One of the most difficult decisions that any of us make in our lifetime is deciding what to do when leaving school or college. Should I go to university and study for a degree, should I go straight into the world of work, or should I combine learning with earning by completing an apprenticeship? There are lots of factors to take into consideration when weighing up your options. In this blog we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by looking into the benefits of taking this route.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a combination of being employed to carry out a job, whilst studying for a formal qualification at the same time, usually though a training centre or higher education college. They are a really good way to enhance your CV with an industry-recognised qualification, whilst gaining valuable hands-on experience and crucially, earning a wage. They are becoming more and more popular as the quality and variety of available qualifications increases; government data shows that over 270,000 people started an apprenticeship in the 2019/20 academic year.
There are four different levels of apprenticeships in the UK, although the structure varies slightly in each of the four counties. An intermediate level apprenticeship is equal to five solid GCSE passes, and takes roughly a year to complete. An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to two A level passes and is typically studied over two years. The higher level award is comparable to the first stage of a higher education certificate such as a foundation degree and is completed over three to five years. A degree level apprenticeship is comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree and takes around five or six years to complete.
What are the advantages of an apprenticeship?
Arguably the greatest advantage of an apprenticeship is the relevant, on the job experience that it provides. Employers are increasingly valuing this development of skills and practical knowledge, particularly transferrable soft skills such as problem solving, communication, organisation and teamwork. By completing an apprenticeship you are proving to organisations that you are an employable individual, and by studying at the same time you’re also proving your ability to learn and take on information
Another benefit of an apprenticeship is the ability to instantly make important contacts and grow your industry network from an early stage in your career. A survey compiled by American recruitment expert Lou Adler suggested that as many as 85% of all job vacancies were filled via networking, so this shouldn’t be overlooked. By gaining a formal qualification, you’re also enhancing your CV and increasing you employability if you decide to change employer later in your career.
Another significant advantage of an apprenticeship over university is the finance. Not only do apprentices under 25 years of age not pay for their training (this is funded by a combination of the government and the employer), they also earn the national minimum wage for apprentices. This currently sits at £4.15 per hour for those aged 16 to 18, with may employers choosing to pay a higher rate. In contrast, the average student debt for university leavers in the UK is now over £50,00 according to stats from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Common misconceptions about apprenticeships
There are some widespread myths surrounding apprenticeships, that often put individuals off the idea of completing one. The most common misconception is that apprenticeships are only available in manual trades, such as plumbing, electrics and construction. This is absolutely not the case – whilst they are a very popular route for these sorts of professions, apprenticeships are also available in a huge range of fields, including accountancy, IT, human resources, law and business administration. Some of the world’s largest employers offer apprenticeships in the UK, including Amazon, Pfizer, McDonalds, IBM and the NHS.
Another frequent misconception is that despite starting their working career slightly later, those with a degree will earn significantly more over the course of their career than those who complete an apprenticeship. Of course, there are examples where this will be the case, particularly those that achieve a desirable degree from a top Russell Group university. However, a recent study by The Sutton Trust, an educational charity, found that apprentices can expect to earn more in their lifetime than those who complete an undergraduate degree at a non-Russell Group university.
Is an apprenticeship right for me?
There’s lots more information available on the Apprenticeships website and whilst an apprenticeship is a fantastic option for a lot of people, it’s not the right route for everyone. Some careers and industries require specific degree level or professional qualifications, while some career paths and individuals are more suited to heading straight into the world of work without a formal qualification.
Insight Edge provides personalised career guidance, giving you the knowledge and advice you need to make informed career decisions. If you’re considering an apprenticeship but aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, our Emerging Talent package helps you identify the best option at this crucial early stage of your career.