Apprenticeships have become increasingly more popular over the past five years, even more so now. There is a wide range of different and diverse roles you can pursue through an apprenticeship, be that in engineering, health and social care, business or even science.
Main benefits of an Apprenticeship
- Earn while you learn
- High quality training
- You can still get a qualification equivalent to A levels, foundation degree, or degree
- Gain hands on experience in your chosen career
Apprenticeship Myths
“Apprenticeships are for those who do not perform academically.”
FALSE – they are a fantastic opportunity for all kinds of people looking to expand their knowledge and upgrade their skill sets, by getting stuck right into a job.
“Apprenticeships are only for manual trade jobs.”
FALSE – This is not entirely true, although there may be a wide range of apprenticeships in construction, engineering, IT services, which are very hands-on, there are also a vast choice of vocational trades such as law, fashion, media.
“Apprentices have no scope for progression.”
FALSE – Approximately 65% of apprentices are hired on a permanent basis by their current employer after their programme has finished and a third who remain in the same company receive a promotion in their first year.
“Apprenticeships are only for entry level or low level workers.”
FALSE – Whilst there are apprenticeships at lower levels, there are also a wide range of higher level and degree level apprenticeships. There is something for everyone.
“University graduates earn more than apprentices.”
FALSE – There is a common misconception among young people (and parents) that university will set them up to earn more in the future. By the time a graduate has just qualified, an apprentice will have completed their End Point Assessment and will already have a year or two experience in the industry putting them ahead of fellow university graduates.
Where can I find more information?
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices to find out more about how apprenticeships work
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship to search live apprenticeship vacancies across the UK
https://www.hopinto.co.uk/explore-careers/all-about-apprenticeships/ to find out more about apprenticeship opportunities in Hertfordshire and prepare for the selection process