Apprenticeships

If you want to learn new skills without going to college or university, apprenticeships offer in-work training so you can earn while you learn.

The Government is really pushing apprenticeships these days because there is major skills gap in Britain. As a result, there are around 200 different apprenticeships available across a variety of industries, and businesses which offer them have to agree to strict standards. More than a quarter of a million young people are currently doing apprenticeships in everything from agriculture and engineering to hospitality, health and beauty.

Gone are the days of sitting on freezing building sites making cups of tea. Companies are now seeing that offering young people work-based training can give them a pool of skilled, enthusiastic and loyal talent, which will help ensure the future success of the business.

Apprenticeships are mainly open to anyone aged 16 to 24 living in England who is not in full-time education, although recent changes also mean that some 14 to 16-year-olds and some people over 25 can also become apprentices now.

They are challenging because you have to study hard as well as carrying out a day job, so you need to think about what area of work interests you and decide whether an apprenticeship is the best option. If you do think it’s something for you, you need to get in quick because demand for places is usually very high.

You can find out more information online at www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call the special hotline on 08000 150 600. Alternatively, you could talk to a Connexions Direct Adviser on 080 8001 3219.

Any employers who want to know more can also visit the above website, or call 08000 159 400.

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