Apprenticeships: What's new
Push's blog gives you the latest study tips, apprenticeship news and advice on the life of an apprentice. Check out the featured blog posts below which talk to you about new apprenticeship schemes, and the way to get the life you're looking for.
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Apprenticeships & Degree Apprenticeships |
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Other routes to get qualifications and training
What’s great is that there are so many alternatives to the traditional route – more than ever before – available to you now. Some routes even offer a package deal, giving you the academic development alongside on-the-job training.
One of the most popular packages is an apprenticeship. At its simplest, this combines vocational (practical) training in a specific type of job/skillset alongside some variation of study.
It’s called ‘earn while you learn’ because you’re getting paid to develop hands-on experience in anything from craft-beer brewing to computing to engineering. And you gain a qualification from it too.
There are a number of benefits to apprenticeships that aren’t always offered (depending on your course structure) by traditional uni.
One of the most popular packages is an apprenticeship. At its simplest, this combines vocational (practical) training in a specific type of job/skillset alongside some variation of study.
It’s called ‘earn while you learn’ because you’re getting paid to develop hands-on experience in anything from craft-beer brewing to computing to engineering. And you gain a qualification from it too.
There are a number of benefits to apprenticeships that aren’t always offered (depending on your course structure) by traditional uni.
government page for apprenticeship resources
Whilst university applications are on the rise (they have been even with the tripling twice of tuition fees), you might have landed on this page because you just feel that higher education at a traditional university or college isn't the right experience for you at this stage in your life. A lot of people choose to study a degree later in life, or not at all...and you should never ever feel below other people or 'stupid' (no one is: you just haven't found your style of learning yet) just because you aren't choosing to go to university right now.
Not everyone should go to university, because no 2 people are the same and it is about getting the right fit for you and an employer...so you can become as desirable as possible for the chosen industry you hope to be employable in...and some employers recognise that an 'earn while you learn' apprenticeship training programme is the best way to get students job-ready (knowledge, skills, experience) for exactly what they need. It is crucial your teachers and careers advisors remain impartial and offer you just as much support and advice as those who want the uni route, so you don't feel left behind or ignored (the sentiments a lot of non-uni students express to us).
Whilst we all associate the phrase 'earn while you learn' with apprenticeship schemes, there's a lot more to it than that, with more and more degree-level and higher apprenticeships being introduced, and more employers (and types of industries) getting on board. In fact, there has never been so many funded training programmes in this country as in the 21st century, but students need to feel confident that apprenticeships are an exciting prospect, not a 'second best' after uni.
The government have put together a really useful pack on understanding apprenticeships (able to download) right here for you. Click on it, and get exploring your future.
Not everyone should go to university, because no 2 people are the same and it is about getting the right fit for you and an employer...so you can become as desirable as possible for the chosen industry you hope to be employable in...and some employers recognise that an 'earn while you learn' apprenticeship training programme is the best way to get students job-ready (knowledge, skills, experience) for exactly what they need. It is crucial your teachers and careers advisors remain impartial and offer you just as much support and advice as those who want the uni route, so you don't feel left behind or ignored (the sentiments a lot of non-uni students express to us).
Whilst we all associate the phrase 'earn while you learn' with apprenticeship schemes, there's a lot more to it than that, with more and more degree-level and higher apprenticeships being introduced, and more employers (and types of industries) getting on board. In fact, there has never been so many funded training programmes in this country as in the 21st century, but students need to feel confident that apprenticeships are an exciting prospect, not a 'second best' after uni.
The government have put together a really useful pack on understanding apprenticeships (able to download) right here for you. Click on it, and get exploring your future.
Apprenticeship industries
There are currently close to over 200 types of apprenticeships across a range of industries (and different sectors within those industries). Try typing in some industries here in apprenticeship search.
It can be anything from from engineering to tourism and there are 4 main apprenticeship categories: apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships and the newest addition to the party, degree apprenticeships.
Since new employers are signing up all the time, the number of apprenticeships available for you is always changing. What is certain however, is that it's growing. More and more companies are looking at young people as a great investment for the present (and future, for those who stay on after the apprenticeship programme) of their companies.
The whole point of the apprenticeship is to pass it, and hopefully use it as a first step into the industry, should you wish to continue with it after your apprenticeship programme.
It can be anything from from engineering to tourism and there are 4 main apprenticeship categories: apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships and the newest addition to the party, degree apprenticeships.
Since new employers are signing up all the time, the number of apprenticeships available for you is always changing. What is certain however, is that it's growing. More and more companies are looking at young people as a great investment for the present (and future, for those who stay on after the apprenticeship programme) of their companies.
The whole point of the apprenticeship is to pass it, and hopefully use it as a first step into the industry, should you wish to continue with it after your apprenticeship programme.
Degree apprenticeship industries
40 universities out there are currently committed to delivering 1,500 – 2,000 courses in 2017 and that will rise significantly with more government incentives for companies to take on apprentices, via £45m of investment.
For degree apprenticeships, you apply through the company and/or a university – you’d need to search for the ones you like and see what's on offer (if they even do one). Always be optimistic. We recommend good-ol' Google. Just type in the name of a uni or the name of a company you like the look of into Google's search engine with two words: 'degree apprenticeship'.
If there is one, Google will probably present you with a link to the university or company's direct page where you can apply or at least find out more. Remember that with these, you apply through the uni or company (not UCAS). Oh yeah, and to stick with our impartiality, we should state that other search engines are available.
Which subjects can you currently do degree apprenticeships in?
For degree apprenticeships, you apply through the company and/or a university – you’d need to search for the ones you like and see what's on offer (if they even do one). Always be optimistic. We recommend good-ol' Google. Just type in the name of a uni or the name of a company you like the look of into Google's search engine with two words: 'degree apprenticeship'.
If there is one, Google will probably present you with a link to the university or company's direct page where you can apply or at least find out more. Remember that with these, you apply through the uni or company (not UCAS). Oh yeah, and to stick with our impartiality, we should state that other search engines are available.
Which subjects can you currently do degree apprenticeships in?
- Engineering (automotive, aerospace, power, electronic systems, defence systems) - Bristol, UCL, Lancaster
- Aerospace software development
- Construction – Anglia Ruskin, BCU, Derby, Liverpool, Southampton
- Chartered surveying – BCU, London Southbank
- Digital Industries – Exeter, Manchester Met, UWE, Winchester
- Financial services
- Life and industrial sciences – Greenwich, Kent, Manchester Met
- Nuclear – Bristol, Manchester
- Public relations
More info
APPRENTICESHIP Qualifications
The qualifications you obtain from apprenticeships range from level 2 up to level 7. Each level is split into intermediate, advanced, Higher and Degree-level.
So yes, at the highest level you could even be getting a degree from a university, all while being paid some dosh AND avoiding that pesky student finance your friends are complaining about.
These are a separate type of apprenticeship known as ‘degree apprenticeships’ that were launched recently, and the number of providers (universities in partnership with employers) is growing year on year.
These are a relatively new type of Apprenticeship, which offer you to gain a bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent qualification. They are similar to Apprenticeships in the idea that these are designed in partnership with employers but the time you spend studying will be done at a university or a higher education (degree-awarding) college depending on the type of Apprenticeship you’re choosing.
These apprenticeships can take anywhere between 3-6 years to complete depending on the level, so it’s worth considering how long you want to be tied into a single company for before applying. Also it’s worth noting that while you can apply for these from anywhere in the UK, as of 2017 the scheme only operates in England and Wales.
Remember, that non-university alternatives doesn’t mean easier routes - the competition for degree apprenticeships and regular apprenticeships can be extremely high due to the limited number of vacancies. However as these become more well-known and more and more companies take up the opportunity, the amount and variation of vacancies will become greater. Remember these are still pretty new, which means a lot of people want a slice of the pie but at the same time the pie is quite untested and unknown, unlike the relative ‘safety’ of what university offers.
As your employer will be paying for your degree (definite yay!) this does come with a catch (potential boo). If you're doing a degree apprenticeship you will most likely be in the workplace of the employer who is paying for your degree in most or at least some of your uni 'holiday' time (perhaps even weekends).
So that means saying no to a lot of things while your uni friends are enjoying their holidays. Having said this, let’s get some perspective. Universities in the UK only have an average of 24 weeks a year study time (that’s less than half the weeks in the year) and the average job in the UK gives 24 days a year paid holiday.
To give it to you straight, you’ll never ever have as much holiday time as you do at university ever again in your life. Being proactive in your half a year of free time each academic university year – whether that’s expected of you from a degree apprenticeship or sponsored degree or not - can help prepare you really well for the world of work and your average of 24 days a year paid holidays post-uni life.
Even with the work placement element of any degree apprenticeship, remember that you’re being paid, and you should still have time for resting, Netlifx and YouTube videos of cats being terrified by cucumbers.
So yes, at the highest level you could even be getting a degree from a university, all while being paid some dosh AND avoiding that pesky student finance your friends are complaining about.
These are a separate type of apprenticeship known as ‘degree apprenticeships’ that were launched recently, and the number of providers (universities in partnership with employers) is growing year on year.
These are a relatively new type of Apprenticeship, which offer you to gain a bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent qualification. They are similar to Apprenticeships in the idea that these are designed in partnership with employers but the time you spend studying will be done at a university or a higher education (degree-awarding) college depending on the type of Apprenticeship you’re choosing.
These apprenticeships can take anywhere between 3-6 years to complete depending on the level, so it’s worth considering how long you want to be tied into a single company for before applying. Also it’s worth noting that while you can apply for these from anywhere in the UK, as of 2017 the scheme only operates in England and Wales.
Remember, that non-university alternatives doesn’t mean easier routes - the competition for degree apprenticeships and regular apprenticeships can be extremely high due to the limited number of vacancies. However as these become more well-known and more and more companies take up the opportunity, the amount and variation of vacancies will become greater. Remember these are still pretty new, which means a lot of people want a slice of the pie but at the same time the pie is quite untested and unknown, unlike the relative ‘safety’ of what university offers.
As your employer will be paying for your degree (definite yay!) this does come with a catch (potential boo). If you're doing a degree apprenticeship you will most likely be in the workplace of the employer who is paying for your degree in most or at least some of your uni 'holiday' time (perhaps even weekends).
So that means saying no to a lot of things while your uni friends are enjoying their holidays. Having said this, let’s get some perspective. Universities in the UK only have an average of 24 weeks a year study time (that’s less than half the weeks in the year) and the average job in the UK gives 24 days a year paid holiday.
To give it to you straight, you’ll never ever have as much holiday time as you do at university ever again in your life. Being proactive in your half a year of free time each academic university year – whether that’s expected of you from a degree apprenticeship or sponsored degree or not - can help prepare you really well for the world of work and your average of 24 days a year paid holidays post-uni life.
Even with the work placement element of any degree apprenticeship, remember that you’re being paid, and you should still have time for resting, Netlifx and YouTube videos of cats being terrified by cucumbers.
CHOOSING WHAT YOU STUDY
It's worth remembering that if you're doing a regular apprenticeship you'll spend a lot of your spare time/weekends in the workplace putting your skills into practise from the classroom.
Not the end of the world but something worth bearing in mind when choosing if an apprenticeship is right for you and your work-life balance.
Essentially; you want to choose something you’re genuinely interested in, and passionate about.
Yes. a free qualification is nice. Yes, earning money is nice. But what’s the point if you don’t enjoy the process of gaining those skills?
Ask to talk to young people currently on those schemes as well as to the employers and course tutors. Find out what’s unique and interesting about their apprenticeship compared to others that are similar. If you’re already inquisitive enough to be proactive, then it's probably a good sign that you’ve got a genuine passion for the scheme you’re wanting to apply to.
Not the end of the world but something worth bearing in mind when choosing if an apprenticeship is right for you and your work-life balance.
Essentially; you want to choose something you’re genuinely interested in, and passionate about.
Yes. a free qualification is nice. Yes, earning money is nice. But what’s the point if you don’t enjoy the process of gaining those skills?
Ask to talk to young people currently on those schemes as well as to the employers and course tutors. Find out what’s unique and interesting about their apprenticeship compared to others that are similar. If you’re already inquisitive enough to be proactive, then it's probably a good sign that you’ve got a genuine passion for the scheme you’re wanting to apply to.
APPRENTICESHIP ADVANTAGES
Here’s some known advantages of apprenticeships…
- You work alongside staff in a company (often highly experienced and skilled people)
- You'll gain job-specific skills (usually the name of the apprenticeship)
- You'll develop transferable skills (like communication, team-work, initiative, problem solving)
- You'll be earning a wage just like you would in any other job (all apprenticeships are paid but some are minimum wage – think of this as the fact that they’re paying for your qualification for you and you’re left with zero debt)
- You can find apprenticeships all over the UK; there'll be ones run by local businesses on your doorstep, or ones further afield (in this case you'll need to think a little more about budgeting, especially if the apprenticeship wage doesn’t cover your living away from home costs and daily essentials)
- You may be entitled to holiday pay (each company structures their apprenticeship scheme differently, just like each university structures their courses differently)
- You'll be allocated time to study related to your role, usually 1-3 days a week…or time split across each day (remember that an apprenticeship might include you having to give up a little more of your weekends or general spare time to work in the company)
WHO CAN APPLY AND HOW?
Well the good news is, nearly anyone can apply. That means you, your friends, your dog (Ok maybe not your dog) but there is some simple criteria.
Are you those three bullet points? Then good news, you can apply! So you’ll probably want to know how you do that.
Well theres a couple of ways.
The most obvious way is to search online on the gov.uk website. A large number of Apprenticeships are advertised and here you’ll be able to search for the Apprenticeships you want and filter these by categories such as industry to find out what the best option for you is. Then all you have to is sign up and apply. Simple!
A second (and less known way) is to just reach out to the employer you want to work for directly. If there’s a company you like, in a industry you want to work in, then reach out to them. Email or phone and enquire about any Apprenticeship vacancies. It’s quite possible that there’s an apprenticeship there that’s not been advertised.
Often there a small interesting local businesses who are new but growing, and they might not officially jump through the hoops to put an apprenticeship vacancy on the government websites. That’s not to say they’re not keen on meeting new people who want experience who they can teach specific skills to.
They might be crying out for help but you’ll need to be the one to approach them and show a genuine passion to work with them. Remember that 95% of the UK’s businesses are SMEs – that means ‘small to medium sized businesses’.
Check the official government website for vacancies but always keep your eye out in your local area. Be proactive. What do you have to lose? It has to be someone, so why not you?
- You have to be 16 or above by the end of the summer
- Living in England
- Not in full-time education
Are you those three bullet points? Then good news, you can apply! So you’ll probably want to know how you do that.
Well theres a couple of ways.
The most obvious way is to search online on the gov.uk website. A large number of Apprenticeships are advertised and here you’ll be able to search for the Apprenticeships you want and filter these by categories such as industry to find out what the best option for you is. Then all you have to is sign up and apply. Simple!
A second (and less known way) is to just reach out to the employer you want to work for directly. If there’s a company you like, in a industry you want to work in, then reach out to them. Email or phone and enquire about any Apprenticeship vacancies. It’s quite possible that there’s an apprenticeship there that’s not been advertised.
Often there a small interesting local businesses who are new but growing, and they might not officially jump through the hoops to put an apprenticeship vacancy on the government websites. That’s not to say they’re not keen on meeting new people who want experience who they can teach specific skills to.
They might be crying out for help but you’ll need to be the one to approach them and show a genuine passion to work with them. Remember that 95% of the UK’s businesses are SMEs – that means ‘small to medium sized businesses’.
Check the official government website for vacancies but always keep your eye out in your local area. Be proactive. What do you have to lose? It has to be someone, so why not you?
WHAT IF I DON't have enough experience?
So it’s the age old paradox of ‘need experience for the job, can’t get the job to get experience’. Luckily there is a number of ways to get that experience (Although it may mean some unpaid work. Sorry!)
Part time jobs and internships can help you develop those soft (transferable) skills we mentioned earlier, which you can carry over to any Apprenticeship so these are always viable options as well as volunteering and extracurricular activities in or out of school (sports clubs, social clubs, work experience, mentors). The government can even help with gaining basic experience…
On the gov.uk website there is the option of ‘Traineeships’, which are essentially short term apprenticeships designed to get you the experience in order to pursue a full time apprenticeship. While not all of these will be the same ‘get paid while you learn’ format that Apprenticeship’s offer (Traineeships don’t pay you), it may be worth thinking about this as another option to gain experience and boost up your CV.
Part time jobs and internships can help you develop those soft (transferable) skills we mentioned earlier, which you can carry over to any Apprenticeship so these are always viable options as well as volunteering and extracurricular activities in or out of school (sports clubs, social clubs, work experience, mentors). The government can even help with gaining basic experience…
On the gov.uk website there is the option of ‘Traineeships’, which are essentially short term apprenticeships designed to get you the experience in order to pursue a full time apprenticeship. While not all of these will be the same ‘get paid while you learn’ format that Apprenticeship’s offer (Traineeships don’t pay you), it may be worth thinking about this as another option to gain experience and boost up your CV.
WHO pays for it?
With any apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship, the course you study will be paid for completely by the company employing you.
A lot of (but not all) apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships will offer you a permanent job at the company you’ve been working with at the end. The last thing you’d want is to realise you’d spent a few of the most exciting years of your life doing something you hated and then turning down a job in the thing you’d dedicated yourself to.
You don’t get any hours, minutes or seconds back in life, so take your time to explore an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship that will be truly fulfilling for you. If you need to be sure of that fulfilment, research the company and the college/university you’ll be expected to be at.
The main gripe people have with apprenticeships is that although they (by law) have to pay you a wage, this can range from absolutely ground zero minimum to quite a lot. It could even feel like a full-time salary. It all depends on the specific company running it.
For example, a local hairdressers or mechanics business might not pay you as much each week as a huge global engineering firm like Siemens. All employed apprentices aged 16 or above must receive a wage of at least £2.65 an hour, but in practice many get much higher. Your salary will increase as you get older and get more experience.
All employees aged over 16 must still pay tax and national insurance on their income and since you are recognised as a proper employee, you're be given at least 20 days' paid holiday per year on top of bank holidays. The balance is split differently between college and time on the shop floor.
Some companies expect you to work full time, and to fit college around what is essentially a full-time job. Others give you a bit of work here and there that, when spread across the week, amounts to 16 hours – that's the minimum by law that an apprentice must be being paid to do.
That's not always a bad thing, and some students have a gripe about it without seeing the bigger picture. The reason they might not pay you much is because they're paying for your qualification, alongside the government. Students shouldn't lose sight of this.
Yes, if all they are getting you to do is make coffee, or sweep the floor at a hairdressers, then you should damn well question the quality of it, as they may have used the programme to get a cheaper minimum wage cleaner in. However, if you're learning a lot of new skills and gaining great insight and knowledge into the business, all whilst working alongside (and getting advice from) some great experts on the shop or office floor, then it's not a bad deal at all.
Consider time management: if the apprenticeship doesn't pay that well, you've got to balance it with time at college and you're struggling to afford to live away from home (or even live at home) while covering travel expenses too, then you may need to look for a part-time job to boost your income.
There are also bursaries and grants you might be able to apply for though the college you're linked with for the apprenticeship. Never be too shy to ask them for extra money if you're struggling to juggle the earning and learning with general living and resting.
A lot of (but not all) apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships will offer you a permanent job at the company you’ve been working with at the end. The last thing you’d want is to realise you’d spent a few of the most exciting years of your life doing something you hated and then turning down a job in the thing you’d dedicated yourself to.
You don’t get any hours, minutes or seconds back in life, so take your time to explore an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship that will be truly fulfilling for you. If you need to be sure of that fulfilment, research the company and the college/university you’ll be expected to be at.
The main gripe people have with apprenticeships is that although they (by law) have to pay you a wage, this can range from absolutely ground zero minimum to quite a lot. It could even feel like a full-time salary. It all depends on the specific company running it.
For example, a local hairdressers or mechanics business might not pay you as much each week as a huge global engineering firm like Siemens. All employed apprentices aged 16 or above must receive a wage of at least £2.65 an hour, but in practice many get much higher. Your salary will increase as you get older and get more experience.
All employees aged over 16 must still pay tax and national insurance on their income and since you are recognised as a proper employee, you're be given at least 20 days' paid holiday per year on top of bank holidays. The balance is split differently between college and time on the shop floor.
Some companies expect you to work full time, and to fit college around what is essentially a full-time job. Others give you a bit of work here and there that, when spread across the week, amounts to 16 hours – that's the minimum by law that an apprentice must be being paid to do.
That's not always a bad thing, and some students have a gripe about it without seeing the bigger picture. The reason they might not pay you much is because they're paying for your qualification, alongside the government. Students shouldn't lose sight of this.
Yes, if all they are getting you to do is make coffee, or sweep the floor at a hairdressers, then you should damn well question the quality of it, as they may have used the programme to get a cheaper minimum wage cleaner in. However, if you're learning a lot of new skills and gaining great insight and knowledge into the business, all whilst working alongside (and getting advice from) some great experts on the shop or office floor, then it's not a bad deal at all.
Consider time management: if the apprenticeship doesn't pay that well, you've got to balance it with time at college and you're struggling to afford to live away from home (or even live at home) while covering travel expenses too, then you may need to look for a part-time job to boost your income.
There are also bursaries and grants you might be able to apply for though the college you're linked with for the apprenticeship. Never be too shy to ask them for extra money if you're struggling to juggle the earning and learning with general living and resting.
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