Maybe you’ve just finished school and you’re working a part-time job for some extra dough, or maybe you’ve already decided you’re not going to university so you’re working an entry-level job for some experience. Either way, we’ve all had those jobs where our primary objective is to figure out what’s next.
Commonly we’ll find ourselves working in pubs, as office juniors or as retail assistants. They’re usually great gigs for young adults, but we know it’s not forever. Very few of us have the means to continue on at minimum wage for the foreseeable future.
The job may be fun, you might like the company and you probably like your colleagues. That’s a privilege few can acclaim to!
So let me share with you something they don’t tell you - you can keep the job that you love and still move further on in your career with a higher earning potential. It’s possibly one of the best kept secrets, because few people ever follow this method, which could plausibly even be called a life hack.
If you love the business you’re currently working for and could see yourself working in a team leader, management or higher professional position, you don’t need to get a degree. Instead, you can open up a conversation about apprenticeships with your employer.
Apprenticeships As Career Opportunities
So you thought apprenticeships were only for new starters? Wrong. Apprenticeships are for anyone over the age of 16, and employers can use them to upskill their existing staff!
Let’s say you currently work on the waiting team at a local pub. You’re probably earning something between minimum wage and living wage, but you get on well with your team and you’re working flexible hours in a good location.
This can make the idea of becoming a manager in that pub very appealing! Pub managers can earn between £25,000 - £30,000 on average, after all.
If you like the idea of that, then you’ll need to consider what qualifications you’d need for that role. Usually a pub manager would benefit from a license and a Customer Service qualification.
There are plenty of customer service apprenticeships out there, and you can study at a higher level, which would suit aspirations for a management position.
So the formula really is simple; if you want to move up in your current career, the trick is to convince your manager or the business owner that it would be a great idea to invest in you with an apprenticeship!
Your Apprenticeship Action Plan
The idea of asking someone high-up within your chosen business to take you on as an apprentice can seem daunting in theory, but in reality it’s an easy sell!
When you speak to them, try to book a dedicated meeting so you have plenty of time to offer a persuasive argument. It’s a good idea to make notes too, so you can answer any questions they might have about the process.
In fact, we’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of points you should make to your employer or manager to help convince them!
Staff who complete an apprenticeship have a much higher retention rate.
An apprenticeship is a form of mentoring and employees who complete one often feel more valued and loyal to the company. If you’re looking for staff who will stick with the company long term and master their role, an apprenticeship is a great way to go.
Apprenticeships give staff the chance to learn on-the-job and apply what they’re currently studying to real situations they’re experiencing in work.
This means they’re often ready to apply knowledge from the get-go.
Staff who work for your company and complete an apprenticeship already know and understand the intricacies of your business.
They have a grounding and familiarity with your company that graduates will not have.
Apprenticeships are funded up to 95% by the government.
That means the vast majority of the training fees for apprenticeships are covered. It’s one of the best value ways of training, and the apprentice gets a nationally recognised qualification, as opposed to just a certificate of attendance - many training companies will only provide this!
Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for positive PR!
Local news outlets and your social media followers will be delighted to hear that a business is investing in its team members' futures.
An Apprenticeship Training Provider will manage all the admin for you.
All your manager needs to do is contact a training provider and choose an apprenticeship, the provider will deal with all the admin, contracts, training, funding applications and more.
Apprenticeships can be tailored to the business’ needs.
If for example, your manager is looking to get you going immediately as a team supervisor, the training provider can ensure you study relationship building and people management as a priority.
Just remember, be confident and sound committed - that’s exactly the kind of attitude employers are looking for and we’re sure you’ll have a good chance of being enrolled on to the apprenticeship of your choice.
If not, don’t be discouraged! Why not try writing to some of the businesses you aspire to work for and ask if they would consider turning their entry-level vacancies into an apprenticeship. The worst they can say is no, and in the best case scenario you’ll be on the right path to your dream job.
If you are looking to discover your future career and explore apprenticeship opportunities then check out Not Going To Uni
