Is an apprenticeship the right move for you?

By Craig Abrahart

89% of apprentices would recommend an apprenticeship to other people but is it the right move for you?

Apprenticeships are a vocational route where you can earn ‘n’ learn at the same time.

As an apprentice you would develop certain skills working on the job or go to college to study the subject to obtain a nationally recognised qualification like a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or BTEC.

There are many different apprenticeships available in a vast array of sectors.

There is a general misconception about apprenticeships being available only for the manual trades such as builders and hairdressers, which is not the case – you can find apprenticeships in almost very field – from accounting to floristry, to engineering and game testing!

As for the time you’re expected to stay an apprentice, you’re looking at between one and three years, but that depends on the company and sector you’re working in.

There are many advantages of undertaking an apprenticeship which is the reason why it is becoming an increasingly popular choice with young people.

One of the main advantages that appeals to young people is the earning side of an apprenticeship; from August 2009 all apprentices will be paid at least 90 a week, but an earnings survey showed that it was often a lot more, with an average salary of 170 per week. An apprentice is also entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday a year along with bank holidays.

So now you have a choice: you could sit in a classroom five days a week and be taught the skills you need by someone who doesn’t necessarily have the experience to pass them on to you (ho hum) … but then again you could be learning those skills from people with a passion for their job, who want to pass that passion on to you.

And you could, after sitting in that classroom – for what feels like forever – find yourself knocking on doors looking for work … or you could be one of the over 90% of apprentices who’ve already got a job by the time they complete their apprenticeship.

There is a whole range of employers who work alongside local training providers to establish apprenticeships. You’ll find them advertised at your local college but also at notgoingtouni.co.uk who offer a vast range of apprenticeships in many different sectors.

If you think an apprenticeship is the route for you start applying!

Notgoingtouni.co.uk helps young adults with their future by showing jobs and training that exist outside of university. There are a number of apprenticeships currently available as well as free career guides and over 300 videos on distance learning, foundation degrees, gap year, voluntary work and advice on obtaining a sponsored degree.

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Topics: Reference and Education | Comments Off

Tags: apprentice, apprenticeship, apprenticeships, career, earn, education, job, learn, Reference and Education, work

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