time : 4pm-5.30pm
Where : Online - please register using this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJV3mW2jk32wqGOLqt3_5H5rGXCqEDk9ydxLXJqACqSV28zw/viewform
The Apprenticeship Academy is a 5 week programme for Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students to learn everything they need to know about apprenticeships. Sessions will take place from 4-530pm on a Wednesday and include:
- 4 - 5pm main information session
- 5 - 515pm Apprentice talk
- 5;15 - 5:30pm Employer talk
Once you have signed up, you will be sent the link to attend the sessions via Zoom one week before the sessions start.
In addition we will also have lunchtime support in person
Time: 12.45pm – 1.15pm
Where: in‑person support in the school library
Students can drop in weekly for:
- Help finding apprenticeships
- Support with applications
- CV and personal statement guidance
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Advice on work experience and approaching employers
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Follow ups to the online sessions
We strongly encourage all students considering apprenticeships to attend.
Cummins Engineering Apprenticeships - Deadline looming 2nd March
Important Information About Electrical Installation Apprenticeships
Every year, hundreds of students apply for electrical installation apprenticeships but there are simply not enough vacancies to meet demand. Competition is extremely high because:
Most electrical contractors are small businesses and recruit infrequently
Some employers rely on word of mouth
One vacancy can receive hundreds of applications
Because of this, it’s vital that students keep their options open and apply broadly across electrical engineering, maintenance, and building services routes. These roles still lead to excellent long‑term careers within the electrical industry and often have more structured recruitment and more available vacancies.
CK Careers Apprenticeship Event - Accu Stadium Wednesday 25th February 4.30-7.30 , book tickets via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kirklees-apprenticeship-event-2026-tickets-1963814024612?aff=oddtdtcreator
An excellent opportunity for students to meet employers and explore live vacancies.
We strongly recommend attending if your child is aiming for an apprenticeship.
Top Tips for applying for an apprenticeship ( particularly trades)
Firstly places are limited and highly competitive. An apprenticeship will not just appear because you’ve completed a course. Hundreds apply for each role.
Students will need to stand out, you can do this by :
• Get work experience – even a few days on site helps. Offer to shadow during school holidays. Evidence the work experience you did in year 10 and any additional volunteering or experience such as extra curricular visits etc.
• Build a portfolio – photos of projects, woodwork, wiring boards, plumbing installs, brickwork etc.
• Print your CV and a short personal statement and physically take it to employers. Ask for the manager and explain why you want that trade as a career.
• Follow large construction companies on LinkedIn and their careers pages.
• Ask family and friends for introductions into the trade.
• Be reliable, presentable, prepared for early starts and physical work.
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Searching across multiple platforms (not just one website)
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Liaise with the Apprenticeship team at the college you have applied to
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Have a back up plan
Applying for a course is a good starting point. It is not a guarantee.
Success comes down to effort, persistence and applying widely.
If you have any questions, please encourage your child to attend the Wednesday sessions, any further questions please contact me on timberleys@nlconline.org.uk
Kind regards
Sarah Timberley
Careers Engagement Manager