A modern apprenticeship is a far-cry from traditional apprenticeships. There are now over 500 apprenticeship Standards, which have been produced after working in partnership with employers and trailblazer groups. Apprenticeship Standards have been adapted and you can now study up a level 8 in some sectors. Which can make them a great alternative to college and university. As part of your apprenticeship, you will be expected to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) which tests the skills, knowledge and behaviours that you have gained throughout your training and demonstrates your competency within the role.
Deciding the next step on your career path can be a daunting process. It is important you know the benefits of all options before making your final decision. So, we are sharing 7 reasons why you should become an apprentice.
1 – Earn while you learn
As an apprentice, you will be earning a wage whilst gaining the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for your chosen industry. The current minimum wage for an apprentice is £4.15 an hour*. But this will increase in the 2-year period for those aged 19+. With a 30 hour contract you could earn in excess of £500 a month whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification!
As part of your apprenticeship programme, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training which must be undertaken during your normal paid working hours**.
*The minimum wage for apprentices will increase to £4.30 on the 1st April 2021.
**This will be planned with your employer and provider at the start of your apprenticeship.
2 – No maximum age range
Anyone over age of 16 can become an apprentice*. Moreover an apprenticeship is a great way to start your career or to develop your workplace skills in order to progress within your chosen industry.
*A 15 year old school leaver who’s birthday is before the 31st August of the year they leave school can start an apprenticeship.
3 – Learn valuable employability skills
As well as working towards a qualification in your chosen industry. Studying towards an apprenticeship will provide you with valuable employability skills which are transferrable to other employers/industries. Learning how to communicate with internal/external stakeholders and problem solving are just two of the many skills you will learn during your programme.
4 – You can work for your current company
You can start an apprenticeship with your current employer providing you have been in your current role for less than 6-months. You will continue to work in your role while attending college once a week or on a block release*.
*This will be agreed with your training provider and employer.
5 – Gain a nationally recognised qualification
Apprenticeship qualifications are recognised nationally across most industries. There are different levels, starting at level two which is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs passes up to level 8 which is equivalent of a degree.
NB Apprenticeships level 5 and above are not available in all sectors.
6 – Start your dream career
An apprenticeship will allow you to get entry into your chosen industry without having many years of experience. You will work alongside industry experts to develop your knowledge and build a network of professionals.
Previous apprentices at Totton College have gone onto participate in London Fashion Week, become registered managers within the care industry and been promoted to a bid writer within the Ministry of Defence due to the skills, knowledge and behaviours they have gained during their apprenticeship.
7 – Keeping your job after your apprenticeship
85% of apprentices remain in employment once they have achieved their apprenticeship with 64% staying with their apprentice employer.
To find out more about the apprenticeships we offer at Totton College, visit our courses list. Or if you are an employer and want to find out more about how to take on an apprentice please visit our employer page.
