Reasons to consider apprenticeships

Reasons to consider apprenticeships

Vocational qualifications and training in the form of apprenticeships can often provide a greatly beneficial start point into the world of work, providing young people with skills and experience learned literally ‘on the job’.

Here’s just 6 reasons why students should consider an apprenticeship:

Choice of a wide range of options

Apprenticeships are commonly linked to fields like plumbing and construction, however they’re actually available in almost every industry. This therefore allows students to choose from a range of opportunities, making it easier for them to start their dream job without committing to years of academic study. So, whether they want to pursue a career in media or marketing, they’re interested in fashion and beauty, or they see their future in health and care – there’s an apprenticeship available for everyone.

Earn while you learn

One of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to earn while you learn. Apprentices avoid the usual costs of studying and will be earning a wage as an employee; this will also make them eligible for other benefits or perks offered by that company. In terms of qualifications, apprenticeships offer a great way to combine work and study; they provide direct work experience alongside a study element, usually involving day release at an associated college. Once the apprenticeship is complete, subject to positions being available, a qualified apprentice may remain with the organisation they trained with or move on to find opportunities elsewhere.

Get on the job experience

If students are looking for work experience but don’t know where to start, an apprenticeship is a great way to begin a career. By the time the apprenticeship finishes, they’ll already know and understand their employer, their industry, and all aspects of their specific role. Research shows that candidates typically apply for 27 jobs before they secure even one job interview. Young people are increasingly disadvantaged in the jobs market without relevant work experience or industry contacts - apprenticeships are the perfect way to get a foot in the door of an industry and kickstart a career.

Receive support and guidance

Apprenticeships offer a high level of training and guidance. There’s access to great support while training, from working alongside experienced people in the workplace and from specialist trainers from the apprenticeship training provider, who are there to help apprentices gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Build a network of contacts

During their apprenticeship, apprentices will naturally meet lots of people across the business and perhaps even external suppliers and agencies. By building relationships throughout the experience, they’ll be able to utilise these contacts to build their career – both in the short and long term. Making positive connections during this time could even help secure them a job after the apprenticeship ends.

Improve career prospects

Students can be confident that an apprenticeship will improve their career options. It’s often the case that many people who undertake apprenticeships are ahead in their careers by the time students have finished their course and graduated university. This can provide both a financial advantage for an apprentice and greater opportunities to work in roles in other companies that may not be available to newly-qualified graduates.

One final note, there’s no age limit for apprentices! It’s a common misconception, but apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers. There are lots of different levels of apprenticeship; ones that suit school leavers at 16, people finishing college, right through to people who have been in a job for many years. Apprenticeships are not only a way to start your career but also a route to progressing when you’re in a job.