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So, you’re wondering if an apprenticeship might be the right fit for you?
Whether you’re looking ahead to your next steps after leaving school, thinking about a career change, or ready to grow in your current role – an apprenticeship could be the ideal solution.
Becoming an apprentice is a great way to boost your confidence, skills, and knowledge, all while helping to kickstart your career. In fact, 90% of apprentices go on to a job or further education…
What’s more, you could play a valuable role within a local business, whether that’s through filling skills gaps, bringing fresh insights and ideas, or revitalising the workforce to make sure businesses are ready for the future.
Here are 5 reasons why an apprenticeship could be the right path to your future career…
If you become an apprentice, this means that you will be an actual employee of a business. In other words, you will get paid to learn.
As an employee, you will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage – this varies depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you are in. Visit GOV.uk to find out more about what you could expect to earn.
As an apprentice you will be supported to gain an accredited qualification. Depending on the type and level of apprenticeship you choose, you could gain qualifications ranging from GCSE level right through to a master’s degree.
You’ll get dedicated time set aside for training and study as part of your apprenticeship – this must be at least 20% of your normal working hours – and could happen at your place of work, or at a local college or training provider.
One of main benefits of an apprenticeship is that you will get hands on experience learning “on-the-job” in a real-life work environment, with real-life responsibilities. This means you will gain practical, job-specific skills which you might not otherwise get in an educational setting.
You’ll also benefit from working alongside skilled colleagues who can share their knowledge and experiences with you to support your own professional development.
If you’re someone who learns through “doing” – then an apprenticeship could be the ideal pathway for you.
Not only are apprenticeships great opportunities for individuals, but they are hugely valuable for local businesses.
As an apprentice, you will be bringing with you heaps of motivation, fresh insights and new ideas, all of which make you a huge asset to any business.
What’s more, the training you undertake could also be new to the business. This means you could be bringing new skills and capabilities into the business, helping to upskill the current workforce, boost productivity and take advantage of business growth opportunities.
If you’re a school leaver thinking about your next steps, an apprenticeship could give you a head start in building real-life work experience.
University students typically graduate at 21. As an apprentice, you could already have completed 1-2 years of training and could have been in a full-time qualified role for 2-3 years by that time.
Here in Tees Valley, apprentices are playing an increasingly important role in local businesses and industry, helping to meet the needs of a growing and rapidly changing economy.
This National Apprenticeship Week 2021 (8 – 14 February) is the ideal time to find out more about apprenticeships and the pathways open to you locally. For further support and guidance visit TeesValleyCareers.com by clicking here.
