Being "let go" for applying for apprenticeship

My current employer of 12+ years has given me an end of employment date. I told my boss I applied for apprenticeship for 2 reasons. 1 so I could get a good letter of recommendation, 2 so I could give them a heads up what my future plans were as a common courtesy. Problem is is that I havnt gotten accepted yet ( interviewed but score I got might not be good enough for first time entrance). I told them that this could potentially be months before I was offered a position more than likely. They have given me 2 weeks and then they are done with me. Very worried that I've put myself and family in a very bad position and just hoping that I will be able to collect unemployement as I technically never quit or gave them my 2 weeks notice. Anyone else deal with a similar situation???