You are never too old for an apprenticeship. Looking to learn new skills, refresh or have a change of career however old you are. Apprenticeships are out there for everyone, from young people to mature adults.
One of the biggest misconceptions today is that apprenticeships are for recent school leaver’s. Yes, young people get a lot of encouragement to consider apprenticeships as a career path- and rightly so however that does not mean to say apprenticeships are not for mature adults. Modern apprenticeships have developed and diversified significantly, so much so that some are better suited to those who are a little bit older. Some refer to these as mature apprenticeships.
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” Albert Einstein.
An example, degree apprenticeships are highly skilled roles aimed at building experts in an industry; with both work and life experience, adults are in a great position to apply for these roles.
Is an apprenticeship right for you?
If you are in current work and have certain commitments then perhaps doing an apprenticeship with your current employer is what you are looking for- do not be afraid to ask!
You may be looking to switch careers completely, and with the right attitude and approach, adult learners have a lot to gain from taking on a mature apprenticeship.
What are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study and are available for anyone from students to mature adults as long as you meet the criteria below:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
Types of Apprenticeships
There are many different types of apprenticeships on offer, here are just some of the most popular choices that adult apprentices decide to pursue:
- Business and administration
- Childcare
- Engineering
- Hairdressing and beauty therapy
- IT and digital media
- Manufacturing
- Retail
How to apply for an apprenticeship
Training providers will generally be the best way to apply for an apprenticeship, the Government website also holds further details on apprenticeships and how to apply. Become an apprentice: Apply for an apprenticeship – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What an apprenticeship can offer you as an employee:
- Earn a wage and receive holiday pay
- Study & train (using the government apprenticeship levvy).
- Work experience
- Gain job specific skill set
What an apprenticeship can offer your employer:
- Upskill your employee’s and grow talent
- Keeps your employee’s motivated and committed for long-term.
- Cash incentives of up to £3000 per employed apprentice over the age of 25 subject to terms.
Are you an employee feeling bored of your job and would like read some advice how you could upskill, or in need of a career change then join The Apprenticeship Network here.
What is The Apprenticeship Network?
The Apprentice Network is a platform for members to join for FREE. It contains lots of useful advice from everyone involved in the apprenticeship network. From apprentices, apprenticeships, employers, skills coaches and training providers, all sharing their experiences to help promote the greatness of apprenticeships for EVERYONE!
For further topics on apprenticeships navigate through our Blog – The Apprenticeship Network
