If you’re the parent, guardian, or role model of a young person who is just starting out on their career journey this is the place for you.
We all want the best for the next generation. We also know that understanding the wide range of choices that are available can be challenging, and this can be a real stumbling block when trying to discuss the options open to those leaving school or college.
This page is specifically about apprenticeships. In recent years, there have been many changes to the way in which apprenticeships work, and the range of occupations they cover. As well as the roles traditionally associated with apprenticeships, today’s opportunities offer a genuine alternative to a full time University route, so it’s important to understand the wide range of apprenticeships available as well as the benefits they offer.
Apprenticeships are quickly becoming a popular choice for career savvy young people who want to get debt-free qualifications (including degrees) as well as several years of experience in their chosen occupation, and it is easy to see why. As an apprentice, at least 20% of the time is spent working on the knowledge or theory that underpins that apprenticeship. The rest of the time is spent in the working environment. This is far more than just work experience – it’s a proper job with a salary that will develop the many skills required to be successful in any career. Today’s apprenticeships cover an increasingly wide range of occupations; Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Marketing, Business and Law to name but a few.
As well as the wide range of occupations, apprenticeships are available at a variety of levels. They start with at Level 2 – the equivalent of 5 GCSEs – and go all the way up to Degrees (Level 6) or even Post-Graduate Degrees (Level 7). To find out more information on apprenticeships and the levels available, explore our what’s next pages.
Apprenticeships are also offered by a wide range of employers. From smaller local businesses to national and global organisations such as Coca-Cola, Channel 4, PwC and Government departments – including the Security Services. You can find out more about these companies on our Employer pages, and if you want to discover more from apprentices themselves, then why not meet our ambassadors?
So, the world of apprenticeships has changed. They offer a great way in to a wide range of careers and can even provide a way of gaining a University Degree with no debt. In our opinion, many of these programmes can be better than full time University study. As a result though, they are increasingly competitive and unlike University, you’ll need to go through each company’s own application process, so understanding when you need to apply to who requires some research and planning. Let us help you with that – subscribe to our newsletter below, and we’ll keep you in touch with the rapidly changing world of apprenticeships.
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