In recent years employers throughout the UK have started to offer young people apprenticeship schemes to get people into specific industries without completing a degree. These have proven to very popular amongst young people as the hands on experience provides vital knowledge and experience allowing them to properly find their feet in the industry. As well as the payment people receive through apprenticeships there are also many reasons why people decide to sign up to one, the top 10 are:
- You learn from the best – With an apprenticeship you’ll be working in the industry right from the start. This means you can learn from the best in the business, gain contacts and develop transferable skills through on- and off- the job training.
- You get paid – Apprenticeships are real jobs. That means you get paid while you learn. If you’re aged 16-18 you’ll get the apprentice minimum wage. The same applies if you’re 19 and over and in the first year of your apprenticeship, after that you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However many employers pay more than this and some higher apprenticeships can pay as much as £500 per week.
- You can even get a degree while earning – First launched last year, degree apprenticeships bring together university study right up to bachelor’s or master’s level with paid work at a top employer. Companies such as BAE Systems and Fujitsu are already on board and degree apprenticeships are currently available in careers ranging from engineering to public relations
- Choice – there are up to 28,000 vacancies across all sectors – With a huge variety of apprenticeships offered by businesses of all sizes, including household names such as Airbus, BBC, Google, IBM, JCB, Lloyds and Sellafield – you can find the apprenticeship that’s right for you. www.getingofar.gov.uk
- It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, an apprenticeship can kick start your career – The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to benefit from the life changing opportunities of an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are opening the door to professions that used to only be an option for people with a traditional degree.
- Employment opportunities – The latest Apprenticeship Evaluation Learner Survey found that 9 out of 10 of all recent completers were either in full or part-time employment. Choosing an apprenticeship is your first step into a successful career.
- Get the skills employers are looking for – Apprentices allow businesses to grow their own talent. High quality employers are now designing apprenticeships to meet their skills needs, so you can trust that you’ll end up with the skills and experience employers want and that will enable you to progress in your career.
- Real satisfaction – We think apprenticeships are great, but if you want proof just ask people who have completed their training. Recent figures have shown that 89% of apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeship.
- Building your future – Apprenticeships give you the skills you need to progress your career, to Get In and Go Far. Recent research showed that nearly a third of former apprentices had received a promotion since completing their apprenticeship while almost half reported a pay rise.
- As an apprentice you can get the same discounts as University students – While it may not be something to base your career on, all you bargain hunters, apprentices are now entitled to many of the same discounts as university students, with an apprentice extra card. It gives many discounts in-store and online, helping your hard earned money to go further.
