I’m Kira in Year 13 and I’m looking to do an Apprenticeship when I leave school in the summer after finishing my A Levels.

I always thought I wanted to go to university to do psychology but I don’t like strict learning so in Year 12 I started to feel that maybe uni wasn’t the right thing for me.

I’ve helped out at the careers fair at school, which was useful for finding out about Apprenticeships and my careers adviser Tina has been really helpful in explaining what Apprenticeships are and the sorts of things I could do them in that might interest me.

At the start of Year 13, I started looking into them. I really enjoy interior design and wanted to do something in that area but there aren’t really any specific Apprenticeships in that at the moment, so I’ve started broadening out my thinking. I’m now looking into other types of roles within that area of work that I would find interesting that would still enable me to work in an industry that I enjoy. I’ve also realised that I might need to start working for a company in an entry level role and then work my way up once I’m there and can prove myself to them.

I’ve started looking at quite general Apprenticeships like marketing and business admin, which give you the chance to get into a company and get to know the business. They also give you experience and lots of transferrable skills which you can take on to any organisation and use to help you take the next step up the ladder.

I’m now looking carefully at Apprenticeship job descriptions to see whether the job itself sounds like something I’d like to do and could help me take the first step in my career.

I’ve been using the National Apprenticeship Service website to look for Apprenticeships: www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk and I also find www.indeed.co.uk useful too.

My top tips...

• Be broad in your thinking – there are lots of different options to help you get into the area of work you’re interested in. Most people don’t go straight into their dream job or a job for life, it’s about being realistic and finding the right thing for you now to help you get started in your career.
• Have your CV ready and up to date, so that when you see something you’re ready to apply.
• Getting work experience is always helpful. Even if you think it might not be relevant, it’s good for your CV and shows and employer that you’re keen to work and have already gained some skills and experience.