5 Benefits of Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a work-based learning model where apprentices have supervised on-the-job training, along with job-related education, all while earning a wage that increases during the progression of the programme. It is a way of acquiring new skills and getting hands-on industry experience as an alternative to getting an educational degree or an entry-level job. Apprenticeship programmes are intended for long-term employment and development, leading to opportunities for lifelong learning.
There are four levels of apprenticeships: intermediate, advanced, higher, and degree. Depending on the level, they can take between one and four years to complete. Typically, an apprentice will split their time 80/20 between work and study. Unlike work experience, an apprenticeship is a legitimate job that requires a legal contract of employment, salaries and annual leave.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
1. Get paid to learn
You will earn a basic salary whilst learning and working within an apprenticeship. Student loans and financial costs can act as a barrier for students in higher education, so an apprenticeship is a great alternative for individuals seeking financial independence.
The national minimum apprenticeship rate in the UK is £4.30 per hour for 16 and 17 year olds, £6.83 an hour for individuals aged 18 — 20, and £9.18 an hour for 21 and 22 year olds if they are in the second year of their apprenticeship. Additionally, if you’re aged 16 — 24 and a care leaver or have caring responsibilities, you’ll receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support you in the first year of your apprenticeship.
Additionally, you will be entitled to 20 days paid annual leave, plus bank holidays, so you will be able to take time off where necessary.
2. Engage in multifaceted learning
Apprenticeships are unique in that they offer qualifications and training alongside paid employment. Typically, higher education involves theoretical, exam or desk-based assignments, where hands-on vocational development is reserved for internships or work placements.
An apprenticeship combines work and study by incorporating paid employment and hands-on-experience with at least 6 hours off-the-job training per week and a formal assessment that leads to a nationally recognised certificate. Off-the-job training is delivered by subject experts and can include teaching theory, such as classroom lessons, lectures and online learning, combined with practical training, such as shadowing, mentoring and industry visits. You will also receive learning support and time to write assignments. All of this combines to provide high quality training for people to progress in their chosen sector.
The variation in learning and assessment styles enables individuals to engage with their preferred learning style. For example, there are no formal examinations in some apprenticeships, which can benefit those who may struggle with revision.
3. Find a variety of opportunities
Apprenticeships cater for a variety of vocational interests and industries. There is an online UK government search tool where you can look for apprenticeship opportunities. Prospects have also published an article on the variety of apprenticeships available, including apprenticeships across the areas of accounting, marketing and engineering.
There’s more to apprenticeships than their ability to cater for a range of vocational and industry interests. Networking, soft skills training and mentoring are all available for apprentices who may benefit from developing their interpersonal and networking skills alongside paid employment and hard skills training. By engaging with the variety of opportunities available during the apprenticeship, you have the ability to become a well-rounded, experienced individual with everything you need to enter your career.
4. Gain an industry-level qualification
Qualifications are a common entry requirement for jobs. University degrees are not the only option, as apprenticeships are another route towards an industry-level qualification that you can use throughout your career. This can help validate your skills and knowledge, signalling to potential employers that you can add value in a work context. These qualifications will enable you to gain access to jobs as well as further educational development, which will improve your future job prospects. For example, many Level 3 and 4 qualifications require a Level 2 certificate before you can gain entry to study. Check out the different apprenticeship qualification levels available.
5. Divert your career path
Apprenticeships are not reserved to school leavers and young professionals. You can also pursue an apprenticeship if you want to divert your career path, develop vocational skills or gain tailored support alongside career development. Due to the combination of learning on the job and studying, apprenticeships are perfect for people who want to retrain without giving up their income and they can offer another path for individuals who may have already attended higher education.
Apprenticeships can be a great way to change your career as the specialist training involved will equip you with valuable knowledge for a specific role. This is ideal for career changers with limited knowledge in their new field.
They can also be great for individuals aiming to increase proficiency in their current job or change roles within a company. Adult apprenticeships are available to people of all ages, providing the opportunity to upskill. Additionally, for many people, retraining to pursue their passion can vastly improve their enjoyment of work.
If you want to find out more about apprenticeships, check out the following resources and tools:
