Four tips on finding and applying for apprenticeships
After the apprenticeship levy, there will be more options
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This month the government introduced its apprenticeship levy on businesses, which will double the level of funding available for apprenticeships to £3bn by 2020.
This means there will be a lot more apprenticeships available, says Andrew Carmichael, chief executive of Creative Pioneers London. “Over time it will become the way most employers think of training their staff at all levels. This is the biggest change I have ever seen in the sector.”
Many large employers are converting their traditional graduate internships into higher and degree apprenticeships, adds Arit Eminue, founder and director of Diva, “which will raise the profile of apprenticeships and potentially redefine what it means to be an apprentice”.
Julie Taylor, careers adviser for the National Careers Service, agrees that we’ll see huge growth in the volume and variety of apprenticeships. “It’s certainly in the interests of levy-paying employers as their funds are on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. It will also have positive implications for older people looking to change career, given that already having a degree will no longer be a bar to apprenticeships.”
Remember trainee schemes aren’t a second-class choice
There is a common misconception that apprenticeships are only for people who didn’t do well at school, says Eminue. “In truth, apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 and above, whether you’re a straight A or C grade student.”
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Other myths, such as apprenticeships being a second-choice option to degrees, are prolific. However “these are often misconceptions of adults, not young people”, says Mitesh Bhimjiyani, founder of Success at School.
There is also an assumption that apprenticeships mean that people are stuck in a particular career for their entire life, and that wages will be low. “88% of young people worry that they will be paid less after completing an apprenticeship, and more than one in five believe they will be stuck in that profession for life. While this view is changing, there’s still stigma around apprenticeships,” explains Jack Collins, editor of AllAboutLaw.co.uk and AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk.
New ventures such as degree apprenticeships show how traditional academic routes are beginning to see the importance of on-the-job learning, adds Collins. “What this means is that you avoid student debt, while getting ahead of those around you – both on the career ladder, and in your salary.”
Consider a degree apprenticeship or sponsored degree
As part of on-the-job training, some employers offer to sponsor your degree while you work for them. “Each company does things differently, but you’d not have to work on top of your degree – you’d be far more likely to work for the company in the holidays,” explains Collins.
“There will be some kind of contract with the company as a result of them stumping up your fees, but it’s not going to tie you down for life – they might expect work in the holidays as the only caveat, or perhaps a couple of years guaranteed at the end of your degree, but not always,” Collins adds. “Each company is different, so explore your options and then look at the deal they’re offering before signing it.”
Sponsored degrees are different from degree apprenticeships, which combine a mixture of on- and off-the-job learning, says Eminue. “Generally for a degree apprenticeship you are at work four days a week and spend the fifth day at university. They can take up to four years to complete. As the employer would be paying for you to do the degree, you would be tied to them.”
If you embark on a sponsored degree apprenticeship you will be employed by the company for the duration of the apprenticeship, usually three to five years, says Nicole Suter, a senior development manager at Creative Skillset. “This would then cover your degree training costs.”
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Think about your personal goals when deciding on a trainee scheme
When applying for apprenticeships, it’s a good idea to go out and talk to the organisations you’d like to work for, says Jon Gregory, careers and job search trainer and editor of Win-that-job.com. “Ask them what relevant opportunities might be arising. Organisations love proactive people, you’ll be well received and if there are any opportunities you’ll start with a personal contact.”
Apprenticeship campaigner Charlie Mullins agrees that networking is key for finding out more about trainee schemes. “Attend events such as roadshows, National Apprenticeship Week events and listen to any talk or advice that you can, at collages or schools. Take in as much information as you can and put yourself out there.”
To decide on an apprenticeship programme, think about your own personal ambitions and the skills you want to develop, says Bhimjiyani. “Look for apprenticeships that match these goals and decide how much studying you want to do alongside it. This should help you to decide the type [intermediate, advanced, higher, degree], employer and role you want to pursue.”
For the application and interview stage, rehearse stories which present your relevant skills. “Draw on every aspect of your life, including hobbies, interests and team sports, as well as any work experience, even if the latter is from an unrelated industry. Your skills are transferable,” says Gregory.
Finally, believe in yourself. “Remember the employer is also trying to impress you,” says Bhimjiyani.
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