Summer is here, and while it’s a fantastic time for relaxation and enjoying the longer days, it also presents a brilliant opportunity to get a head start or refresh your skills before your apprenticeship journey truly kicks off or continues! Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your start date or looking to strengthen your foundations, a little summer learning can make a big difference.

At Prostart, we believe in continuous growth, and we’re here to help you make the most of this time. Here are some fantastic resources and tips to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and ensure you hit the ground running.

Free Online Courses: Expand Your Horizons

The digital world offers a treasure trove of free learning opportunities. These platforms can help you explore new subjects, reinforce existing knowledge, or even discover hidden talents that could benefit your apprenticeship:

• Coursera & edX: Many universities offer free audit tracks for their courses. You can delve into subjects related to your apprenticeship sector, or even broader skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, or digital literacy.
• Khan Academy: Excellent for brushing up on core academic subjects like maths, English, and science, which are foundational for many apprenticeship standards.
• FutureLearn: Offers a wide range of free online courses from leading universities and cultural institutions, often with a focus on professional development.
• YouTube Tutorials: For practical, hands-on skills, YouTube is an invaluable resource. Search for tutorials relevant to your industry or specific software you might use.

Revision Tips: Solidify Your Foundations

If you’re returning to an apprenticeship after a break, or simply want to ensure your prior knowledge is robust, a bit of revision can be incredibly effective:

• Identify Key Areas: Look back at your previous coursework or the core requirements of your apprenticeship. Which areas do you feel less confident about?
• Create a Study Schedule: Even a few hours a week can make a difference. Break down your revision into manageable chunks.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Utilise practice questions, past papers (if applicable), or online quizzes to test your understanding.
• Active Recall: Instead of just re-reading notes, try to recall information from memory. This strengthens your understanding.
• Explain it to Others: If you can explain a concept clearly to someone else, it’s a good sign you truly understand it.

Introductory Modules: Get Ahead of the Curve

For those about to embark on a new apprenticeship, exploring introductory modules can give you a significant advantage. Understanding basic terminology, processes, or industry specific concepts will make your initial weeks much smoother.

Your Go-To for Accessible Learning: iHASCO Modules

At Prostart, we’re proud to partner with iHASCO to provide access to a wide range of high-quality, affordable online modules. These cover essential topics that are relevant across many industries and are perfect for pre-apprenticeship preparation or ongoing professional development.

You can explore many of the modules available through our partnership here: https://prostartuk.co.uk/bespoke/ihasco/

These modules are designed to be engaging and accessible, helping you build foundational knowledge in areas such as:

• Health & Safety: Crucial for any workplace.
• Cyber Security: Essential in today’s digital world.
• Data Protection (GDPR): Understanding how to handle sensitive information.
• Communication Skills: Key for effective teamwork and client interaction.
• Wellbeing: Supporting your mental and physical health.

Investing a little time this summer in these resources can significantly boost your readiness and confidence for your apprenticeship. We encourage you to explore these options and arrive at Prostart feeling prepared and empowered for the exciting journey ahead!