Apprenticeships Explained (Levels 2–7) | Degree vs Non‑Degree Apprenticeships | With Patrick Tucker

Описание: What is an apprenticeship, and is it a real alternative to university?

In this episode of Future Careers Made Clear, apprenticeship expert Patrick Tucker explains how apprenticeships work in the UK, from Level 2 to Level 7, including degree apprenticeships.

We break down progression routes, GCSE requirements, career changes, and what parents actually need to know.

Patrick is an ex‑apprentice and co‑founder of an Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship training provider, with 20+ years’ experience across education, colleges, and employers.

This episode is essential viewing for:

Parents of teenagers and young adults (13–25)
Students choosing post‑16 or post‑18 options
Young people considering degree apprenticeships / apprenticeships
Adults thinking about re-skilling or career change

⏱️ Chapters – Apprenticeships Explained

01:55 How did you first get into apprenticeships?
04:33 How do they differ from full time education?
06:14 What does a typical week look like?
07:32 Apprenticeship levels 2 - 7 explained
10:22 Advantages of starting at a lower level
12:52 Can you change career path after starting?
14:26 Can you change pathways?
16:32 Is there a required progression?
17:54 Is a level 3 after A levels a good option?
21:32 Level 6 vs Degree apprenticeship
28:35 Are apprenticeships just for young people?
34:17 What is a training provider / independent training provider?
35:46 Finding apprenticeships in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
38:12 How much do GCSE grades matter?
40:48 Do you need GCSE Maths and GCSE English (grade 4 or above)?
41:46 What support do young people need from parents and carers in the application process?
43:26 What support do they need once in an apprenticeship?
44:29 What ONE piece of advice for young people considering future careers?
46:38 What's the BIGGEST decision you have taken in your career?
47:34 What's NEXT for you?

🔍 Topics covered in this episode

Apprenticeship levels explained (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Degree apprenticeships vs non‑degree apprenticeships
Changing careers through apprenticeships
Apprenticeships after GCSEs and A levels
GCSE Maths and English requirements
Functional skills explained
Apprenticeships for adults and career changers
What parents and carers should (and shouldn’t) do

📱 Support for education‑to‑career decisions

Explore the OneBigNext app: an evolving hub for early career guidance, currently featuring courses and podcasts, with webinars, tools and additional resources in development.

Built openly and intentionally to reflect real questions from young people and parents.

👉 iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/onebign...
👉 Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

🔎 Find apprenticeships

England: https://www.findapprenticeship.servic...
Wales: https://www.gov.wales/find-apprentice...
Scotland: https://www.jobs.gov.scot/apprentices...
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/...

🎧 About Future Careers Made Clear

Future Careers Made Clear is a podcast from OneBigNext, offering practical conversations about how early careers actually take shape, grounded in education, hiring, and real‑world experience.