Whatever stage you’re at in your career, you can always learn new skills that could help when looking to work in a new industry. We spoke to Liane Sheppard, Operations Director at Sovereign, on why an apprenticeship can be a great way to start a new career regardless of your age or circumstances.
Apprenticeships can play an important role in offering you the opportunity to find work and progress in a career that’s right for you.
You may want to develop new skills, pursue a career that better fits around your commitments, or discover more about what it’s like to work in a specific industry.
The opportunities, experience, and expertise that you can gain from an apprenticeship can allow you to embark on a new career that is both rewarding and fulfilling.
Starting a new apprenticeship can help you learn new skills.
It’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are only suitable for young job seekers. In reality, it can be a great place to start a new career regardless of your age or circumstances.
For older workers, and people with disabilities, there are many benefits in terms of the training, opportunities, and new skills that an apprenticeship can offer.
In January 2018, more than 100 people applied for the Sovereign ‘adult improvers’ apprenticeship, which runs alongside our traditional apprenticeship for young people. This programme offers roles to those who want a change of career, but may not have the relevant experience. At the end of the apprenticeship, participants are qualified tradespeople, with certified electrical, plumbing, or carpentry skills.
An apprenticeship is not only about learning and new skills; it’s also about sharing the existing skills you may have developed during your career with your new employer.
This means that employers benefit from hiring apprentices across a range of ages, circumstances, and backgrounds.
At the end of an apprenticeship, many employers may even offer a permanent role, or you could find that the experience opens a door to further employment in a new sector.
Sovereign Housing Association provides almost 57,000 homes across the south and south west of England and the Isle of Wight, and also offers apprenticeships to support people to start new careers https://www.sovereign.org.uk/careers/apprenticeships
If you’re looking for a new role, visit the Find a Job portal for vacancies in your area. For more advice and real-life stories, check out the My Way In website.
