Allanians and local organisations explore the power of apprenticeships at Dame Allan’s Careers Event

Pupils gained valuable insights into apprenticeship opportunities during Dame Allan’s Schools' popular Futures Fair in October.

With an increasing number of young people exploring alternatives to traditional university education, the biennial event highlighted the viability of apprenticeships as a pathway to professional qualifications.

Former pupils Anna Gillespie, an audit apprentice at UNW, and Charlotte Gunn, a solicitor at Sintons, were among representatives from over 30 companies at the event. They returned to showcase the opportunities available in the fields of accountancy and law.

While at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, Anna (pictured above) made the decision not to pursue university and instead focused on researching and applying for apprenticeships, with guidance from the school. Anna explained: “University was never an interest of mine. I didn’t want to leave home; I wanted to stay in Newcastle.”

Upon completing her A Levels in 2022, Anna joined UNW, a leading accountancy firm in Newcastle, where she began an 18-month Level 3 apprenticeship. She will now start progressing through the Level 4 programme, with the goal of qualifying as a chartered accountant. She said: “UNW is very supportive, coaching me through everything. There are a lot of exams in accountancy, but I’ve loved it!"

Reflecting on her journey, Anna advised pupils: “Always explore different avenues. University isn't for everyone. I did my research and found a path that worked for me, and I encourage others to do the same.”

Also attending the Futures Fair was Charlotte, who after leaving Dame Allan’s in 2015 took a traditional path by attending Newcastle University to study Law. After graduation, she secured a training contract with Sintons, which sponsored her through her postgraduate Legal Practice Course (LPC). 

She was joined at the Futures Fair by trainee solicitor Sabrina Jackland, who chose to take an apprenticeship route. Sabrina’s six-year apprenticeship program allows her to gain practical experience while studying for a degree. She explained: "I can get the exact same degree as I would if I went to university, but I can work six years with experts in their field, and I’ll qualify with no debt.”

Despite following the university route, Allanian Charlotte is a strong advocate for legal apprenticeships. She said: “I think it’s fantastic that the apprenticeship route is available now because it wasn’t an option when I applied. If it had been, it’s something I definitely would have considered.”

Current Year 13 pupil Abigail (below) is considering taking on a degree apprenticeship when she leaves Dame Allan’s next summer. She commented: “It was great to see so many apprenticeship success stories at the Futures Fair.  I am thinking of doing a degree apprenticeship in paramedic science, as not only will I be paid throughout my degree, it's something I have been so passionate about since a young age. Learning on the job whilst gaining crucial experience is highly appealing to me.”

The Futures Fair brings together over 20 higher education institutions and more than 30 companies, including apprenticeship providers, to offer pupils valuable insights into a range of career opportunities. Numerous companies, such as ASK Apprenticeships, Accenture, NHS, Nissan and Specsavers, promoted apprenticeship routes, while universities explained their debt-free Degree Apprenticeships options. Open to those in Year 6 to Year 13, the fair allowed pupils to explore various career paths and speak directly with employers, universities and industry professionals. 

Head of Careers, Bel Whitehouse, who organised the event, said: “The Futures Fair provided an invaluable platform for students to explore a wide range of pathways available after A Levels, with apprenticeships becoming an increasingly attractive option for many. Promoting many different ways to continue higher education to suit learning styles and financial resources supported the theme of this year's Futures Fair, 'Celebrating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Education and Employment.'

“We’re particularly grateful to Charlotte and Anna for returning to share their experiences. Their stories reinforce the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success, and it's crucial for students to consider all options when planning their future."