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Transferring to a Navy/RAF apprenticeship from A Levels in college

I’m currently in my first year of college, studying 3 A Levels: maths, further maths and chemistry. I love learning and I love my subjects, I’ve always done really well in school and I got 5 9s, 2 8s and 2 L2D* at GCSE.
However, I had a very turbulent childhood, moving countries and schools many times and living with many different people and families. I began living independently in my own flat at 16, half way through Y11. I work at least 16 hours a week, every Saturday and Sunday on contract, as well as overtime on evenings. I’m struggling to meet the workload of college alongside working to meet my own financial needs.
The idea of not getting the grades I want at A Level is really upsetting to me: I’m a good student and I try my hardest to be a good student, but at the moment I can only be the student that my circumstances allow me to be. I know that regardless, I will pass my A Levels but unfortunately I want to exceed that and I don’t think I will. I would love to go to university because I think it’s an environment I would thrive in and I’ve been looking forward to going to a good university, but I’m really worried these things are going to happen for me anymore.

I’ve been considering alternative routes through education instead, since the one I thought was for me, might not be. I’m not too upset about this because I knew that I’d face additional barriers and that there’s very little that can be done to combat those. I’m only a little over half way through my first year of college, so a redirection is better now than at the end of my second year.
I’m looking into some sort of engineering apprenticeship with the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force and was wondering if anybody who’s been in similar circumstances or is currently doing an apprenticeship with them has any input or advice. Thanks!

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by kayokkk

I’m currently in my first year of college, studying 3 A Levels: maths, further maths and chemistry. I love learning and I love my subjects, I’ve always done really well in school and I got 5 9s, 2 8s and 2 L2D* at GCSE.
However, I had a very turbulent childhood, moving countries and schools many times and living with many different people and families. I began living independently in my own flat at 16, half way through Y11. I work at least 16 hours a week, every Saturday and Sunday on contract, as well as overtime on evenings. I’m struggling to meet the workload of college alongside working to meet my own financial needs.
The idea of not getting the grades I want at A Level is really upsetting to me: I’m a good student and I try my hardest to be a good student, but at the moment I can only be the student that my circumstances allow me to be. I know that regardless, I will pass my A Levels but unfortunately I want to exceed that and I don’t think I will. I would love to go to university because I think it’s an environment I would thrive in and I’ve been looking forward to going to a good university, but I’m really worried these things are going to happen for me anymore.
I’ve been considering alternative routes through education instead, since the one I thought was for me, might not be. I’m not too upset about this because I knew that I’d face additional barriers and that there’s very little that can be done to combat those. I’m only a little over half way through my first year of college, so a redirection is better now than at the end of my second year.
I’m looking into some sort of engineering apprenticeship with the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force and was wondering if anybody who’s been in similar circumstances or is currently doing an apprenticeship with them has any input or advice. Thanks!

You'd do better to try to manage your workload and focus on your A levels. The Service route will take longer, and your overseas living might preclude joining for a few years anyway, depending on where and why you lived overseas.

Are there any benefits you can claim to make your financial situation easier?

Reply 2

Surnia

Life & Style Forum Helper

You are better off getting your A-levels as you need a back-up plan in case you are unsuccessful joining up. As above, you need to look at the Residency rules for the roles in which you are interested, plus if you have any medical issues that may delay or stop your application.

However, if by 'apprenticeship' you think it involves some kind of college attendance/day release there is no such scheme in the military. There is only one way to be in the Armed Forces and that is to be a full serving member. You gain an apprenticeship by completion of your Phase 2 (trade) training and certain tasks during your first tour.

Reply 3

Chi1914

Original post by kayokkk

I’m currently in my first year of college, studying 3 A Levels: maths, further maths and chemistry. I love learning and I love my subjects, I’ve always done really well in school and I got 5 9s, 2 8s and 2 L2D* at GCSE.
However, I had a very turbulent childhood, moving countries and schools many times and living with many different people and families. I began living independently in my own flat at 16, half way through Y11. I work at least 16 hours a week, every Saturday and Sunday on contract, as well as overtime on evenings. I’m struggling to meet the workload of college alongside working to meet my own financial needs.
The idea of not getting the grades I want at A Level is really upsetting to me: I’m a good student and I try my hardest to be a good student, but at the moment I can only be the student that my circumstances allow me to be. I know that regardless, I will pass my A Levels but unfortunately I want to exceed that and I don’t think I will. I would love to go to university because I think it’s an environment I would thrive in and I’ve been looking forward to going to a good university, but I’m really worried these things are going to happen for me anymore.
I’ve been considering alternative routes through education instead, since the one I thought was for me, might not be. I’m not too upset about this because I knew that I’d face additional barriers and that there’s very little that can be done to combat those. I’m only a little over half way through my first year of college, so a redirection is better now than at the end of my second year.
I’m looking into some sort of engineering apprenticeship with the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force and was wondering if anybody who’s been in similar circumstances or is currently doing an apprenticeship with them has any input or advice. Thanks!

Hey Kayokk,

I am by no means an expert but I have some experience as I have been through the armed forces recruitment pipeline and will try and help you as much as I can.

In this reply I will only be talking about the Royal Navy.

There are multiple apprenticeships within the Navy and all offer good career progression.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide areas of engineering ranging from marine, mechanical, weapons and communication systems.

Different Schemes are available,
The accelearated petty officer apprenticeship will fast track you onto becoming a petty officer, the first SNCO rank giving you a leadership role. Petty Officers will manage a small group of Leading Hands

Accelerated Appretincships will fast track you to Leading Hand a JNCO rank. Leading hands will be in charge of a Small group of junior sailors (ABs).

Standard Apprenticeships will give you the necessary qualifications to become an AB2 Enginner allowing you to work in the fleet.

All of these schemes will give you civvy recognised qualifications, but be sensible, a weapons engineer isn't as employable as a mechanical engineer on civvy street.

If you want to take education further, the Navy will also be able to support you to study A Levels after you join and even a engineering degree. This can all be done in service and fully funded by the RN. This will then allow you to commission and become a commissioned officer.