Should I do an apprenticeship? Apprenticeship Pros & Cons
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to combine job experience with formal education. If you’re afraid to go to university because you’re worried about having to repay your loan or not having enough job experience when you graduate, being an apprentice might be the answer. Learning more about apprenticeships can help you create realistic career goals and plan for the future. This article aims to explains apprenticeships and describes its advantages and disadvantages.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship can be defined as a type of educational programme that integrates on-the-job training with classroom teaching. You are employed during this period to conduct routine activities while pursuing formal education or a degree. As an apprentice, you will obtain essential work experience and job-specific skills while working alongside experienced personnel. You are paid during this period, which includes holiday pay and time for study linked to your position, which normally makes up at least 20% of your working hours.
Pros and Cons of an apprenticeship
Making a list of the benefits and disadvantages of apprenticeships will help you determine if it’s the best option for you. Here are some fundamental benefits and drawbacks of apprenticeships to consider:
Pros of an apprenticeship
Here are the top 5 advantages of doing an apprenticeship:
- No Debt: If you want to live a debt-free lifestyle, completing an apprenticeship is the best option for you. University costs are high, with many students choosing to take out student loans that they begin repaying once they are employed full-time and earn more than a certain amount per year. If you're an apprentice, there's no need to take out a loan because the costs are divided between your company and the government.
- You Get Paid: An apprenticeship is a paid position in which you receive organised training while acquiring significant work experience. Apprenticeship wages vary per apprenticeship due to industry and the apprenticeship level you are going for, but, there are currently thousands of high-quality choices available in varying levels that pay more than £20,000 per year.
- Experience: In 2023 the one thing that most employers value over a degree certification is experience. Whilst a degree confirms academic study of a subject, experience stretches beyond study and bleeds into the development of fundamental soft and hard skills that employers are looking for. In this way, apprenticeships equip you with core skills gained from experience that will aid your long term career development.
- Improve/Gain Core Skills: Becoming an apprentice is one of the best ways to enhance the important skills you will need in future professions, and learn industry secrets to be efficient at work. It may, for example, help you improve your communication and teamwork abilities while putting them to the test every day. If you want to improve a certain job-related ability, you can discuss it with your supervisor or employer during an apprenticeship- they'd most likely be happy to assist you.
- Networking: Just like in all jobs and respected organisations, there is opportunities to network and meet great people including CEOs, reputable managers and colleagues whom you could learn from. For many apprentices there are opportunities to socialise with other apprentices or seniors in networking events.
Cons of an apprenticeship
Here are the top 5 disadvantages of doing an apprenticeship:
- Say Goodbye To Long Holidays: If you are employed full-time throughout your apprenticeship, you are entitled to the national holiday allowance of 5.6 weeks per year, which includes national holidays such as bank holidays. This is considerably shorter than a university student's vacation, which is often longer and includes a summer break. This would mean having to work through the holidays whilst your university student friends are on break- this makes it hard to find time to hang out or catch up with friends.
- Getting A Lower Starting Salary: Although an apprentice receives a regular salary, beginning earnings for university graduates are often greater than those of the same age with an NVQ-level qualification. However, if you have a clear goal for your future and an apprenticeship is part of it, you will be able raise your credentials and position.
- More Responsibilities Earlier: Being an apprentice entails regular work tasks in addition to learning, which naturally means greater obligations to manage. Although many young people see this as a negative, it may teach you how to sustain yourself and be tenacious in your future ambitions.
- Limited Industry Choices: Having a university degree is required for some jobs, for example, medicine and several areas of science and engineering. Thus, an apprenticeship will not be the best course for those who are fixated on a certain career that can only be obtained through university.
- Missing The University Experience: Many people consider the university experience to be one of the greatest parts of being a young adult. An apprenticeship will not give you this as you will begin working immediately and may not have the option to enjoy a carefree life as a full-time student.
If you’re interested in learning more about apprenticeships, ‘Read More’ in the following article below.
