Leaving school and don’t know what to do? Stuck in a dead end job and want to upskill within a new industry? Know that University just ISN’T for you? Could an Apprenticeship be the right option for you?
A lot of us have been there at some point. It can feel overwhelming not knowing what path to go down to ensure success for the future. So here’s the million dollar question… Could an Apprenticeship be for you?
Studies show that over 90% of apprentices will get a job or go into further education within 1 year of completing their apprenticeship, as opposed to only 75% of their University peers
Apprenticeships have been widely considered a ‘second class route to university’. However since 2021 the UK has seen a whopping 204,000 Apprenticeship starts as shown by a study conducted by Gov.co.uk.
This is a 26% increase from the previous year, but why have apprenticeships increased in popularity so much?
Apprenticeships come with a wealth of benefits! So if you’re not sure what to do when after leaving school, then here’s some of the pro’s …
Gain valuable workplace experience:
When applying for certain positions workplace experience is essential. However this is not always something you can get from University alone.
Apprenticeships provide you valuable industry experience, alongside the chance to network with other people in your field. They also provide valuable soft skills such as communication with co-workers and clients, problem solving, Initiative. These are skills that you may not get from certain University degrees.
Earn while you learn:
While University can set you back by thousands, Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to earn a wage while you gain your qualification. A 2022 study by Glassdoor found that The national average salary for a Apprentices £25,280 in United Kingdom.
Whilst Apprenticeship salaries can vary depending on your chosen sector, they can be a great way to earn a good income whilst you learn valuable skills within your industry. You also get extra benefits of student discounts through platforms such as NUS!
Learn from industry experts:
When choosing an Apprenticeship as an alternative to University, You’ll spend your days working around industry experts within your field. This will help you learn valuable skills and insights that will support you with your career in the future.
You may also be given the chance to join extra workshops, webinars and industry events through your employer. This can help you build up great industry knowledge.
Grow your CV:
If you’re a school leaver or have no experience in your desired field, an Apprenticeship can be a great way to build up your CV. Not only do employers value seeing workplace experience on a CV, they will also appreciate any extra qualifications you have gained throughout your apprenticeship.
Many positions within IT, Marketing, Finance and Healthcare will require you to have both experience within the field, as well as a qualification. An Apprenticeship sets you up for both!
Work for some of the worlds largest companies:
Apprenticeships provide you with the opportunity to work in both the UK and overseas within some of the worlds leading companies. A study conducted by ratemyapprenticeship.com stated that some of the best companies to work for that are hiring apprentices include Gatwick Airport, Sage, National Grid, BT, British Airways and the NHS
So where can I find an Apprenticeship?
If you’ve decided that an Apprenticeship may be a good alternative to University or higher education, there are a number of great platforms you can use to find the right one for you.
Here are a few of our favorites:
For extra information, why not check out some of our other great blog posts: Dispelling the myths of Apprenticeships, or Apprenticeship Interview tips
