Exciting in-school apprenticeships for The Hyndburn Academy students

This week, Year 7, 8 and 9 students at The Hyndburn Academy have been getting the chance to take up apprenticeships within their own school as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2022.

The exciting leadership experience saw students take a hands-on approach in the running of the academy – from administration to catering – whilst gaining valuable real-world experience of working life.

To get involved, students had to submit applications via Microsoft Teams setting out why they felt they would benefit from an apprenticeship opportunity and why their skills were suited to the role. Over 110 students applied for a total of seven roles in this year’s programme – so popular, in fact, that the school has extended their offer to also include department teaching assistants as well as extra catering and sports assistants.

Spearheaded by the Careers Lead at The Hyndburn Academy, Mrs Ross, the programme has seen students and staff across the school working together to learn and share new, transferrable skills for the future. From learning directly from the Headteacher about the administrative work underpinning the academy, to assisting in an industrial kitchen, the students got a first-hand insight into what it takes to operate a successful school.

Throughout the week, the student apprentices demonstrated their enthusiasm and professionalism towards the tasks at hand. As well as learning practical skills – and gaining experience of a working environment – they all took huge strides forward in their confidence, communication with staff and teamwork.

This year’s apprenticeship students will now be able to reflect on the experience as they prepare for the next stages of their lives – helping them hone their interests and career aspirations and adding to their all-important future CVs. 

Isabelle Brasenell, Year 9 Apprentice Head Teacher, said:

“It was great experiencing what it is like to be a Head Teacher for the day. It was a different but eye-opening and inspiring day I am grateful to have experienced it.”

Miss N Palmer, Headteacher at The Hyndburn Academy, said:

“It has been fantastic to see so many of our students step up to the plate as in-school apprenticeships this year, with the record numbers of applications reflecting their enthusiasm and as young leaders within their school community. Gaining practical, professional skills and work experience is incredibly important for our young people, as they begin to consider their next steps, so we were pleased to be able to extend this year’s offer to 14 roles.

“As well as giving our student apprentices an insight into the day-to-day work of our staff beyond the classroom, it was a valuable opportunity to try out new things and build confidence which I know they thoroughly enjoyed. We firmly believe in the importance of these wider experiences – in addition to academic learning – as part of what we call ‘Education with Character’ and look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”