The Student Room Group

Help/advice needed

I am currently in yr 12 studying Econ physics and DT however (ik this is a problem I have time to think about) after yr 13 I’m aiming for a degree apprenticeship in automotive engineering.

Problem is I didn’t take A level maths which for basically all the apprenticeship is a requirement.

What should I do ? Or is there anyway to still get a apprenticeship after a levels?

(I can’t change my subjects btw)

Reply 1

Original post
by Isa_Yousaf
I am currently in yr 12 studying Econ physics and DT however (ik this is a problem I have time to think about) after yr 13 I’m aiming for a degree apprenticeship in automotive engineering.
Problem is I didn’t take A level maths which for basically all the apprenticeship is a requirement.
What should I do ? Or is there anyway to still get a apprenticeship after a levels?
(I can’t change my subjects btw)

What is DT ? Look up degree apprenticeships that don't need an A-level maths qualification, and since you have just started year 12, it is still very early in the year, so you can always swap one of the subjects to a level maths if feasible, because that would undoubtedly open up more doors rather than keeping your options narrowed. Degree apprenticeships are extremely competitive, so getting yourself ready as a candidate is essential.

Reply 2

Ask yourself why you didn't opt for A level Maths to begin with - because you struggle with Maths, because you dont enjoy Maths? Think about the reality of now doing Maths at a more complicated level.

New non-degree apprenticeship ads / opportunities will come up all the time, and especially towards the end of the school year - you just need to keep checking websites like : Search apprenticeship Find an apprenticeship GOV.UK And there are other ways of getting a training in Engineering - Royal Navy | Engineering - including Apprenticeships etc.

Reply 3

Original post
by Sanjidasanjida
What is DT ? Look up degree apprenticeships that don't need an A-level maths qualification, and since you have just started year 12, it is still very early in the year, so you can always swap one of the subjects to a level maths if feasible, because that would undoubtedly open up more doors rather than keeping your options narrowed. Degree apprenticeships are extremely competitive, so getting yourself ready as a candidate is essential.


My school is no longer allowing swaps to happen .

DT u may know as product design is well that . The subject focuses on materials drawing and designs for products

Reply 4

Original post
by McGinger
Ask yourself why you didn't opt for A level Maths to begin with - because you struggle with Maths, because you dont enjoy Maths? Think about the reality of now doing Maths at a more complicated level.
New non-degree apprenticeship ads / opportunities will come up all the time, and especially towards the end of the school year - you just need to keep checking websites like : Search apprenticeship Find an apprenticeship GOV.UK And there are other ways of getting a training in Engineering - Royal Navy | Engineering - including Apprenticeships etc.


I had the grades to do it and I don’t mind doing it. I didn’t pick it cause I felt that I would rather do other subjects like Econ and DT

DT is product design so the subject focuses on materials drawing/designing and eventually making the product I designed

Reply 5

Original post
by Isa_Yousaf
I had the grades to do it and I don’t mind doing it. I didn’t pick it cause I felt that I would rather do other subjects like Econ and DT
DT is product design so the subject focuses on materials drawing/designing and eventually making the product I designed

Then ask if you can switch DT for Maths.
Its also an essential subjects for most Economics etc degrees so would be useful if you changed your mind about Engineering.

Reply 6

Original post
by Isa_Yousaf
I had the grades to do it and I don’t mind doing it. I didn’t pick it cause I felt that I would rather do other subjects like Econ and DT
DT is product design so the subject focuses on materials drawing/designing and eventually making the product I designed
ohhh .... I would still say maybe do another A-level as private, maybe later if you can't find any degree apprenticeships that you wanna do, or if you find one that you like, just go for it. There is always uni and clearing as the last option. May I know why you chose this route instead of uni?

Reply 7

Original post
by McGinger
Then ask if you can switch DT for Maths.
Its also an essential subjects for most Economics etc degrees so would be useful if you changed your mind about Engineering.


I can’t change anymore

Reply 8

Original post
by Sanjidasanjida
ohhh .... I would still say maybe do another A-level as private, maybe later if you can't find any degree apprenticeships that you wanna do, or if you find one that you like, just go for it. There is always uni and clearing as the last option. May I know why you chose this route instead of uni?


That’s what I’m thinking of doing after 6 form

Reply 9

Original post
by Isa_Yousaf
I am currently in yr 12 studying Econ physics and DT however (ik this is a problem I have time to think about) after yr 13 I’m aiming for a degree apprenticeship in automotive engineering.
Problem is I didn’t take A level maths which for basically all the apprenticeship is a requirement.
What should I do ? Or is there anyway to still get a apprenticeship after a levels?
(I can’t change my subjects btw)

Hi Isa_Yousaf,

This can be a tricky situation, but it's worth gathering as much information as possible so you know all your options and then can make an informed decision about what to apply for once you have finished your A levels. UCAS course search is a great tool if you haven't heard of it before (just Google it and it will come up). It lets you search for a specific course and see all the universities that offer it, and get a quick glance at what they require for it. If there is a specific university you are interested in, it also might be worth emailing their degree apprenticeships department and asking about the course you are interested in and how the entry requirements work, etc. While you are right that lots of courses ask for specific A levels or qualifications, sometimes degree apprenticeships take into account work experience or other qualifications you may have. If you are interested in engineering but also getting professional expertise, it might be worth having a look at an undergraduate degree that includes a year in industry, as this is another way to gain both a degree and work experience - you take a year out of your studies to go on a work placement as part of your degree.

When I first stared Y12 I realised I'd taken all the wrong A levels and was really grateful to be able to find a compromise with my school to take the courses I truly wanted to study - I think there is some really good advice in this thread as to reflecting on why you didn't take a maths A level and if that reason may impact you enjoyment of a degree level course that requires that. It is always worth having a shop around and seeing what options are out there, as there are so many university courses and apprenticeships available to you. As someone who started 6th form feeling very sure I knew what I wanted to study and then ended up doing something completely different after doing lots of research into specific courses at specific universities, I know it can be stressful to think you might not be able to go down the path you want. Just know there are so many options out there, and lots of them are things you might not have known were available to you. So don't panic and just keep checking, and looking, and talk to course providers if you are ever not sure. I ended up loving my undergrad so much and would not have ever done my course if I hadn't stumbled upon it on the Exeter Uni recommended courses section while looking at another course.

You will find something that is the right fit for you.

Amelie (Exeter University Student Ambassador)

Reply 10

Original post
by ExeterStudentRep
Hi Isa_Yousaf,
This can be a tricky situation, but it's worth gathering as much information as possible so you know all your options and then can make an informed decision about what to apply for once you have finished your A levels. UCAS course search is a great tool if you haven't heard of it before (just Google it and it will come up). It lets you search for a specific course and see all the universities that offer it, and get a quick glance at what they require for it. If there is a specific university you are interested in, it also might be worth emailing their degree apprenticeships department and asking about the course you are interested in and how the entry requirements work, etc. While you are right that lots of courses ask for specific A levels or qualifications, sometimes degree apprenticeships take into account work experience or other qualifications you may have. If you are interested in engineering but also getting professional expertise, it might be worth having a look at an undergraduate degree that includes a year in industry, as this is another way to gain both a degree and work experience - you take a year out of your studies to go on a work placement as part of your degree.
When I first stared Y12 I realised I'd taken all the wrong A levels and was really grateful to be able to find a compromise with my school to take the courses I truly wanted to study - I think there is some really good advice in this thread as to reflecting on why you didn't take a maths A level and if that reason may impact you enjoyment of a degree level course that requires that. It is always worth having a shop around and seeing what options are out there, as there are so many university courses and apprenticeships available to you. As someone who started 6th form feeling very sure I knew what I wanted to study and then ended up doing something completely different after doing lots of research into specific courses at specific universities, I know it can be stressful to think you might not be able to go down the path you want. Just know there are so many options out there, and lots of them are things you might not have known were available to you. So don't panic and just keep checking, and looking, and talk to course providers if you are ever not sure. I ended up loving my undergrad so much and would not have ever done my course if I hadn't stumbled upon it on the Exeter Uni recommended courses section while looking at another course.
You will find something that is the right fit for you.
Amelie (Exeter University Student Ambassador)

what do you study now?
Original post
by Isa_Yousaf
I am currently in yr 12 studying Econ physics and DT however (ik this is a problem I have time to think about) after yr 13 I’m aiming for a degree apprenticeship in automotive engineering.
Problem is I didn’t take A level maths which for basically all the apprenticeship is a requirement.
What should I do ? Or is there anyway to still get a apprenticeship after a levels?
(I can’t change my subjects btw)

Hi @Isa_Yousaf this must be really frustrating for you but since you can’t change your A-levels now, here are some realistic routes forward:
1. Consider taking Maths separately (after Year 13).

You could do an A-level Maths in one year at a sixth form, college, or via a private centre after you finish your current A-levels.

Some apprenticeships may accept candidates who gain the required qualifications in a gap year, so it’s worth exploring.

2. Look at alternative qualifications.

An Engineering BTEC Level 3 (or equivalent) with strong maths units can sometimes be accepted instead of A-level Maths for apprenticeships or foundation years.

Some universities also offer foundation years in engineering, which allow you to enter without A-level Maths, provided you perform strongly in other subjects.

3. Apply for related apprenticeships.

If you want to get into the automotive industry without A-level Maths, you could look at technician-level or manufacturing apprenticeships first. These often have lower entry requirements and give you industry experience. From there, you may be able to progress internally towards higher or degree apprenticeships once you’ve built up experience and possibly added further study.

4. Speak directly to apprenticeship providers.

Requirements vary between employers. It’s worth contacting HR teams or apprenticeship coordinators to ask whether there’s flexibility, or if they’d consider you if you commit to completing A-level Maths (or an equivalent) later.


Good luck with your choices!!

Thaabit - Aerospace Engineering student and UoS

Reply 12

Original post
by Sanjidasanjida
ohhh .... I would still say maybe do another A-level as private, maybe later if you can't find any degree apprenticeships that you wanna do, or if you find one that you like, just go for it. There is always uni and clearing as the last option. May I know why you chose this route instead of uni?


Idm if I go uni or not but I’d rather do an degree apprenticeship due to the fact it allows u to easily get into the world of work and have 0 debt after.

I also just genuinely like hands on work such as building and designing things (why I picked DT)

Reply 13

Original post
by Uni of Southampton Students
Hi @Isa_Yousaf this must be really frustrating for you but since you can’t change your A-levels now, here are some realistic routes forward:
1. Consider taking Maths separately (after Year 13).

You could do an A-level Maths in one year at a sixth form, college, or via a private centre after you finish your current A-levels.

Some apprenticeships may accept candidates who gain the required qualifications in a gap year, so it’s worth exploring.

2. Look at alternative qualifications.

An Engineering BTEC Level 3 (or equivalent) with strong maths units can sometimes be accepted instead of A-level Maths for apprenticeships or foundation years.

Some universities also offer foundation years in engineering, which allow you to enter without A-level Maths, provided you perform strongly in other subjects.

3. Apply for related apprenticeships.

If you want to get into the automotive industry without A-level Maths, you could look at technician-level or manufacturing apprenticeships first. These often have lower entry requirements and give you industry experience. From there, you may be able to progress internally towards higher or degree apprenticeships once you’ve built up experience and possibly added further study.

4. Speak directly to apprenticeship providers.

Requirements vary between employers. It’s worth contacting HR teams or apprenticeship coordinators to ask whether there’s flexibility, or if they’d consider you if you commit to completing A-level Maths (or an equivalent) later.


Good luck with your choices!!
Thaabit - Aerospace Engineering student and UoS


I see.. thanks for thr help btw all of u guys

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