In today’s rapidly changing job market, apprenticeships have become more popular than ever as a way to gain relevant skills and secure stable employment. With more employers seeking practical experience over traditional qualifications, apprenticeships offer a fantastic way to kickstart a career, gain valuable skills, and earn while you learn. They provide a mix of hands-on training and study, making them an excellent choice for students who benefit from combining classroom learning with real-world experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about apprenticeships in the UK, including how to apply and where to find support and resources to start your journey.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines hands-on work with training, helping you earn a qualification while gaining real-world experience. Apprenticeships are offered in many different industries and come in various levels, from intermediate (equivalent to GCSEs) to advanced levels like bachelor’s or master’s degrees. They usually last between one and five years, depending on the level and type of role you’re training for.
Who Can Start an Apprenticeship?
To start an apprenticeship, you need to fall into the following categories,
16 or over: Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or older.
Living in England: Apprenticeships are available across the UK, but the process may vary.
Not in full-time education: You can apply while still at school, but you must be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start.
How Do Apprenticeships Work?
As an apprentice, you’ll get access to a range of benefits unique to the world of work- alongside study.
Be an employee: You’ll earn a wage and receive holiday pay.
Work alongside experienced staff: Gain hands-on experience and learn from professionals in your field.
Gain job-specific skills: Develop skills that are directly relevant to your job.
Get time for training and study: At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to training.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
One of the major advantages of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to develop both technical and transferable skills. Technical skills are job-specific, like carpentry for a construction apprenticeship or coding in a tech apprenticeship. Transferable skills, on the other hand, such as communication, time management, and adaptability, are valuable across any industry. This balanced skill set is highly attractive to employers and can significantly enhance your employability, even if you later choose to move into a different role or industry.
Earn while you learn: Unlike traditional education routes, apprenticeships allow you to earn a salary while gaining qualifications.
Real-world experience: You’ll gain practical experience that is highly valued by employers.
Career progression: Apprenticeships can open doors to higher-level roles and further education opportunities.
Networking: You’ll build a professional network that can be beneficial for your future career.
Apprenticeship Levels
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, each matching a specific educational equivalent and suited to various career paths.
- Intermediate (equivalent to GCSEs): This level is great for entry-level roles such as construction assistants, dental nurses, or hospitality team members. It provides basic skills and foundational knowledge in a particular field.
- Advanced (equivalent to A-levels): Often suited to more technical or specialized roles like plumbing technicians, junior chefs, or IT support technicians, this level builds on basic skills to help apprentices perform independently in their roles.
- Higher (equivalent to a foundation degree or above): Higher apprenticeships cover roles requiring deeper expertise, such as accounting technicians, project managers, or lab technicians in the sciences. These apprenticeships may lead to advanced certifications or management roles.
- Degree (equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree): Designed for highly skilled roles, these include professions like nurses, software engineers, and chartered surveyors. Degree apprenticeships allow apprentices to gain in-depth knowledge and are often geared toward leadership positions.
Each level provides specific skills and training, enabling apprentices to progress within their chosen field.
Common Myths About Apprenticeships
There are several misconceptions about apprenticeships, one being that they’re only for those who didn’t excel academically. In reality, apprenticeships are available across all levels of education and require a range of skills, from technical to analytical. Another myth is that apprenticeships are restricted to trade-based industries. Today, apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of sectors, including healthcare, finance, digital marketing, and engineering. Dispelling these myths can open more people to considering apprenticeships as a viable career path.
Choosing the Right Apprenticeship for You
With so many options available, finding the right apprenticeship might feel overwhelming. Start by considering your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. Research different industries to understand the kind of roles and growth opportunities they offer. Some people may prefer hands-on technical roles, while others might be drawn to creative or analytical positions. It’s also worth looking into the work culture of potential employers and considering the types of companies that align with your values and career aspirations.
Apprenticeships vs. Traditional University: Making the Right Choice
Many people wonder whether they should pursue an apprenticeship or a traditional university degree. Each option has benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your goals. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and financial independence, while universities offer more theoretical knowledge and networking opportunities within an academic setting. Those who prefer hands-on learning may thrive in apprenticeships, whereas individuals interested in research and broader learning may prefer a degree program.
This table helps you weigh the pros and cons of apprenticeships vs. traditional university. Consider where you see yourself in five years and choose the path that best aligns with your ambitions.
| Apprenticeships | Traditional University | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | – Pro: No tuition fees; training costs are often covered by employer or government. – Pro: Earn a salary while learning. |
– Con: Tuition fees and living expenses can lead to student debt. – Con: No income while studying (unless working part-time). |
| Learning Style | – Pro: Hands-on, practical experience directly in the workplace. – Pro: Learn specific skills for a chosen career. |
– Pro: Broad, in-depth academic knowledge with a focus on theory. – Con: Less practical experience until after graduation. |
| Career Path | – Pro: Directly linked to a job, with high chances of employment in the same company. – Pro: Networking with professionals early on. |
– Pro: Opens doors to various fields and professions. – Con: May not lead to immediate job placement or specific career path. |
| Qualification Level | – Con: Levels vary; some higher roles may still require university-level credentials. | – Pro: Provides recognized degrees (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s), beneficial for careers needing advanced education. |
| Work-Life Balance | – Con: Balancing work and study can be demanding; less flexibility in schedules. | – Pro: Generally more flexible schedules, with dedicated study and social time. |
| Skills Development | – Pro: Gain practical, job-specific skills valued by employers. | – Pro: Develops critical thinking and research skills; broader focus. |
| Earnings Potential | – Pro: Start earning right away, with potential for raises and career progression. | – Con: Delayed earnings until graduation, though degrees can lead to higher-paying roles in some fields. |
Finding an Apprenticeship
To find an apprenticeship, you can start by looking at these methods and resources.
Startingpoint: Startingpoint offers an all-in-one apprenticeship platform that Empowers students to find the perfect apprenticeship. The unique portal was designed for apprenticeship providers, students, and employers to provide a unique place where students can create a dynamic evidence-based profile, browse apprenticeships, and apply for opportunities online. Employers can also benefit from free apprenticeship ads that enable employers and apprenticeship agencies to view anonymised student profiles from candidates applying for their roles.
Visit the official apprenticeships website: Apprenticeships.gov.uk
The official government apprenticeship website has everything you need to know about finding and applying for apprenticeships, from the initial application process through to the interview stage and beyond.
Search for opportunities: Use the search tool to find apprenticeships based on your interests and location, and browse before you apply.
Contact training providers: Reach out to organisations that offer apprenticeships in your chosen field. Taking the initiative to contact businesses yourself may well make you stand out from the crowd.
Support and Resources
There are numerous resources available to help you navigate the apprenticeship process, here are some that you may find helpful.
Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network: This is an inspiring network of employers and current/former apprentices who volunteer their time to inspire and inform future apprentices. You can find out information on how to join here.
National Apprenticeship Week: The Department for Education’s week-long celebration of apprenticeships is held annually in February. You can sign up and learn more about this year’s events on the National Apprenticeship Week website.
UCAS: UCAS has practical resources for parents and students thinking about taking the apprenticeship root in place of traditional university education. These include guidance for parents and students to support their chosen pathway.
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships are a great way to launch a fulfilling career, offering both practical skills and academic growth. With so many options available, now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities an apprenticeship can offer. If you’re ready to take the first step, use the resources listed above to start researching and applying for apprenticeships that align with your interests and goals. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, apprenticeships can open doors to a wide range of careers.
“Starting my apprenticeship in digital marketing was the best decision I made for my career. Not only did I get to work with industry professionals from day one, but I also gained skills I could apply immediately. Now, I’m in a full-time role with the same company, managing projects on my own!”
— Sarah, former digital marketing apprentice
Take the leap, explore your options, and discover how an apprenticeship can be the foundation for your future success.
