Coming to the end of your educational years can be an incredibly challenging time as there’s no longer that set-in-stone next step that we’re so used to taking up until that point. Suddenly there’s a whole host of options which you have to choose from even if you’re completely unsure what you want to do in the future (which most people are).
However, this wide array of options shouldn’t be something to dread but instead be seen as an exciting opportunity to decide where to go next. Choosing what you might want to do for a living isn’t always an easy decision – especially when there are so many routes out there! For many this is university, for others it’s full-time employment and of course, for some it’s the apprenticeship route.
From my own experience at school, I know that there’s often a lot of pressure to take the ‘traditional’ university route with constant reminders of deadlines, UCAS applications, personal statements etc. However, very little focus is put on apprenticeships and the equally important opportunities that they provide.
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university, or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
- 90% of apprentices progress into full-time employment after completing their apprenticeship scheme. However, only 69% of UK university graduates are employed within the UK or abroad. Hence apprenticeships offer great career progression.
- Throughout the apprenticeship program, you will benefit from the encouragement and support of your colleagues and employer. You will also have access to comprehensive training, support and a course mentor to offer additional help and resources required to improve your skills and complete the study successfully.
- You get to acquire further qualifications and more hands-on experience within the workplace. This works for me as I enjoy learning more in a practical environment and believe that gaining experience as opposed to theoretical knowledge is much more beneficial.
- Unlike 50 years ago where degrees helped you stand out, now more than ever employers are seeking those with industry knowledge and experience.
- You’re able to earn a decent salary whilst in education. The average debt that a university graduate is left with in the UK is £44,000.
I know from my own experience the social aspect of university was incredibly appealing as everyone wants that chance to move out and make new friends. However, realistically you can achieve that with an apprenticeship too. Not only will you make friends through colleagues in your work environment you will also have the chance to socialise with 100s of young apprentices just like you & bond over your similar experiences. This is a networking opportunity that you simply wouldn’t have access to at university.
What roles are available?
National Apprenticeship Week is a brilliant time to start thinking about your future career path and explore what apprenticeships have to offer. Below are just some of the current apprentice courses out there that you could put yourself forward for…
- Level 3 Content Producer
- Level 3 Digital Marketer
- Level 3 Data Analyst
- Level 3 Data Literacy
- Level 3 Business Administrator
- Level 3 People Leadership
- Level 3 Recruitment Consultant
- Level 4 Project Management
- Level 4 Early Years Educator
- Level 4 Software Engineering
- Level 6 Data Fellowship
- Level 6 Creative Producer
- Level 6 Civil Engineer
As you can see the possibilities are virtually endless and the list is growing as more and more employers begin to recognise the benefits that apprenticeships offer.
So why not start applying now and leave your options open?
For more information on current vacancies visit – https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
