This week, we’ve been celebrating National Apprenticeship Week – an annual event designed to raise awareness of the many benefits apprenticeships can bring to people of all ages. From school and college leavers, to adults looking to re-train, upskill and move their careers forward.
Devised in partnership with the Department for Education, National Apprenticeship Week presents an invaluable opportunity for the UK’s education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country, and acknowledge the positive impact they make to local communities, businesses and the wider economy.
The benefits of an apprenticeship
If you want to get a head start in your career, then an apprenticeship is the perfect route for you. You will gain the industry experience that employers are looking for whilst earning money, something that no other qualification can provide.
Common delivery methods include a blend of one-to-one support, guidance and workplace assessment, online and college training, workshops, self-directed study and workbooks. The timescales for apprenticeship delivery vary from 18 months to 3 years, depending on the industry and the level being studied, the apprentice’s age and previous experience. What’s more, there are clear pathways for progression to Higher Apprenticeship courses which are equivalent to a Foundation Degree and above.
Earlier this week, I did a quick search on Google (please note, other search engines are available!) for ‘National Apprenticeship Week’, and many of the results I got back were truly inspiring, showcasing some amazing examples of success stories achieved through an apprenticeship.
Currently, there are over 8,000 apprenticeships in England alone, as advertised on the Government’s page. Sectors in which they are available include power, automotive, childcare, marketing and travel. It’s a great time to consider an apprenticeship, but the sheer volume of choice out there can be a bit overwhelming.
As a recruiter, I always say ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’. It oftens take a lot of research and openness when looking at a new career pathway. Don’t be fearful of change or unfamiliar environments, embrace them and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Your future is waiting for you to create it!
My own experience
What’s more, I am speaking from personal experience. Supported by my previous employer, I followed an apprenticeship myself, achieving my Level 5 in Leadership and Management (CMI); a qualification that continues to prove more and more invaluable to me in my day-to-day professional life.
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn on the job, gaining practical experience and, most of the time, not accruing the debt that can go hand in hand with full-time study.
There have been changes in recent years that mean the ‘old’ apprenticeship rules no longer apply. You can be any age and won’t necessarily receive a lower rate of pay, compared to your colleagues. Nowadays, there is also a greater range of apprenticeships available – anything from Level 3 up to Level 7!
Within the education sector in particular, it’s a really exciting time to embark upon an apprenticeship. From Autumn 2024, you will be able to register to complete a teaching apprenticeship through state schools, with courses set to start from Autumn 2025 onwards.
How we can help!
In the meantime, we work with a number of independent schools who are able to offer routes as an unqualified teacher to QTS (qualified teacher status). Moreover, there are four teachers working with EdStart Schools – our partner organisation with nine centres across the North West of England including Salford, South Manchester and Wigan – who are currently enrolled on an apprenticeship programme, with a view to further progressing their careers.
We know that more needs to be done to promote routes for our young people, and to make it easier for employers to offer apprenticeships. These conversations are happening however, and there are some unbelievable opportunities already in the pipeline.
Through my work this year as an National Careers Week ambassador, I am keen to promote the big wide world of work to our young people, and their teachers. The world of work is changing at an unprecedented rate and, if I can share some of the knowledge and experience I have gained to help schools, then I will do it all day, every day!
For more information and to find out how Moxi Recruitment can help you, call me today on 0300 303 4414, send an email to info@moxi-recruitment.co.uk or visit: www.moxi-recruitment.co.uk/contact/ and leave a message. I can’t wait to hear from you!
