JTL - Delivering Skills For Young People

If it’s the right choice for your child, a JTL apprenticeship can set them up with skills and a career for the rest of their life. The training can be rewarding and enjoyable. But it also means a lot of hard work.

To get a place they will need to be dedicated and show that they are determined, committed (it will take up to four years!), have a professional attitude and aware of their responsibilities to both themselves and their employer.

They will be expected to keep normal working hours for their employer to earn their wages and be able to concentrate when they are given on-the-job training. they've got to be able to work well as part of a team and on their own using their initiative. How do you think they will manage switching between working on-site for an employer one day, then studying for a qualification at college the next?

It’s not for everyone; so don’t let your son or daughter opt for a JTL apprenticeship just because they think it’s an easy option. It’s not! Successful apprentices need to be focused and know the career they want.

The right job for a young person depends upon:

• Their personality
• Their interests and hobbies
• Their talents and skills

The sort of personal qualities they will need are:

• An aptitude for maths and science
• Good with their hands
• Have normal colour vision
• Attention to detail

Don’t just let them look at what sort of apprenticeships are out there and pick the first one that grabs their eye. They must think everything through carefully. It’s a big commitment. Get them to talk to people they know and who know them. They should try to speak to someone who already works in the industry as a plumber or an electrician. You should both also speak their teachers, a careers advisor and try Connexions.

And don’t expect it to be easy for your child to get onto a JTL apprenticeship. Advanced Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 255,000 young people in England training in over 150 different types of apprenticeships. There’s a high demand for many apprenticeships so be aware that there can be a lot of competition to get a place. A JTL apprenticeship is no different. JTL currently manages over 9,700 apprentices. Recently, whilst more than 30,000 young people have looked to start a JTL apprenticeship each year, only around 3,000 have been lucky enough to gain a place. Competition can be tough!