With so many different routes available to young people, it can be hard for anyone to know which path to take. And for parents, it’s even harder to give the right advice and support.
In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you and your child need to know about Apprenticeships; how the training works, what the benefits are, what progression options are available, and how to apply. We even debunk a few of the common misconceptions on the way!
WHAT DO APPRENTICESHIPS OFFER YOUNG PEOPLE?
Apprenticeships give young people the unique opportunity to build practical skills alongside the latest industry knowledge, receive a nationally recognised qualification, bring home a real wage, and get a head start on their career. Who wouldn’t want that for someone about to leave full-time education?
Our programmes can be used as part of training and professional development at any stage of your child’s career. As their career develops, there may be higher-level Apprenticeship routes that can help guide them through the next phase.
Put simply, Apprenticeships offer a tried and tested route to help develop specialist, in-demand skills to launch your child into a successful career in their chosen field.
HOW DOES APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING WORK?
A Level 3 Apprenticeship can last between 12-15 months, while a Level 4 Apprenticeship takes around 18-24 months. During this time, apprentices take part in training courses, exams, practical assignments, and collect a portfolio of evidence while they work.
An Apprenticeship blends 80% work with 20% training. Some providers offer training for one day every week, others schedule training time in larger blocks.
At Baltic, we use the block training method to really dive into the skills and knowledge for each module and allow our learners to experience the rhythms of full-time work. Our training is also fully remote via our SMART Classroom, which means that apprentices can learn from anywhere with an internet connection.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL AN APPRENTICE GET?
Someone who successfully completes an Apprenticeship programme will get a qualification in the particular Level and subject they studied. A Level 3 Apprenticeship is equivalent to two A Levels, while a Level 4 is equivalent to a foundation degree.
During their Apprenticeship, your child might also gain additional industry certifications. This might include Google certifications, for example ‘Google Analytics‘ or ‘Fundamentals of Digital Marketing‘. These extra qualifications can demonstrate specific competencies and look great on a CV.
An Apprenticeship experience can also support university applications. This can be an excellent way for your child to explore a career that interests them while keeping their options open for further study.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?
New Apprenticeship opportunities are created throughout the year, so there is no “right time” to apply. If your child is set on working for a particular organisation, it might be worth having a look if they run any recruitment schemes. In many cases, though, young people find their Apprenticeship through advertised vacancies or through an Apprenticeship training provider.
Applying for an Apprenticeship follows a similar process to any other job application. Usually, an apprentice-to-be will fill in an application form, send a CV and or cover letter, and may be shortlisted for an interview. Sometimes a candidate will be invited to complete a work trial to confirm that the placement is a good fit for both parties before an offer is made.
Find Apprenticeship opportunities in your area by using our vacancy search tool, and the National Apprenticeship Service.
Related Reading: How to Write a CV for an Apprenticeship
APPRENTICESHIP MYTH-BUSTING
Apprenticeships haven’t always been seen as a route to high-tech professions, but things are very different now. Some preconceptions are hard to shake, especially if you aren’t familiar with the sector. This section is dedicated to debunking the common myths people may have about Apprenticeships.
Myth: “You can’t complete both University and an Apprenticeship.”
Reality: Many individuals go on to complete an Apprenticeship after University and vice versa. Here at Baltic Apprenticeships one of our Marketing Managers Zoe Crossman had secured a degree in Business and Marketing before going on to kickstart her career journey with a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. After she had completed her Apprenticeship, she was offered a full-time job and even secured a promotion!
Learn more about Zoe’s story by watching our ‘Diary of an Apprentice’ Podcast.
Myth: “Apprenticeships are only for people who didn’t do well in school.”
Reality: Doing well at school isn’t everything, but good grades can be a great way for young people to demonstrate their commitment to learning. Apprenticeship programmes are available at lots of different levels, from learning the ropes at Level 3 to becoming an industry expert at Level 4. Anyone can be an apprentice, if someone has a passion for their subject, and wants to learn more, an Apprenticeship is right for them.
Myth: “Apprentices just make the tea and coffee.”
Reality: Apprentices are treated in exactly the same way as any other employee. They have their own responsibilities and work towards common goals alongside the rest of their team.
Yes it’s true, as an apprentice I do occasionally make the tea and coffee. But then again, so does my manager – and her manager makes a great cuppa too. Making tea isn’t an apprentice thing, it is an important part of workplace culture!
Myth: “Apprenticeships are badly paid.”
Reality: In this day and age apprentices aren’t paid as low as people might think. Apprenticeship salaries differ depending on the job, industry, and company but many businesses offer similar salaries to graduate roles. In fact, Totaljobs has reported that the average salary for an apprentice in the UK is £20,536. With that in mind, it’s definitely worth exploring the potential Apprenticeship opportunities available.
At Baltic Apprenticeships, we are part of the Apprentice Decent Wage Pledge and actively encourage our employers to pay above the Apprentice minimum wage.
LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS:
We hope that this article has helped answer some of the questions you might have had about Apprenticeships for your child. An Apprenticeship is an exciting journey, and an opportunity you wouldn’t want them to miss! So, where do you go next?