The benefits of an apprenticeship are easy to overlook when you’re deciding what to do after you finish school, but they can shape the whole of your career. We’ve pulled together 10 of the biggest benefits you can get from taking on an apprenticeship, and how they’ll reward you later on.
Why the Benefits of an Apprenticeship Are Worth Considering
From earning a wage while you train to gaining real work experience, the benefits of an apprenticeship go far beyond the qualification itself. Here’s what you stand to gain.
1. Earn While You Learn
Enjoying the perks of a social life, whilst also having enough money for your essentials, is important. An apprenticeship usually starts on a basic wage, however there is an opportunity for this to increase once your first year of training is complete; 90% of apprentices are kept on by their employers upon completion of their course and nearly one quarter of apprentices are promoted within 12 months of finishing.
2. Receive Recognised Qualifications
Each level of your apprenticeship only lasts one year and, once completed, rewards you with a qualification you can showcase to future employers. The levels are: Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSE passes); Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A-Level passes); right the way through to Level 6 (degree level) and Level 7 (masters degree). If you’re interested in a career in childcare, Parenta’s government-funded childcare courses can help you find the right apprenticeship level to start your journey.
3. Gain Independence and Respect
Working in a company will teach you to take responsibility for your actions, how to behave in a working environment and how to be independent in your tasks. In turn, this will gain you the respect of your co-workers and employers, giving you the confidence you need to carry out your role.
4. Benefit from Ongoing and Personalised Support
When you begin your apprenticeship you’ll be assigned an assessor who is the person responsible for setting all of your work, marking it and guiding you through your course. They’re there to answer any of your questions at any point and provide you with support tailored to suit your needs; they’ll be on hand whenever you need them.
5. Gain Real Work Experience
Working life is completely different to being in school or university and an apprenticeship, is a way of easing you into that environment whilst having people around to guide you along the way. Your colleagues will be able to show you the ropes of everyday working life so that you’ll soon fit right in!
6. Improve Your Employability
Not only does your apprenticeship give you the opportunity to learn and experience your chosen career, it also makes you more employable to future companies. They’ll be able to see that you were able to apply yourself to the demands of a full-time job whilst also studying to complete the coursework element of your apprenticeship. Dedication is an important quality to employers and they’ll value your work ethic.
7. Receive Discounts
As an apprentice, you’re still classed as a student, meaning you’re entitled to an NUS student discount card. This provides you with money off restaurants, clothing stores, insurance, gym memberships and much more! Find out more about the NUS Extra discount card.
8. Develop Your Skills
When you begin your apprenticeship, you might not have all of the grades required to go on to the next level of your chosen career. However, you will usually be provided with the opportunity to re-sit your GCSEs or take functional skills to enable you to progress further within the business.
9. Discover Your Earning Potential
This is one of the most compelling benefits of an apprenticeship. Apprentices have increased future earning potential across the course of their career. This means that, if you progress on to an advanced apprenticeship and successfully complete it, you could earn around £117,000 more over your lifetime than those who don’t.
10. Enjoy Your Holidays
Apprentices are entitled to 20 days of paid holiday, plus all public bank holidays. This means that you can go away on holiday and not have to worry about how much money you might lose! Holidays are a massive part of striking that work-life balance and it’s important that you make time to relax in-between all your hard work!
Is an Apprenticeship Right for You?
If you’re weighing up your options after school or college, an apprenticeship offers a practical way to earn, learn and build real experience at the same time. For official guidance on available apprenticeships and how to apply, visit the gov.uk apprenticeships guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an apprenticeship take?
Most apprenticeships take between 1 and 4 years to complete, depending on the level and sector.
Can adults do an apprenticeship?
Yes, apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over, including adults changing career.
Do you get paid during an apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, and this typically increases once your first year of training is complete. Many employers pay above the minimum apprenticeship wage, and some offer additional benefits such as travel support or study leave.
Take the step today and see how the benefits of an apprenticeship could change your life!
