Why Should I Consider an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a popular choice for young people taking their first steps into work and training.

Anyone over 16 can start an apprenticeship; there are around 17,000 vacancies online at any one time and many apprenticeships lead to top qualifications or a permanent job. Not too shabby.

Over 1.4 million people applied for apprenticeships online between July 2012 and July 2013. So, should you think about getting in the mix and applying for one too?

Here are five reasons why an apprenticeship might be for you.

You Can Get a Head Start in the Work Place

You can start an apprenticeship straight after GCSE, NVQ or A-levels. You will do most of your training at work, so you will get direct experience on the job. You might even get a promotion once you have qualified and be in the same position or a higher one than a new graduate.

You Can Earn While you Learn

It won't cost you anything to train and, because you are also working, your employer will pay you the minimum wage. Your wages are also likely go up as you progress with your training and gain new skills.

The Number of Apprenticeships on Offer is Growing

You might be worried that there aren’t any apprenticeships in the area you want to work in. But, according to the National Apprenticeships Service, there are 1,500 different job roles available in arts, design, engineering, law, education, IT, healthcare and many more sectors.

You Will Get Great Qualifications

If you complete your apprenticeship, you are guaranteed to gain national vocational qualifications, from functional skills to NVQs, BTECS and even Higher National Diplomas, which is similar to studying for part of a degree. Higher and degree apprenticeships allow you to study for a foundation, bacelor's or even a master's degree.

Apprentices Like their Jobs

Nearly two thirds of apprentices stay with their employer after they have qualified and nearly eight out of ten would recommend an apprenticeship to a friend.

Seven out of ten employers surveyed by the government felt that apprentices gave a real boost to their business too.

For more information check out our guide to apprenticeships or visit the National Apprenticeships Service.

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