Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to gain the skills you need to land an exciting new role, expand your horizons, and kick-start your career. They’re practical, hands-on, and allow you to put your great ideas into practice right away.
But despite growing employer interest and increasing opportunities in many sectors for this pathway, misjudgements about apprenticeships continue to discourage some from making the move.
Let’s set the record straight and explore some common preconceptions.
Apprenticeships are for those who are less academic
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Although many apprenticeships are based on practical training, there is still a large aspect of theory-based learning which requires dedication and focus. Furthermore, apprentices are required to work AND study — which is not an easy task. Apprenticeships can be just as testing and fulfilling as GCSEs, A Levels or even a degree!
Apprentices are inadequately paid
All apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, with the highest-paying apprenticeship currently offering £27,000 per year — not too bad if you ask us! Alongside earning a decent salary, you receive on-the-job training from industry professionals, something that the traditional A Level or
degree pathway does not offer.
There are only apprenticeships in the construction industry
There are now around 600 different types of apprenticeships in the UK, from Education, Marketing, IT and Engineering to Horticulture and Healthcare. The possibilities are endless! Current vacancies at New City College are in the Business, Early Years, Construction and Marketing industries. The College works with both local and national employers to provide excellent apprenticeship opportunities across a vast range of sectors. Take a look at the current vacancies here.
Apprentices are only given donkey work
Apprenticeships are full-time paid jobs which allow you to learn new skills and boost your career prospects. Many prestigious companies such as Unilever, the NHS, KPMG and Google offer various apprenticeships with high-quality training opportunities. Apprentices are not only highly valued in the workplace, they are a fundamental part of the UK’s developing skills system, helping to build a stronger economy for everyone.
Apprenticeships are only for young people
Apprenticeships are for everyone! Whether you’ve had a career for years or you’re just starting out, you can start an apprenticeship at any age. In fact, 47% of apprenticeships are undertaken by those aged 25 and over. They’re also popular in businesses with existing employees who want to upskill and gain a new qualification that’s relevant to their current or future profession. You can study from GCSE level all the way up to degree level with an apprenticeship, earning all the while without bearing the brunt of any university fees!
An apprenticeship won’t lead to a full-time position
Incorrect! More than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, with 60% getting a job with the same employer. At New City College, apprentices are guaranteed a position once they have completed their apprenticeship.
With National Apprenticeship Week beginning this Monday 6th February 2023, this is the perfect time to explore your options here.
Want to find out more about New City College’s apprenticeship offer? Speak with our specialist apprenticeship team today.
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