7 Reasons to Do an Apprenticeship
1. Apprenticeships Combine Practical training in a Job with Study at Low no Costs
An apprenticeship is ”a real job with training which will allow the apprentice to earn while learning, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification”, according to apprenticeships.gov.uk. They are available to anyone over 16,living in England, as a key education route. Of course there are different entry requirements, according to the level.
During an apprenticeship (1-5 years depending on the level), you will have the opportunity to learn on the job and benefit from the support of a mentor.
For those aged from 16 to 18 vocational training is free, and there are many other opportunities as the Government funds most of the courses for apprentices.
2. Apprenticeships Have an Equivalent Education Level
There are currently 3 levels of apprenticeships you can apply for, depending on your level of qualification and skills:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship (equivalent to 5 GCSE passes);
- Advanced Apprenticeship (equivalent to 2 A level passes);
- Higher Apprenticeship (can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree).
The core components of an internship include a nationally recognised vocational qualification, a technical certificate and ”other professional qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular job.” Moreover, intermediate and advanced apprenticeships also include functional skills training, such literacy, numeracy and ICT).
3. Apprenticeships are Now Available up to Degree Level and Beyond, Covering Over 1500 Job Roles in a Wide Range of Industries.
From engineering to veterinary nursing, accountancy or public relations, at any one time there are up to 25,000 apprenticeship vacancies available on apprenticeships.gov.uk only.
Babington Group website promises 85,000 employers offering Apprenticeships in more than 130,000 locations, and about 200 apprenticeships covering hundreds of job roles.
4. You Will be paid for Your Hours of Work and for the Training that Is Part of Your Apprenticeship Program
During your apprenticeship you are entitled for the minimum wage rate which is currently £2.73 per hour for apprentices aged 16-18 or over 19 in their first year. Those over 19 and who finished their first year, must be paid with the minimum national wage, according to their age. Use the National Minimum Wage calculator for workers to find out exactly how much you can get.
You will be paid for your normal working hours (minimum 30/week) but also for the related training hours (usually one day/week).
5. You'll Get Paid Holidays
As an apprentice, you will have at least 20 days of paid holidays and black holidays.
6. You Will Increase Your Employability Skills and Get Relevant Work Experience
As statistics show, after completing their training, those with an apprenticeship enjoy higher salary and earn more than people without an apprentice, over their career.
7. You Can Benefit from Grants for an International Work Experience under Different EU Grant Schemes
There are many opportunities to get a work experience into an international working environment. As an apprentice, if your home organization applies for a grant, e.g. Erasmus + Mobility Projects for VET, you can benefit from a grant to complete your apprenticeship in another European country and get an internationally recognized certificate or qualification.