Apprenticeships: options, CV and job interview advice – live chat
Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular career choice. According to a recent survey from Total Jobs, more than a third (36%) of jobseekers would consider an apprenticeship and 34% would choose an apprenticeship over going to university.
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The options for trainee schemes are diverse: from accountancy to law or interior design, there are roles available is almost all industries. However, despite the drive to expand the number of placements, many myths still pervade about apprenticeships: that they are low paid, or only in manual jobs.
Graduates on average do earn more than those who complete apprenticeships, but this finding isn’t clear cut. Research shows that people who complete level-five apprenticeships are expected to earn £50,000 more over their lifetimes than graduates from non-elite universities.
“Education and training for over-16s is not just an add-on for the millions of young people – it equips people who are not well-suited to academia with the skills that can transform their life chances,” said David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham and the former minister for higher education.
So, to mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re going to be discussing trainee schemes. If you want to find out more about apprenticeships, the roles available and how to apply – join us on Wednesday 8 March from 1pm–2.30pm GMT for a live chat with our expert panel. We’ll be discussing:
How to find and apply for apprenticeships.
The different types of apprenticeships available.
Whether apprenticeships are better than university for your job prospects.
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below. Taking part is easier than ever: to comment, create a free Guardian account or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profile. Alternatively, tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to sarah.shearman@theguardian.com who can post them for you.
The panel
Mitesh Bhimjiyani launched Success at School, a careers site for school and college students, in 2012. After a career in investment banking, he wanted to help young people explore their career options.
Andrew Carmichael is the chief executive of Creative Pioneers London, an apprenticeship training provider specialising in the media and advertising sectors. Since 2001 it has helped train more than 600 apprentices with employers including major advertising agencies and startups.
Jack Collins is editor of AllAboutLaw.com and AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk, which offer advice and job postings for law students and school leavers.
Arit Eminue is the founder and director of Diva, a recruitment and training organisation that specialises in business, creative and digital apprenticeships. She works with employers including Universal Music, All3 Media and BBC Worldwide, developing apprenticeship programmes that support business growth, skills development and workforce diversity.
Jon Gregory is a careers and job search trainer and writer who helps pupils, students and professionals find the right path and get on it. He’s an ambassador for National Careers Week, author of Winning That Job, and shares career advice at on his site Win-that-job.com.
Nicole Suter is senior development manager at Creative Skillset, the skills body for the creative industries. She has more 18 years experience in designing and delivering vocational programmes, both for the creative industries and the central government sectors in the UK.
Charlie Mullins is a campaigner for apprenticeships. Having left school with no qualifications, he completed an apprenticeship and went on to found UK plumbing company Pimlico Plumbers. He has a work placement programme in place for The Prince’s Trust, carries out mentoring and regularly gives talks on the subject.
Julie Taylor is careers adviser for the National Careers Service, offering advice about education, employment, training and apprenticeships. She has produced numerous career advice articles for national titles and represents the National Careers Service at skills shows, employment roadshows and conventions.
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