Is an apprenticeship your golden ticket?
Once upon a time, apprenticeships had a bad reputation. Thought by some to hold less value than a degree, many avoided apprenticeships – believing them to be for those poor souls who couldn’t get into uni.
Gone are the days!
Thankfully, the world has wised up to the true value of apprenticeships; so much so that the government is going all in – introducing an Apprenticeship Levy for UK employers, and aiming for the uptake of three million apprenticeships by 2020.
But what’s so great about them?
Closing the skills gap
While qualifications are still fantastic, there is a significant gap in the UK – both in terms of hard skills, and desirable soft skills. Despite a nation rich in graduates, employers frequently find themselves with candidates who look great on paper, but lack the skills in practice.
Our parent company The Adecco Group recently surveyed more than 1000 UK employers, and found that the current British education system is largely ineffective when it comes to providing young people with the full range of key business skills. Employers believe that skills such as time management are better acquired as an apprentice; only critical thinking and presentation skills were thought to be better acquired at university.
So even if you already have a degree, an apprenticeship could still be a great option for you!
Getting a foot in the door
With so many people out there boasting similar accolades, standing out is no mean feet; in fact, that’s why a hiring manager’s final decision can often come down to the smallest discrepancy in soft skills. So how do you give yourself that edge?
Well, the great thing about apprenticeships is that, not only do they help to build the skills that employers really value, they also give you a foot in the door with a potential employer. There’s no guarantee your apprenticeship will end in a contract – but there’s a strong possibility.
Also with the government push, attitudes towards apprenticeships are undoubtedly changing. Rather than hinting at academic underachievement, they signify commitment; dedication– and a willingness to learn. Who wouldn’t want their personal brand to reflect this?
We’ve done quite a bit of work on the topic of apprenticeships as a Group, so if you have any questions about how you can improve your chances of a blossoming career get in touch, and let us help you.