Applications · 6 min read
Year 10 and 11 apprenticeship planning (Somerset edition)
How students in years 10 and 11 should prepare for an apprenticeship in Somerset - timelines, portfolio building and application windows.
By Jack Frampton, Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 15 July 2026
Preparing for an apprenticeship starts earlier than most students realise. Here's the Year 10 and 11 plan.
Year 10: build proof
One paid or volunteer project. One certification. One LinkedIn profile.
Year 11 autumn
Research employers. Attend the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening 2027.
Year 11 spring
Apply in tranches - 3 per week, tracked.
Year 11 summer
Interviews and offers land.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I open my LinkedIn?
- Year 10 - under 18 profiles are allowed with parental consent.
- How many applications should I send?
- 20–40 well-targeted ones beat 100 spray-and-pray.
- Can I apprentice at my own school?
- Sometimes - Queen's College has hired student apprentices before.
- What if I don't know what sector?
- Try 2–3 short volunteer or shadowing weeks in Year 10.
Explore more on this site
- Apprenticeship Hub →Free mentoring, vacancy help and guides for school leavers, parents and employers.
- Marketing Portfolio →Campaign design, sports graphics, editorial work and photography from Queen's College, Taunton.
- Video →Behind the scenes video and short-form apprenticeship content.
- About Jack Frampton →Marketer, apprenticeship advocate and Taunton keynote speaker.
About the author
Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Apprenticeship advocate
Jack Frampton is a marketer at Queen's College, Taunton, working across digital marketing, SEO, design, content and photography. He came through the apprenticeship route himself, founded the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening and speaks in schools across Somerset and the South West about apprenticeships as a route into marketing. He offers free mentoring for school leavers, parents and employers.
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