Apprenticeships, aren’t they for people who don’t get good grades? I don’t want to go into engineering or construction, so it’s not for me, right? Only a degree can secure you a well-paid job, and besides, aren’t apprentices paid pennies?
These are all valid questions. In fact, these were the exact questions racing through my mind when I was doing my A-Levels 5 years ago.
Who Am I?
My name is Haider, and I’ve recently finished a Management Accounting apprenticeship at a multinational company. I’m going to share what I wish someone had shared with me before I almost talked myself out of making one of the most game-changing decisions of my life.
My Experience on Apprenticeship
Throughout secondary school, I was a straight-A student when it came to my GCSEs, so the seed of going to university was planted in my mind from quite an early stage by both my teachers and my parents.
Within ethnic minority communities, in particular, I understand first-hand that a degree is seen beyond a qualification. It’s viewed as a social status symbol that a vast majority of parents want their child to obtain to be regarded as successful. But the truth is that success is defined by you, not the paths you take.
Before I had even started sixth form, I genuinely expected to be going to university by the end of those 2 years. If you told me I’d experience the things I have and be where I am now 5 years ago, I probably would’ve laughed at you.
In sixth form, I studied A-Levels in Maths, Business, Economics and Biology. I first came across the concept of an apprenticeship through one of the career fairs I attended in Year 12. I was so surprised to learn of the choices down this route. I genuinely used to think that the majority of apprenticeships stopped at Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) or Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) and that they were only for blue-collar occupations.
However, I learnt that there were higher and degree apprenticeships out there (Levels 4-7) which was really eye-opening. Industries spanned from Law to Digital Marketing through to Engineering and even Health Care, to name a few. I couldn’t believe nobody had told me about this sooner.
Also, some of the apprenticeships offered were so different to the companies offering them. There are energy companies with HR schemes, retail companies offering IT programmes, and the list goes on. I actually did my own Finance apprenticeship in an Engineering company. Who would’ve thought it? Some of these life-changing opportunities are hidden where you least expect them.
What Did I Learn?
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The official advice desk at Not Going To Uni, offering independent guidance, CV templates, and interview strategies for school leavers across the UK.
