From education to employment

Ten top reasons to become an apprentice

As young people across the country open their exam results, it’s a time to celebrate all the hard work and a time to think about the future.

People leaving school or college this year now have the power to choose the next step that’s right for them.

Apprenticeships offer a respected alternative to our world class universities.

More and more high quality employers are launching apprenticeship programmes. From the National Space Academy to the RAF, YouTube to Nestle –there’s no limit to the doors you can open by getting stuck in and starting an apprenticeship. 

The Get In Go Far campaign has compiled a list of some of the top reasons to become an apprentice, some may even surprise you…                                 

1. Earn while you learn – from day one

Apprenticeships are real jobs. That means you get paid while you learn. If you’re aged 16-18 you’ll get the apprentice minimum wage. The same applies if you’re 19 and over and in the first year of your apprenticeship, after that you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However many employers pay more than this and some higher apprenticeships can pay as much as £500 per week.

2. Learn from the best

With an apprenticeship you’ll be working in the industry right from the start. This means you can learn from the best in the business, gain contacts and develop transferable skills through on- and off- the job training.

3. You can even get a degree while earning

First launched last year, degree apprenticeships bring together university study right up to bachelor’s or master’s level with paid work at a top employer. Companies such as BAE Systems and Fujitsu are already on board and degree apprenticeships are currently available in careers ranging from engineering to public relations.

4. Choice – there are up to 28,000 vacancies across all sectors

With a huge variety of apprenticeships offered by businesses of all sizes, including household names such as Airbus, BBC, Google, IBM, JCB, Lloyds and Sellafield – you can find the apprenticeship that’s right for you. www.getingofar.gov.uk

5. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, an apprenticeship can kick start your career

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to benefit from the life changing opportunities of an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are opening the door to professions that used to only be an option for people with a traditional degree.

6. Employment opportunities

The latest Apprenticeship Evaluation Learner Survey found that 9 out of 10 of all recent completers were either in full or part-time employment. Choosing an apprenticeship is your first step into a successful career.   

7. Get the skills employers are looking for

Apprentices allow businesses to grow their own talent. High quality employers are now designing apprenticeships to meet their skills needs, so you can trust that you’ll end up with the skills and experience employers want and that will enable you to progress in your career.

8. Real satisfaction

We think apprenticeships are great, but if you want proof just ask people who have completed their training. Recent figures have shown that 89% of apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeship.

9. Building your future

Apprenticeships give you the skills you need to progress your career, to Get In and Go Far. Recent research showed that nearly a third of former apprentices had received a promotion since completing their apprenticeship while almost half reported a pay rise. 

10. As an apprentice you can get the same discounts as University students

While it may not be something to base your career on, all you bargain hunters, apprentices are now entitled to many of the same discounts as university students, with an apprentice extra card. It gives many discounts in-store and online, helping your hard earned money to go further.

Robert Halfon 100x100Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“Ten good reasons why more people from all backgrounds should take the chance to reap the benefits of apprenticeships and fulfil their potential.  

“Don’t delay: find out how an apprenticeship could work for you.”

The Government is committed to celebrating the incredible things you can achieve with an apprenticeship through the new Get In Go Far campaign. The campaign stars real-life apprentices who have been hand-picked to tell their story.

New adverts for the campaign are set to hit your screens in August to help young people, parents and teachers recognise apprenticeships as a valid and credible route to a rewarding career during this particularly important exam period. Find out more by visiting www.getingofar.gov.uk.


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