What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a form of education that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a trade or skill while getting paid. They are available in a wide range of industries, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and information technology.

Why chose an apprenticeship?

When considering your career options, an apprenticeship can be a great choice for a number of reasons. However, it's important to note that apprenticeships are not for everyone, and they may not be the right fit for every individual. For many people university is the way to go, as for a lot of people it is the best way to get into their desired career. However, for some people, an apprenticeship is the best way to get into their desired career.

Apprenticeships offer a number of benefits, including:

• The opportunity to earn a wage while you learn
• Hands-on training in a real-world setting
• The chance to gain valuable work experience
• The opportunity to develop skills that are in demand by employers
• The potential to earn industry-recognised certifications or credentials
• The possibility of a job offer upon completion of the apprenticeship
• The chance to start a career without incurring student loan debt
• The opportunity to work with experienced professionals who can mentor you
• The ability to learn at your own pace and in a way that works best for you

In my experience, I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical experience in my chosen field while earning a wage, I didn't want to incur any student debt, and I still wanted to get a degree. I was also attracted to the idea of learning from experienced professionals and having the opportunity to work on real projects, instead of working in a classroom all day.

What types of apprenticeships are available?

You can do an apprenticeship in anything! Literally, anything you can think of, there is probably an apprenticeship for it. Some of the most common types of apprenticeships include:

• Construction and building trades
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Healthcare and social care
• Information technology and digital media
• Business and administration
• Retail and customer service
• Hospitality and catering
• Automotive and transportation
• Agriculture and horticulture
• Creative arts and media
• Education and training
• Finance and accounting
• Law and legal services
• And so much more!

There are many differenet levels for apprenticeships, ranging from intermediate to advanced to higher and degree level. The level you choose will depend on your prior experience, qualifications, and career goals. I chose a degree-level apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions, as I wanted to gain a degree while working in the tech industry.

How to find an apprenticeship?

There are a number of ways to find an apprenticeship, including:

• Checking with your school's career center or guidance counselor
• Searching online job boards and apprenticeship websites
• Attending job fairs and career expos
• Reaching out to employers directly to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities
• Asking friends, family members, and other contacts for leads
• Working with a staffing agency or job placement service
• Contacting your state's apprenticeship agency or workforce development office
• Checking with your local community college or technical school

Personally, I found my apprenticeship through the government's apprenticeship website, which is linked here.

How to apply for an apprenticeship?

It varies from employer to employer. Some may require you to submit a resume and cover letter, while others may ask you to complete an online application or take an assessment test.

In my experience, employers have asked me to simply complete an online application via the government's apprenticeship website. Some employers have asked me to submit a resume and cover letter, while others have asked me to complete an online assessment test. And finally, some other employers have asked me to apply via their own website / application form.

After the initial application, you may be asked to participate in an interview or assessment center. This is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the apprenticeship, just be yourself and be honest.

What to expect from an apprenticeship?

During an apprenticeship, you can expect to:

• Work full-time for an employer
• Receive on-the-job training from experienced professionals
• Attend classes or workshops to learn new skills and concepts
• Complete assignments or projects to demonstrate your understanding
• Receive feedback and guidance from mentors or supervisors
• Take exams or assessments to measure your progress
• Earn a wage for your work.
• Gain valuable work experience and develop new skills
• Build a professional network and make connections in your industry

How to succeed in an apprenticeship?

To succeed in an apprenticeship, you should:

• Be punctual and reliable
• Be open to learning new things
• Ask questions when you don't understand something
• Take initiative and look for ways to contribute
• Be willing to take on new challenges
• Seek feedback and act on it
• Be professional and respectful
• Build relationships with your colleagues
• Manage your time effectively
• Stay organised and focused
• Take care of yourself and prioritise your well-being

Conclusion

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a trade or skill while getting paid. They offer a number of benefits, including the opportunity to earn a wage while you learn, hands-on training in a real-world setting, and the chance to gain valuable work experience.

If you're considering an apprenticeship, I encourage you to explore the options available to you and find one that aligns with your interests and goals. It's a great way to start a career without incurring student loan debt and to develop skills that are in demand by employers.