I've been working as an apprentice for the last 1 and a half years in a programming/web development role. I'm really enjoying the company that I work in and would like to continue after my apprenticeship.
I am learning a lot and quickly but my time is coming close to an end and I know it would be too hard for me to go into any other job including junior developer as my experience and knowledge is just far too limited as a lot of my role currently doesn't involve programming and only recently have I started progressing with that aspect.
There has been talk of doing the next level of apprenticeship but with only a couple months left and no follow up on this topic I have mentioned to my mentors and coaches and they said I would find out soon whether it is possible for me to do it (based off funding) as they believe I have the capability to do the next level. I have won awards as an apprentice within the organisation but I know it will mean nothing outside of the company due to lacking experience.
However I will need to begin looking for new jobs just to back it up but I don't want to accept anything until I have a definite answer from the current employer.
Question: How do I get a definite answer from my current employer so I can decide what I want to do after the apprenticeship
EDIT: I do not want to do another apprenticeship and start from scratch with another employer as I want to move on and progress.