High School
Work Based Learning
Career

What is P-TECH?

Pathways in Technology Early College High School(P-TECH) is a new type of school that brings together the best elements of secondary school, university and the professional world. P-TECH enables students to begin their professional lives more quickly and with more support than the typical school-to-work pathway. Graduates of P-TECH have the opportunity to take part in work experience and internships, and are given access to apprenticeship and degree level learning. Students leave school with the skills and knowledge they need in order to continue their studies or step seamlessly into 21st century jobs.

How does P-TECH work?

Students undertake regular school courses such as GCSEs and A-Levels in addition to taking part in the P-TECH program. They also receive individual support and guidance as they plan their high school years and begin taking further and higher education courses.

Students participate in real work experiences in which they learn how to collaborate and develop the skills they’ll need for professional and personal success. They can explore various careers through paid internships, office site visits, mentoring, coaching and more provided by the school’s industry partner IBM. The programme addresses the global “skills gap” to strengthen the West Yorkshire economy by building a workforce with the technical and professional skills required for New Collar jobs.

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What IT careers await P-TECH students?

P-TECH students will be prepared to begin careers in a range of exciting, competitive 21st century jobs in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Every position -from Manufacturing Engineering Technician to Quality Analyst and Software Specialist -requires a STEM professional who can perform complex technical tasks, work within a team and solve problems. Whether designing and testing future products or analysing defects in software and driving quality improvements for global customers, P-TECH graduates will be helping our world work better.

The career coaching and professional skills development focus at P-TECH schools prepares students for a myriad of opportunities. Even if not pursuing careers in STEM, students graduate with critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills to thrive in any professional environment of their choice.

Who are our students?

P-TECH students are part of a dynamic and diverse global community. With schools in 28 countries worldwide, P-TECH students are part of a global network of young people working towards a brighter future. There are no tests to get in and students of all abilities can be accepted. We expect P-TECH students to be:

  • Eager to learn the skills needed to succeed in the highly competitive Digital & STEM industries of tomorrow
  • Curious, dedicated, hands-on learners ready to take on the challenges of school, college, work and life
  • Able to attend activities and trips as part of the program
  • Be excited to participate in extended day and summer programs
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How to apply

We offer around 120 places each year but we receive many more applications than what we are unfortunately able to accept. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, there is a robust recruitment plan that you have to complete for your application to be considered. Below are the four stages of applying, each of which must be completed.

It is essential that you attend an open event with a parent/carer. We are strong believers that before you apply, you need to see what you are applying for! Our open events are also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and take a tour of the 14+ Academies. Without attending you are unable to apply for a place at the academy.

Once you are satisfied with everything you’ve heard from staff and current students at the open event, it’s time for you to complete an application (copies of which are available at the open events). It’s important you are as honest as possible on your application as we would like to know the real you and your reasons for wanting to join. As part of the application, you are also required to send us your latest school reports (academic, behaviour and attendance).

Once we receive your application, you will be asked to create a short video about yourself. We use this opportunity to get to know you a little bit more and begin to build an understanding of who you are. We know it can seem a little daunting, especially if this is new to you. Please remember that we are not looking for a masterpiece, we just want to see you put a little bit of effort into showing off who you are and why you think the 14+ Academies is for you.

In addition to the video task, you will also be invited to an interview. The informal interview will be between you and a member of staff from the 14+ Academies and will take place online. This lets us get to know you a little more (and lets you get to know us too!) and is a perfect opportunity for us to understand your motivation for wanting to join and ask any questions we might have from reading your application. Your parents/carers are more than welcome to accompany you to this, but they don’t have to!

If any of the above seems a little scary or you are struggling to complete any aspects, please get in touch and we will talk through what you need from us or put any reasonable adjustments in place to help!

Good luck!

P-TECH

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