For years we have been taught that there is only one way of getting a top paying job. Through a degree. That our key performance is defined by test after test. Apprenticeships have come to disrupt this idea and are paving a way for a new work force.
Apprenticeships are the new way forward for many businesses. There is a current pandemic of jobs requiring 5 years experience for entry level jobs, which is almost impossible to obtain. I am sure if you’re looking into Apprenticeships you are sick and tired of people telling you that you will ‘waste’ without university and become a ‘nobody.’
Here are 5 reasons Apprenticeships are good! (for both candidate & employee.)
- Insight on how businesses work.
- Earning an income whilst working alongside learning.
- Hands on experience trained by people who have years of experience.
- A good support system to make sure you have a smooth transition into the working world.
- Kickstart your career with skills employers want you to have.
Why are apprenticeships on the rise?
The reason why apprenticeships are on the rise is because lots of employees are realising that degrees are not the best option. More people doing a degree takes away the specialty and uniqueness. To see a 2:1 on someone’s CV is not unique enough anymore (though still very impressive!) This is quite unfortunate as we have been fed all our lives that the only route to success is via a degree. Though, these degrees fail to give you actual life experience, to give you hands-on work experience.
Education has just become a way for people to postpone their lives. Apprenticeships allow people to have the opportunity to learn whilst earning money. Having a mixture of 20% off the job whilst working is a great combination, giving you the perfect balance to work and study. You are not faced with the issue of having to self direct 28 hours a week if your course only has 12 hours of contact time.
Where are apprenticeships and where are they heading?
Apprenticeships are only getting stronger as the years go by. More employers are reaping the benefits of having younger, fresher faces in the office. Gen Z are the powerhouses of most business these days. The Gen Z perspective is so much more nuanced than many other generations. They are the first generation to be digital natives, to be so connected with every corner of the world. Especially having apprentices in the building allows for business to be prepared for the generation that are coming of age. Apprentices are great to keep business accountable for their action and to drive force positive changes in the company.
Furthermore, apprenticeships allow the individual to have autonomy over their work life and educational life. Whilst getting to create change in business. It is a positive transaction between employer and employee. Apprenticeships are currently the ‘IT’ thing because they make sense. They make sense for the economy, the individual and the business. They allow ample of opportunities for people to thrive and to kickstart careers off in the right direction
Should you go too university?
That is purely up to you! If you are passionate about studying a subject and going in depth into something then sure! University is a place that can challenge you and push you. Despite apprenticeships being great they are not for everyone and sometimes University is the better route. However, Having time to master a subject is really important and can teach you self discipline. Likewise Uni can give you the chance to help you become more independent.
Lastly, always remember that you can take your time to make these decisions. You are not required to rush into anything and do not force yourself to be pressured by the people around you.
If you are thinking about an apprenticeship you can read more about it here.
