JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016 - 47

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APPRENTICES

Words: Kia Hansen. Photos: Shutterstock

'Apprenticeships, an increasingly
popular option, can lead to career
opportunities with real progression'
schemes, or through the government
National Apprenticeship Service
(findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/
apprenticeshipsearch). At any one time,
there are up to 20,000 apprenticeships
available on this site.
Whatever industry you choose, as
an Apprentice you work alongside an
existing team, gaining plenty of valuable
hands-on experience.
You'll be paid a wage, earn holiday pay,
and you'll also study to gain a recognised
qualification in your field - normally one
day a week at a local college.
Apprenticeships come in three stages;
intermediate (equivalent to five GCSE
passes); advanced (equivalent to two
A-levels); and higher (which can lead
to an NVQ level 4 and above, or a
foundation degree).
They will normally take between one
and four years to complete and, once
you're done, you can go on to take further
education or continue in employment.
You need to be over 16 to apply to be
an Apprentice, and not be in full-time
education. It's a great way for those who
have a passion to get into their chosen
field, but can also be a good option for
school leavers who don't really know what
to do next, or those who perhaps didn't
get the qualifications they had hoped for.
If you've left school without any
qualifications, you could also look into
the traineeships programme, which is
designed to provide a stepping stone
to future success by giving people aged
16-23 the training, English and maths
skills and work experience they need to
get an apprenticeship, or go on to find
employment. Traineeships usually last
between six weeks and six months - visit
getingofar.gov.uk/traineeships to find
out more information.

Consider all options
If you are not sure you are suited to
apprenticeships, or are still considering
what to do next, investigate your options

by checking out notgoingtouni.co.uk
for more information on your choices.
The National Careers Service
(nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk)
is a great place to find out information;
it provides useful independent, impartial
advice about careers and the job market
to everyone aged 13 and over.
Joe Billington, Director of the
National Careers Service, said: 'Young
people need impartial, inspirational
information and advice to motivate
them to succeed and to help them
make the right choices.
'Apprenticeships are an increasingly
popular option with young people as
they provide the opportunity to work
in a range of jobs and to both earn and
learn at the same time. They can lead
to life-changing career opportunities
with real progression,' says Joe.
And the good news is that even
though some areas of the job market
may be struggling, companies are
actively recruiting Apprentices.
In 2014-15, there were 499,900
people starting apprenticeships in
England, according to gov.uk, 59,500
(14%) more than the previous year.
As part of a drive towards three
million apprenticeships by 2020, the
government is committed to increasing
the number of higher apprenticeships to
deliver the high-tech skills employers are
calling out for. Last year the government
launched degree apprenticeships, which
bring together the very best in academic
learning and hands-on training.
So whatever your level, you should be
able to find an apprenticeship that can
help you get the career you want.
For further information and advice:
* Call apprenticeship helplines:
0800 015 0400 or 02476 826482
* Visit getingofar.gov.uk
* Email nationalhelpdesk@
apprenticeships.gov.uk

J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 0 4 7
http://getingofar.gov.uk http://notgoingtouni.co.uk http://findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/ http://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk http://www.gov.uk http://getingofar.gov.uk/traineeships
JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016

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