Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular option for young adults wanting to gain the skills and experiences needed to launch a career in a wide range of leading UK industries.
In this article, we’ll explore apprenticeships, how they function, and the advantages they offer. We’ll also share an inspiring real-life story from Brett, whose apprenticeship successfully launched his career in digital design.
What is an apprenticeship, and how does it work?
Apprenticeships give young adults on-the-job training and education in their chosen profession. Apprentices earn a wage and holiday pay while also benefiting from further training related to their role that makes up at least 20% of their regular working hours.
Different levels of apprenticeship are available, giving young adults industry-recognised qualifications. These are equivalent to a range of educational levels, from GCSE and A level to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Exploring the benefits of an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships and traditional university degrees are both viable options for young adults. Which route they take depends on their career goals and educational preferences.
To better understand the benefits of an apprenticeship, let’s hear Brett’s story. In 2021, Brett embarked on a Degree Apprenticeship in Digital Design at Newcastle University. Through this program, he began working with Paragon, one of the UK’s largest business service providers. As an apprentice, Brett delivered design services for one of Paragon’s major clients.
This helped him combine his interest in art and design with a practical career path, allowing him to start earning immediately.
“At school, graphic design and fine art were my big interests,” says Brett. “But I also wanted to choose a sensible career path,” he explains. “I chose an apprenticeship in Digital Design. I work with an investment bank creating various digital assets, including presentations, brochures, pitch decks, etc.”
Brett wanted to get a job as soon as he left school, so an apprenticeship was an ideal option. “Coming from a working-class background, I was taught the value of getting out into the workplace early on,” he explains. “So, I knew that coming out of my A-levels, I wanted to get into work rather than go down the university route.
“My brother is a year older than me and got an apprenticeship working for an engineering company. Seeing how that worked out for him made me want to do it as well,” he adds.
Understanding the application process
“The first stage of the process required me to pull together a CV and portfolio,” says Brett.He had built a portfolio through his A-level coursework and passion projects undertaken in his own time. Additionally, he gained work experience at his father’s sign-making business, which gave him an early insight into the working world.
If your child is considering applying for an apprenticeship, encourage them to gain work experience and build a portfolio, if required. It’s also beneficial for them to engage in activities like volunteering, music, or sports to broaden their experiences and skills.
In addition to providing a CV or portfolio, young adults usually need to attend an interview or perform a test as part of their application. “For the next stage of the application process, I had to complete a two-hour exam which required me to do tests on three pieces of design software,” says Brett.
“Once I passed that, I attended a formal interview where we talked through my portfolio,” he explains. “The process went very smoothly. They kept in touch with me throughout, so I knew whether I was heading to the next stage.”
What skills do apprentices learn?
Unlike a traditional university degree, apprenticeships are more similar to the workplace experience while also providing space for training and development. “Early on, my apprenticeship involved shadowing and working with senior team members, but now I spend four days of the week fully integrated into the design team, taking on design work on my own,” explains Brett.
In addition to teaching practical workplace skills, apprentices can also gain university qualifications.
“Every Friday, I have a full day dedicated towards uni, working remotely with my tutor,” explains Brett.
As Brett’s experience shows, apprentices acquire a range of abilities, from learning a new profession to gaining invaluable workplace skills. These can include time management, communication and interpersonal skills.
“Through my apprenticeship, I’ve learned how to work with clients and the challenges that can bring,” says Brett. “It’s taught me the value of being patient and communicating professionally. I think the only way you can learn that is by doing the job itself,” he adds.
Kickstarting a career path
Brett has greatly benefited from his apprenticeship experience. So, how has it prepared him for this exciting career path?
“My apprenticeship has given me three years of work experience in the industry, which is ample enough for a junior role. On top of that, I’ll get a bachelor’s degree qualification in Digital Design. That will make it a lot easier to progress into more senior positions,” he says.
In addition to getting a head start in the workplace, employers also value the practical skills gained during an apprenticeship. “With an apprenticeship, employers get a person who has experience in the workplace and has also attained a higher education degree,” says Brett. “This is very attractive because employers want to know if you can actually do the job,” he adds.
Brett benefitted greatly from his apprenticeship, but there were also challenges. “Suddenly coming out of school and working five days a week took some adjusting to,” explains Brett. “I had to learn how to stay on top of my workload while also doing university work, but I soon found the right balance,” he explains.
Getting a head start in the workplace
Despite the challenges, Brett has no regrets about choosing an apprenticeship. “I definitely feel like this choice suited me best,” he says. He explains that he has gained certain advantages over his peers who went to university, both financially and in terms of gaining work experience.
“I have friends who are currently at uni doing design courses and learning similar things, but unlike them, I haven’t taken on any student debt. I’m already in the workplace earning a fairly decent wage for an apprentice whilst getting the same degree.”
So, what advice would Brett give young adults considering an apprenticeship? “I would tell anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship to seriously consider it as an option because you get used to the workplace and the routine of working with other people. It feels like a complete head start.”