Why Should I Consider Apprenticeships | Leap Like A Salmon Blog

As we celebrate world youth skills day, we look at apprenticeships and why they could be perfect for you. Whether you’re leaving full-time education and looking for your next step, or maybe you’re an employer considering taking on an apprentice.

Either way, we’ll look at why you should consider apprenticeships and if you’re on the other side, why you should hire an apprentice.

Apprenticeships are the answer

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton commissioned a report in 2020 to investigate the representation of black people in motorsport. One of the findings called for motorsport businesses to broaden access to motorsport by expanding the apprenticeships provision. It highlighted how it should include higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships as an alternate pathway into the sector, as well as availability to paid work placement and work experience schemes.

The results from this in-depth report show how important apprenticeships are when it comes to getting great, young talent into certain industry sectors. So just why should you consider an apprenticeship? How if you’re an employee, find out how an apprenticeship could work for your organisation.

Why should I consider an apprenticeship

If you’re a hands-on learner (also known as a kinesthetic learner – click here to read our blog on learning styles) and want to gain experience and learn on the job, an apprenticeship might be for you. It is a great way to learn the ins and outs an industry outside of the classroom and could help set you on a path to get your dream career. Apprenticeships also offer nationally recognized qualifications that will stand you in good stead in the working world.

Learn from those who do. A huge bonus of an apprenticeship is that you’ll be trained by people who do the job day in, day out. They’re hands-on and often, have spent years gaining experience to be the best in their field.

Start earning. Another great benefit of becoming an apprentice is that you’ll be paid while you learn. You’ll work real hours learning the tricks of the trade with limited time out (usually around one day per week) with a training provider or at college to expand on what you’re learning throughout your time as an apprentice.

Flexibility for you. Apprenticeships can take between one and five years to complete depending on the level and industry sector chosen. And the best part is, the length of time it takes you to complete your apprenticeships can be flexible to suit your needs. For example, if you have external commitments and want to extend your apprenticeship, employees are often flexible in allowing you to do so.

Employers ask…

Why I should hire an apprentice

Your training, your way. Teach, train and develop individuals on your own terms to grow your company, your way. Apprentice schemes give you the chance to take a blank canvas and train them in the correct way and to your company values. In just a few years, you could create an ideal employee for the organisation.

Passion and pride. Apprentices are committed individuals who know what path they want to take. This provides you with passionate, proud and hard-working individuals in your workforce.

Efficient practicality. Organisations looking to recruit apprentices are often attracted by the cost-effective, efficient and practical way of recruiting staff. Apprentices can help you fill skill gaps, keep up with industry developments and gain motivated and satisfied workers.

Apprenticeships – frequently asked questions

+ Do you get paid in apprenticeships?

As an apprentice, you are paid for the work you do, and for time spent at training, whether this is with a training provider or at college. There is a minimum apprenticeship rate, set by the government, and more often than not employers can and do pay more.

+ What can you get apprenticeships in?

In loose terms – whatever you want! You can get an apprenticeship in business, administration and law, health and public services right through to retail, engineering, manufacturing and construction. If you’re not sure what industry to pursue, consider doing trial weeks by approaching companies and asking for work experience. This will allow you to try before you buy.

+ Who is eligible for an apprenticeship?

Apprentices must be 16 years old or over at the time of enrolment and to do an apprenticeship in the UK. The applicant must be a UK resident or part of the European Economic Area (EEA) for at least three years. The applicant can not be in full-time education and needs to demonstrate why they want to pursue the industry in question.

+ How do you get an apprenticeship?

Demonstrate passion and commitment to the area you’re applying for. Local government websites host a list of available apprenticeships. If there is a particular company you’d like to work for, don’t be afraid to contact them and enquire about apprenticeships. You can also find an apprenticeship here.

If you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship or further education, consider the below questions to help make your decision. There is no right or wrong answer and try to follow your gut when thinking about your answer:

Do you strongly feel the need to go to college or University?

Do you learn better by actively doing a job?

Would you like to start your career path as soon as possible?

Does working your way up a company appeal to you?

We hope this blog has been interesting for you if you’re considering an apprenticeship. For more from us please check out our Knowledge Base for further resources and support with our Ask The Experts or stay informed with our social Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or why not check out other blog posts?