Supporting Your Young Person to Choose an Apprenticeship (Information for Parents, Guardians & Carers)

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Choosing the right next step after school or college is a big decision – not just for young people, but for the parents and guardians supporting them. At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), we want to give you clear, honest information so you can feel confident that an apprenticeship is a safe, supported, and high‑quality route into a long‑term career for your young person.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines practical work experience with structured learning. Apprentices at MFT work towards nationally recognised qualifications while receiving support from experienced tutors, assessors, and managers. They “earn while they learn” – gaining skills, confidence, and a clear start to a meaningful career within the NHS.

Why an Apprenticeship Might Be Right for Your Child

Parents, guardians & carers often tell us they want reassurance that an apprenticeship offers both stability and progression – and it does. Here are some key benefits:

1. A Safe, Supportive Work Environment

Your young person becomes a valued member of the NHS workforce, surrounded by teams committed to their wellbeing and development.

2. Qualifications Without Tuition Fees

All training costs are fully funded. Apprentices gain qualifications equivalent to GCSEs, A‑levels, foundation degrees, or even master’s-level programmes depending on the level of apprenticeship (Levels 2–7).

3. Real‑World Experience

Apprentices spend most of their week in a real NHS role, gaining practical skills that employers value highly – while receiving structured one‑to‑one coaching, workshops and distance learning.

4. Genuine Career Pathways & Job Security

At MFT, apprenticeships sit within our “careers not jobs” approach, supporting long‑term career progression, internal mobility, and access to higher‑level training over time.

How We Support Apprentices at MFT

Your young person won’t be on this journey alone. They’ll have:

A dedicated tutor/assessor
A supportive line manager
Regular check‑ins to ensure progress
Access to wellbeing resources and functional skills (English & Maths) support if needed

Common Questions from Parents, Guardians & Carers

Talk to your young person about their interests, strengths, and career aspirations
Explore our apprenticeship roles together on the MFT Careers website
Encourage them to attend local apprenticeship events or open days
Support them in preparing their application or expression of interest

Find Out More

If you have questions, our Apprenticeship Team is here to help every step of the way – just email us at team.apprenticeship@mft.nhs.uk