How they work
You are employed and paid from day one. Most apprenticeships take 1–4 years, and you get the same holidays and rights as other employees. Support with English and maths is built in if you need it.
💼 Work-Based Pathways
Not everyone follows the same route into work. This page explains the main work-based options in Liverpool and Merseyside — from apprenticeships and college study programmes to supported employment, preparation programmes and volunteering — so you can find the pathway that fits you.
🎓 Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job with training built in. You work for an employer most of the week and spend the rest of your time learning — usually at a college or training provider — earning a nationally recognised qualification.
Levels explained
Intermediate (Level 2) is roughly GCSE standard, Advanced (Level 3) is A-Level standard, and Higher and Degree apprenticeships (Level 4+) go all the way to degree level — while you earn.
How to apply
Search and apply for live local vacancies on LCR Be More or the national Find an Apprenticeship site. College apprenticeship teams can also help match you with a local employer.
📘 Study Programmes
A study programme is the full-time college route most young people take after Year 11. It combines a main course at the right level for you with English and maths (if needed) and work experience — building towards employment, an apprenticeship or further study.
What's included
A main qualification (from Level 1 to Level 3), continued English and maths if you haven't yet achieved grade 4, work experience or an industry placement, and personal development.
Who they suit
Most school leavers. Programmes run at every level, and specialist colleges such as Greenbank offer supported study programmes with smaller classes and extra help.
Choosing well
Visit open days, try taster sessions, and pick a subject you genuinely enjoy at a level that matches where you are now — you can always progress up a level each year.
💼 Supported Employment
Supported employment helps people move into, and stay in, paid work with the right support around them. It may be available for people who receive social care support, giving them a job coach and ongoing help to do a real job.
What support can include
Job coaching, CV support, interview preparation, employer contact, workplace adjustments and in-work support.
Who it may help
It is often linked to a social care package — people who receive adult social care support may be able to access a supported employment service. Ask your social worker, careers adviser or the Local Authority about what may be available to you.
Important difference
Supported employment is not a college course — it is support to get and keep a paid job. Whether it is available depends on your individual circumstances and support needs.
🌱 Preparation for Employment
Some young people need more time to build confidence, independence, communication, travel skills and work habits before applying for jobs or apprenticeships. Employability programmes — including Entry Level courses at local colleges — are designed exactly for this.
Employability programmes
Full-time college programmes, usually at Entry Level, that build work skills, confidence, independence, and English and maths — with no GCSEs needed to start. Examples include Pathways to Employability, Foundation Learning and Vocational Studies programmes.
Skills to build
Timekeeping, communication, following instructions, travel confidence, teamwork and understanding workplace expectations.
Where they lead
Most employability programmes progress on to a Level 1 course, an apprenticeship, a supported internship or work. Talk to school staff, careers advisers and colleges about the right starting point for you.
Entry Level & employability programmes at local colleges:
City of Liverpool College — Pathways to Employability (Entry Level) →Greenbank College — supported Entry Level programmes →Hugh Baird College — Foundation Learning & King's Trust Team →Knowsley Community College — foundation & employability courses →St Helens College — foundation & employability courses →Riverside College — Foundation Campus & Vocational Studies →Myerscough College (Croxteth) — ask about foundation routes →
More support:
❤️ Volunteering
Volunteering can be a helpful step within work-based pathways. It is not paid work, but it can help young people build confidence, routine, communication skills, experience and references.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering can help young people practise being in a workplace or community setting, meet new people, follow routines and develop confidence before moving towards paid work.
What skills can it build?
Timekeeping, teamwork, communication, following instructions, problem solving, travel confidence and understanding what employers expect.
Where could it lead?
Volunteering can support CVs, college applications, supported internship applications, apprenticeship preparation and future job interviews.
Things to check first
Check the role, days and times, travel, supervision, safeguarding, insurance, DBS requirements and whether the setting can meet the young person's support needs.
Good local places to look
Liverpool City Region Volunteering Hub, Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, Strawberry Field, Everton in the Community, NHS volunteering and local charities or community projects.
Good questions to ask
What would I do? Who would support me? Is training provided? How often would I attend? What happens if I need help or cannot attend?