Young Apprenticeships offer pupils the chance to get a taste of real work alongside their school studies

The Young Apprenticeship Programme (YAP) was launched in 2004 for pupils aged 14-16 as a two-year pilot programme delivered locally through partnerships made up of schools, colleges, training providers, employers and education-business link organisations.

Pupils, who must meet an entry criteria, spend an average of two days a week on the programme over two years studying for recognised qualifications in health and social care, with the remaining three days in the classroom following the core curriculum. Work experience accounts for 50 days over the two years arranged through various types of placement.

Partnerships share responsibility for planning and monitoring the progress of pupils.

Of the 33 H&SC apprentices in Cohort 1, who completed in July 2006, six are now in post-16 apprenticeships and 27 were offered places on a continuation support pilot.

Cohort 4 commenced the programme in September 2007, and there are currently 47 partnerships with more than 1,500 H&SC Apprentices.  Cohort 5 will commence the programme in September 2008

www.apprenticeships.org.uk