How to find the right apprenticeship after GCSEs
How to find the right apprenticeship after GCSEs
'What am I going to do after GCSEs?'
It's a big question and no doubt one that you'll have been asked by your teachers, friends and family. It's almost as big as, 'Where do you see yourself in five years?'
It's okay if you don't know where you want to be a few years down the line. In fact, you're not on your own.
But with hundreds of apprenticeships out there, where do you even begin looking? We're here to help you out. Let's walk through why an apprenticeship could be the right option for you, which apprenticeships you can apply for after your GCSEs and hear from some of our apprentices at M&B.
What apprenticeships can you apply to after GCSEs?
Apprenticeships are designed to be accessible to everyone, as long as you're 16 or older and not in full-time education. They start at Level 2, which is equivalent to GCSEs, and go all the way up to Level 7, which is equivalent to a Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
So why would you choose to go down the route of an apprenticeship when you could down the alternative route of A-Levels, then uni and maybe beyond? It all depends on how you like to learn. If you like learning by doing and freeze at the idea of classroom learning, apprenticeships are the perfect way to develop new skills. Similar to any other job, you'll have some shifts throughout the week so you get hands-on experience in the workplace. But unlike a regular job, you'll have time set aside for training and studying towards a qualification. And let's not forget that you'll pick up a paycheck as you learn.
If the idea of an apprenticeship is sounding more appetising by the second, let us walk you through a few of your options.
What different types of apprenticeships are there?
Apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes, and by that we mean you can find an apprenticeship in pretty much every industry. Supposedly, there are over 600 apprenticeships, so you're bound to find something to your taste.
What apprenticeships do we offer at M&B?
Chef apprenticeships
Our chef apprenticeships are crafted so that you receive on-the-job training in one of our busy kitchens and learn the tricks of the trade from day one. After all, there's no better way to see if you've got what it takes to be a chef than to get stuck right into the work.
And if you've got an appetite for more like Ben, you might find yourself on course to become a Kitchen Manager one day.
Bar and waiting apprenticeships
Meanwhile, the front-of-house apprentices learn all about how to serve up memorable moments for our guests. Whether you fancy learning how to pull pints behind the bar or polish your waiting skills, our bar and waiting apprenticeships will teach you all you need to know.
Ellie said that her hospitality apprenticeship gave her the confidence to believe she could become a general manager by the time she was 25.
Management apprenticeships
Deborah chose a management apprenticeship at M&B because she was eager to build her knowledge and boost her confidence. Our management apprenticeships do just that by teaching you the ins and outs of running a business. Once complete, you're ready to continue your development towards the role of Kitchen Manager or Assistant Manager. Whichever way you choose, you'll have the skills you need to boss it.
Find out more about apprenticeships at M&B
So there you have it, a summary of what apprenticeships are available after your GCSEs and an overview of the programmes we run at M&B. Now we're not ones to brag, but our apprenticeships are known to be award-winning, so you’ll step into a full-time role feeling confident that you have what it takes to smash it.
Visit our apprenticeship hub to find out more about each of our programmes and get the answers to the top questions we hear apprentices asking. Or, find out what it takes to be crowned an Apprentice of the Year at M&B.
Receive articles like this
See what we're all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Mulled wine and pigs in blankets season is upon us, and we're ramping up for a busy time of year. Our hospitality teams work hard all year round, but in December they make experiences extra special
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
What are Chef Apprenticeships? Chef apprenticeships at M&B are a fantastic opportunity if you’re passionate about food and eager to learn on the job! With our award-winning programme, you’ll di
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2024
Summary
So, the day is finally here! You've opened that envelope, and checked those results online, and whether you’re jumping for joy or feeling a little lost, one thing's for sure – your next chapter i
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, we are committed to developping our people and are proud to offer our employees the opportunities to be #ReachingNewHeights in their careers. One way to seize the opportu
by
Steven Miles
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
Ben Bishop joined the Vintage Inns team as a Bar and Waiting Apprentice, gaining himself a Hospitality Team Member Level 2. Wondering what exactly is a Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship? As the frie
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/18/2024
Summary
To celebrate National Coming Out Day this year, we spoke to several people at M&B to hear about their experience, including Keith Meadows who works at The Hesketh Arms Pub & Restaurant. Keith is o
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/28/2024
Summary
Welcome to your go-to guide for mastering hospitality interviews! Working in a pub, bar or restaurant is like no other job. It’s a whirlwind of excitement, human connection and showing guests a good t
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/06/2024
Summary
To celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we want to introduce you to someone… Meet Tristan, our kitchen whiz at Miller and Carter Grantham! Ditching the traditional route post-school,
by
Sophie Russell
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/25/2023
Summary
Tired of being desk-bound and dreaming of something more exciting? Why not wave goodbye to the typical 9-5 and say hello to a career in hospitality that's as vibrant as your favorite cocktail! Picture
by
Jess Birch
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/14/2023
Summary
School’s out, summer's here, and it's time to embrace the freedom, sunshine, and a chance to earn some cash while having a blast. If you're looking to dive into the exciting world of hospitality, we'
by
Jess Birch
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Old Cottage, Lisvane, CF14 0UD
Departments
Chef Apprenticeships
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Premium Country Pubs
Location
Lisvane
Description
As an apprentice Chef at the Old Cottage, we will help you master our menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! You'll thrive off the hustle and bustle of a fast-pace
Reference
2299355
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary plus tips
Location
Justinlees Inn, Dalkeith, EH22 3AT
Departments
Chef Apprenticeships
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Ember Inns
Location
Dalkeith
Description
As an apprentice Chef at the Justinlees Inn, we will help you master our menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! You'll thrive off the hustle and bustle of a fast-p
Reference
2293137
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary plus tips
Location
Justinlees Inn, Dalkeith, EH22 3AT
Departments
Bar and waiting Apprenticeships
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Ember Inns
Location
Dalkeith
Description
As Bar and Waiting Staff at the Justinlees Inn, you are the personality behind the beer pumps, the expert on the drink's menu and know our food menu inside out, frequently recommending your favourites
Reference
2293127
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.