What are the advantages of apprenticeships and why are they a great career route?
Apprenticeships have historically been a good route into the workplace, and they're more in demand than ever due to the growing knowledge of the advantages of apprenticeships. Whilst there are many benefits of apprenticeships to employers, there are many apprenticeship benefits for students too. It’s not just for students who want some work experience — it's a chance for you to lay the groundwork for shared work that is rewarding. Here are 10 benefits of apprenticeships to help you towards making that next step in your career.
One of the most significant benefit of apprenticeships are the real-world experiences they offer. While traditional education is often theory-heavy, apprenticeships allow you to get into your field's nitty-gritty of day-to-day functioning. In context, an engineering apprentice, for example, might work on real projects, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the sector. This kind of experiential learning not only provides you with the skills that you need, but also trains you to apply the knowledge.
Another benefit of apprenticeships is that you get paid to study your qualification, and while learning on the job. While some university students leave university with significant debt, apprentices can achieve financial independence as they advance their careers. Apprenticeships offer a path into education that is both efficient and rewarding for those who are prepared to work, with on-the-job training, mentorship, paid time off and pension contributions (benefits depends on the employer and what they offer).
In most sectors, you'll have other highly skilled colleagues working alongside you, who will form an invaluable network for you as an apprentice. You will make a lot of new contacts, which may open up mentoring opportunities or give you a job offer after the apprenticeship ends. Over the years, your professional network and connections can make you stand out in your career, so consider this factor as another advantage of apprenticeships. If you haven’t already, set up a LinkedIn account, so you can start growing your connections.
Apprenticeship training is customised according to the job you want, instead of a one-size-fits-all curriculum. This means you can learn the specific knowledge and skills required to actually succeed in your industry making this a huge advantage of apprenticeships. For example, one might teach a digital marketing apprentice to design ad campaigns, track analytics, and run social media, which are easily transferable skills to the workplace.
Because most employers prefer practical, hands-on experience, an apprenticeship offers precisely that. These apprenticeships offer a combination of work experience and a formal qualification, which leaves you better placed in a competitive job market. According to recent statistics, over 90% of apprentices stay employed once they complete the programme, with many staying with their employers. This seamless move from training into a paid role has the benefits of apprenticeships.
Transitioning from education to working can seem scary, but apprenticeships build a positive bridge that can make for a smoother transition. Familiarity makes the process easier — experience creates confidence, so you can view obstacles and responsibilities more coolly — and will help you complete the transition to activity. This self-assurance translates well into performance in interviews — and sets you at ease in professional settings and is yet another advantage of apprenticeships.
Apart from the job-specific skills you acquire, apprenticeships always give you the opportunity to learn transferable skills that are valuable in any industry — teamwork skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills to name a few. These transferable skills can also set you apart through certification as you progress to a wide range of careers making them a huge benefit of apprenticeships. Highlight skills such as these on your CV as they demonstrate that you are adaptable and have done well in various roles.
Apprenticeships even provide formal certifications that are highly regarded within their appropriate fields/industry. The benefit of apprenticeships is that, these credentials not only validate your skills but they also increase your employability. IT apprentices, for example, may complete certification programmes in cybersecurity, coding, or network management, all of which are particularly in demand by employers.
Another advantage of apprenticeships is that apprenticeships don’t just prepare you for a single job — it opens you up to a variety of career pathways. This means that your apprenticeship should act as a gateway to broader opportunities versus a limiting path.
Apprentices can progress to higher qualifications, such as a degree, or to a professional qualification. For example. If you start working with your employer as an Advanced (Level 3) Apprentice, they might suggest doing a degree apprenticeship after completion. You would be fast-tracked in your career progression, which is one of the many reasons that apprenticeship benefits for students.
If you are looking to explore alternatives to university, or want to gain some hands-on experience, then an apprenticeship might be right for you. The benefits of apprenticeships provide a pathway to personal development, financial independence, and long-term career opportunities, along with that blend of earning potential and valuable training. So why not take a look at what's out there and take that first step toward a fulfilling future. Start your journey now by heading over to the Not Going To Uni website.
FAQs
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine real life work while studying to complete your qualification (80% work, 20% study), and the employer pays you to do it! That’s one of the greatest benefits of apprenticeships. Also, did you know that there are four different apprenticeship qualification categories?
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
One of the benefits of apprenticeships is anyone from 16 years of age and older can do an apprenticeship. Whatever the reason — finishing college, switching careers, or wanting to develop new skills — there's likely an apprenticeship aligned with your goals. Although, if you are considering a degree apprenticeship, you have to be at least 18 years old.
What qualifications will you acquire from an apprenticeship?
A great benefit of apprenticeships is that they are generally work-based and involve formal qualifications, such as diplomas, NVQs, or degrees, depending on the level of the apprenticeship and industry you are in.
Are apprenticeships competitive?
They can be competitive, as it’s like applying for a job and they are growing in popularity. But a compelling application that conveys your passion and skills will be beneficial in the applying process. To knock it out of the park, know the industry and employer by doing thorough research, and tailor your application to the job description.
Can I switch careers through an apprenticeship?
Absolutely! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to transition into a new industry, even if you have no prior experience in the field. Many programs are tailored for beginners, offering step-by-step training and support to help you build the skills required for your chosen profession – this is a great benefit of apprenticeships.
For instance, if you're shifting from retail to a more technical role, an apprenticeship can guide you through everything you need to know, from foundational knowledge to industry-specific expertise. It's a practical and structured way to gain hands-on experience, (and with the key benefit of apprenticeships whilst earning a salary!), making it an ideal choice for those looking to reinvent their career path without the financial strain of returning to full-time education.
