The Opportunities Apprenticeships Offer

Apprenticeships combine working, earning and learning and allow apprentices to learn in a practical manner to gain a qualification alongside work experience. However, earning a salary, getting a qualification and experiencing the workplace are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the opportunities you can get from an apprenticeship.

The number one thing an apprenticeship can do for you is growth. This can mean growth as a person, growth in knowledge, growth in career trajectory and growth in potential to achieve.

So what other opportunities can you gain from an apprenticeship?1. Workplace Skills

Other than the skills within the role you fulfil as an apprentice, there are a wealth of other skills you can master long before other people of your age as an apprentice. This refers to workplace skills such as:

• Writing emails
• Taking meeting minutes
• Dressing professionally
• Using online systems
• Presenting in meetings

These are skills that are learned through application, not in a classroom or lecture hall. They can be taught, yes, but not experienced.

“From the very first day of my apprenticeship, I was expected to complete skills that couldn’t be taught at school. I was writing professional emails to my seniors, taking minutes in meetings and learning how to use various internal communications platforms all at once! It’s the only effective way to learn these critical elements of job roles.” - Katie Fiddaman, Chartered Management Degree Apprentice

These are the skills that graduates often lack when entering the workplace; completing an apprenticeship can truly aid the learning and early application of these skills.

2. Knowledge

Knowledge within an apprenticeship can come in all forms and from all directions. The most obvious is the qualification side of the apprenticeship, where you will be learning with a training provider about whatever the apprenticeship standard includes, i.e: Business Management, Construction or Nursing to name just a few.

However, the real growth in knowledge from an apprenticeship comes from the other forms of learning. These can include:

• Workplace training - in most places of work, extra training on internal communications systems and online systems used will be required. As part of an induction or onboarding process, apprentices are generally shown how to use software such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, databases, spreadsheets, web platforms and any other job-specific software required for the role. This again, is not something that will form part of any other Level 3 or 4 qualification, nor will it be part of a degree.
• Learning from senior staff - within the workplace, apprentices have access to a wealth of physical resources for knowledge; however, they also have access to people. People that have worked in that industry for years and have experienced a range of successes, problems and challenges in their field. Asking questions and learning from these individuals, or even being mentored by them, is a fantastic way to broaden knowledge and expertise.
• Learning from peers - often, companies will hire multiple apprentices. This means that you can work alongside other apprentices and learn from them too. Learning from peers in problem-solving situations is one of the best ways to use initiative to work things out independently, rather than expecting constant advice.
• Exposure to current affairs and the news - in all job roles, big or small, keeping up with the industry is vital for success. Yes, some jobs require more involvement with current affairs than others, such as journalism for example, but in order to be knowledgeable, current affairs in your industry are important. However, this is much more discoverable as an apprentice as you will hear people in the office discussing it, making it easier to keep up, whilst expanding your breadth of knowledge.

"From the minute I started my apprenticeship, I was exposed to training I would never be experiencing had I followed a traditional pathway. This has not only helped me to complete my job role more sufficiently, but given me applicable knowledge for the future." - Emma Devlin, Degree Apprentice at Pearson College London

3. Recognition from employers

According to Pearson Business School’s education and skills survey, 37.5% of employers’ most important consideration when recruiting university graduates is an aptitude and readiness for work. Further to this, 77.6% or businesses in London also expect to increase the number of higher-skilled roles in the next five years.

This proves that the demand for apprenticeships and the requirement to have these skills will not only upskill you quicker, but will also make your CV much more attractive to potential employers.

“Since I started my degree apprenticeship I have not looked back. I wanted to study Business Management, a degree that a lot of young graduates obtain in the UK, and therefore needed to differentiate myself from the competition. My Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) programme at Pearson College London has been the perfect way for me to combine work and study, applying theories to the workplace and vice-versa.” - Niamh Mulhall, Degree Apprentice at Pearson College London

4. Build Networks

One of the most crucial skills required,s networking. There is that cliche phrase: “It’s not what you know, it's who you know.” This is true to a certain extent because having the skills, knowledge and experience is the first step; however, getting a foot in the door can be a lot easier if you have a meaningful connection with someone.

Just being in the workplace as an apprentice is networking in itself. If you don’t have a Linkedin account, make one! People will come and go from your particular workplace, but if you make an impact, they will remember you. Attend as many events as possible to build those connections as you never know when someone could come handy, whether it’s for a job or a project.

As an apprentice, you can also join the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network (YAAN). This is a network of apprentices aged 16-25 whose main goal is to encourage more young people to consider apprenticeships. However, to a member of the YAAN, it can be so much more than that: it is a perfect opportunity to meet and learn from other apprentices, building professional connections and discovering more about the range of apprenticeships in the UK.

5. Personal Skills

Finally, as well as professional and educational skills, apprentices can develop personal skills. Some examples are:

• Confidence
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Leadership
• Organisation

Some of these can be learned throughout school or via a traditional education pathway; however they can be practiced and perfected through an apprenticeship programme.

“As an apprentice you learn to work in a corporate environment with colleagues who can be a lot more experienced than you. Therefore it may seem a daunting prospect suggesting ideas and giving opinions; however a fresh view is always welcome. Once I started realising that my input was valued, it really boosted my confidence and has encouraged me to contribute more in the future.” - Matilda Pinn, Events Assistant and Degree Apprentice

You may have demonstrated one of the skills in a sports team environment, during school or within an extracurricular activity. However, using the workplace to grow these skills further is the key to success.

In summary, apprenticeships are arguably the best way to grow within a qualification, both personally and professionally and offer a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience. To find out more about Pearson College London’s degree apprenticeships, visit their website.