Following further government investment in a new generation of apprenticeships, the number of apprentice roles being offered in a variety of different sectors continues to rise. Despite this, new research from Monster.co.uk has revealed there remain many misconceptions around the benefits of apprenticeships. Here we look at are 10 reasons why an apprenticeship might just be a great employment path to consider.
Find out why this could be the journey for you
Gain valuable on-the-job experience
An apprenticeship is just like a job, it offers a structured way to learn the ropes of your chosen career and gain first-hand experience of what it's like to work in that environment. Being an apprentice can put you ahead of other candidates later in your career as you'll have tangible and quantifiable experience to draw on. Unlike those who may stick to a more 'traditional' career route via university, you'll learn valuable on the job skills, not just the theory behind it.
Money in your pocket
Sixty per cent of those surveyed by Monster.co.uk stated that earning a below average wage was a disadvantage of undertaking an apprenticeship. In reality, the National Careers Service places the average apprenticeship weekly wage at £170.
Learn while you earn
Many apprentices work towards additional qualifications while on the job. Employers often work in tandem with education programmes which offer additional qualifications up to university-level accreditation. Apprenticeships are a viable alternative to traditional routes to work, particularly as the job market becomes increasingly competitive and student fees continue to rise.
So many sectors to choose from
A third of Brits said they hadn't considered an apprenticeship because there weren't any available in their chosen profession. Yet, considering that one in three of the apprenticeships listed on Monster.co.uk in 2014 were in IT, you'd be wise to check if your chosen profession offers one before dismissing it as an option.
Get a really unusual job
There are some skills that are so niche that apprenticeships may be one of the few ways into a particular role or industry, for example an artisanal cheesemaker, bespoke watchmaker, or designer furniture upholsterer and carpenter. If you have an existing or potential talent for something really unusual, apprenticeships might hold the key for you.
They're increasingly popular
One in 10 people in the UK have undertaken an apprenticeship, with another 10 per cent in the process of completing one. While the government and businesses are doing more to support apprenticeships, Monster.co.uk has already spotted an increased interest in applicants across the country searching for these roles. Could you be the next person to join a growing community of apprentices?
Make changing careers easier
Perhaps you're sick of your current job? Maybe you think you could find better but not sure how to make the move? An apprenticeship is a great way to fast track entry into a new profession or completely fresh sector. Many people are already considering it - more than half of Brits would consider an apprenticeship as a way to change career direction.
You can be an apprentice at any age
Most people think apprenticeships are only for fresh-faced teens or as an alternative to sixth form or university. Nearly half of those surveyed think there is an age restriction to applying for roles available, with 24 years of age coming out as the perceived upper limit. Yet it's simply not true. Apprenticeships, and the qualifications that come with them, are often open to everyone, of any age, gender and previous experience.
You'll be supported
With apprenticeships back on the government agenda, apprentices are more supported than ever before. There is a real drive across the country to promote schemes for not just entry-level candidates, but also intermediate and advanced apprentices. Furthermore, traditional graduate employers like Eversheds, Deloitte and PwC are redesigning their recruitment practices to include an emerging talent pool of school-leavers and career-changers.
Your future's bright
Industry research claims that apprenticeships have higher retention rates than those who enter the workplace through alternative means. There is also strong evidence of progression for people entering as apprentices to reach the very top of businesses, with Jamie Oliver, Alexander McQueen and Henry Ford all acting as examples of those who started out as apprentices.
About the research
The research was conducted by Monster.co.uk in March 2015 with 2,000 people from the UK public.