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Regardless of whether or not you got the exam grades you were hoping for, there are a wide range of options for you to consider, an apprenticeship being one of them.

An apprenticeship is a work based learning programme that helps you to develop professional skills and gain a nationally recognised level 2-5 qualification, while earning a salary – making it an excellent career choice. Anyone who is over 16, living in Wales and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship.

In the past year alone Welsh training provider ±«Óătv has helped over 6,500 16-24 yearÌęoldsÌęachieve their career ambition with apprenticeship programmes.Ìę

John Oates from Cardiff is just one of the many thousands of young people who is now thriving in a career he loves. John is an apprentice baker at Brod, the award-winning Danish bakery in Cardiff. He knew nothing about baking when he first started but now he is a vital part of the business, baking delicious sweet and savoury goods that sell out each day.

After completing a Diploma in Food Production and Cooking, John can now progress onto a Level 3 Diploma and take his learning further.

John shares his top three reasons why he chose an apprenticeship.

1. ÌęNo prior experience or qualifications needed “I was looking for a job after finishing my studies and I thought I had to have a massive background in baking before I even started the apprenticeship, but I started from ground zero and that is what really impressed me. I have learnt everything from scratch. I didn’t think I could do it when I first started but now I’m able to do all of the pastries and I’m confident in baking all of the bread here as well.” Ìę
2. On the job training “I’m the baker, I bake everything and I check food hygiene, I check stock for the bakery to ensure we have enough baked products each day. I’m learning on the job and as I go and there are no text books or classrooms involved. I’ve also learnt how to work as a team which is vital in this sort of environment. I have built up my ability to talk to people and build relationships with others which is something which I have really enjoyed.”
3. Earn and learn “Being able to earn while doing the apprenticeship is really helpful. I can continue with my learning while also being able to live and do all of the things I want to do when I’ve finished work at the end of the day.”

If you are not quite ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is an ideal way to help you become work-ready. A traineeship is a fantastic pre-apprenticeship training programme that prepares 16-18 year olds for the world of work. Having spent most of your time in school or college, you will need a helping hand progressing from education to the workplace – and this is what a traineeship is for.

For more information, or to apply for an apprenticeship, visit www.acttraining.org.uk

Alternatively, join ±«Óătv’s Results Day Support Chat today on Facebook or Twitter and join in the apprenticeship conversation online. Head over to or