Apprenticeship – Everything Useful You Need To Know

An Apprenticeship is an exciting opportunity which essentially is getting a job where you will learn, gain experience and get paid all while your studying and gaining a qualification. You would be an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. In addition at the end of an apprenticeship, you would have gained the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

Looking at an apprenticeship, you need to be:

16 or over

Not already be in full-time education

Live in England

Apprenticeship vs University

Finance:

Apprenticeships allow students to earn while you learn, subsequently meaning you won’t have a hefty student loan when you finish your qualification.

University means university fees/loans

Lifestyle:

Additionally with apprenticeships the majority of your time will be spent in the work place. You will spend one or two days per week/month in college/training unit. Also apprentices’ are treated as employees. You’ll earn a salary so if you want to be independent you could move out and start paying your own bills.

At University you will experience living in student halls, joining societies and sports clubs and of course fresher’s week! Meeting other students from all over the world and connecting with people who are passionate about your chosen subject. Besides studying 5 days a week, trying to find work to fit around the studying as well as extra-curricular activities.

Timescales for completion:

Apprenticeships depending on what type of apprenticeship you pursue its anything from 1-6 years. Plus point you may get offered a fulltime position with the company once you have completed it.

University degree will take two to four years to complete if you’re a full-time student. Depending on your course and where you decide to study. The most common length of a master’s degree is a year and a PhD takes around three to four years to complete in the UK

Education values of an apprenticeship

Furthermore there are multiply levels of an apprenticeships which means they have an equivalent education level. You can join an apprenticeship at any level.

The qualifications you earn really depends on the type of apprenticeship you decide to pursue.

The different types include:

                              Level                    Equivalent Education Level

Intermediate      2                            GCSE

Advanced             3                            A Level

Higher                   4,5                        Foundation degree and above

Degree                 6 & 7                    Bachelor’s of Masters degree

There are hundreds of apprenticeships to choose from. You can create an account on the find an apprenticeship service, you can browse the listing, like & save for a later date.

If you see a company’s advertising for an apprentice, you can apply directly to them by emailing them a copy of your CV. Check out our blog on how best to write the perfect CV  – for more info on that subject.

Still not sure?

If you’re still not sure about which option is the right fit for you, that’s perfectly okay. Its super common not to know what’s next.

Finally, try to explore your options, speak to people who have been there and done it. How about attending open days or doing some work experience. Most of all keep your options open so you can see the pro’s and cons of all sides while you research.

If you need any help, contact us and we can do our best to advise. Follow our LinkedIn page for up-to-date information.