When students think about their next steps after school or college, university is often the first to come to mind. But for many students, apprenticeships are a great alternative, as it combines hands-on practical experience with learning real-world skills.
I have worked with students first-hand to see them develop and learn practical skills while working towards an industry-recognised qualification. Unlike traditional academic pathways, apprentices split their time between the workplace and classroom-based learning meaning they can apply what they learn in the workplace, which is ideal for learners who learn by doing.
Why are apprenticeships good for employers?
Apprenticeships have the ability to fill skills gaps in the workforce. Employers need trained and skilled people and apprenticeships are designed to meet those needs. At Totton College, we work closely with local businesses, to understand their needs and ensure our apprenticeships provide relevant and up-to-date training with the ever-evolving industries. Meaning businesses can be confident their investment will support their vision and strategy.
Apprenticeships are also the most effective when training is conducted in environments that replicate the real world. Our fully resourced commercial hair and beauty salon, Opus Salon, provides an industry-standard environment for hairdressing and beauty therapy apprentices. Our partnerships with local enterprises in Southampton and the New Forest allow us to develop apprenticeship training alongside their business needs. Ensuring apprentices pursuing careers in Early Years and Education are able to apply the skills they’re taught directly to the work they do, and businesses don’t experience a ‘skills gap’ in their workforce.
What are the benefits for an apprentice?
A big advantage of an apprenticeship is earning while learning, university fees can leave students with significant student loan debt (nearly £50,000), whereas there is no debt at all at the end of the apprenticeship. Apprentices are taught to develop key professional behaviours such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making right from the start, giving them a real advantage in the workplace.
Another benefit for an apprentice is that where apprenticeships have been created with the help of employers, you can be confident that the apprenticeship programme, will cover the latest skills, knowledge and techniques you need to learn to be successful in your chosen industry.
Common myths about apprenticeships
One of the biggest misconceptions about apprenticeships is that they are only for young people leaving school, college and university, which simply isn’t true. In fact, there is no upper age limit for apprentices. Many apprentices can start in the later stages of their careers, as part of developing their skillset or changing careers.
Another big misconception is that apprenticeships are only focused on traditional trades such as plumbing, electrical and construction. Whereas there are actually over 700 apprenticeship standards available across a range of areas. Whatever your business needs are, there is more than likely an apprenticeship for it.
Like any other education pathway, apprenticeships come with their own challenges. Employers face challenges such as matching the right apprentice applicant to their vacancy and their business needs. We work closely with employers to support the recruitment process from initial enquiries, shortlisting and pre-employment interviews. Upon recruitment, apprentices and employers are supported throughout the duration of the apprenticeship programme.
Once in their role, some apprentices can struggle with adjusting to the world of work and other apprentices can struggle with balancing work and apprenticeship coursework and study. That is why support is crucial to making sure the apprentice succeeds and why we offer a comprehensive range of support and wellbeing services for all our apprentices, as well as providing advice and guidance for employers.
Learn more about apprenticeships
Our Apprenticeship Team bring extensive industry knowledge and expertise into the classroom. Their strong connections with local employers ensure they stay up to date with the latest industry trends and standards. Resulting in apprentices receiving the high-quality training and skills employers are actively seeking to supporting making a real impact in the workplace.
To learn more about apprenticeships and how they can benefit your business, contact our team using the form below.
About the Author: Tom Shrimpton
With 20 years of experience in education, including roles in colleges and Hampshire County Council, Tom has spent the past decade specialising in apprenticeship programmes. Collaborating with employers across Hampshire, Tom has a range of knowledge and experience to support employers tailor apprenticeship programmes to meet industry specific needs.
