Are you feeling unsure on what to do next? It’s very normal to feel this way as there’s so much choice available, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which route to take. In recent years, apprenticeships have grown in popularity, based on the wide variety of courses they offer. For many, starting a career can be daunting, so it’s important to explore all the options available to you and understand what the benefits of an apprenticeship are. If you have been thinking about your next steps, you may be wondering ‘why should I choose an apprenticeship’? They are a great way to acquire practical industry specific skills and gain a nationally recognised qualification, whilst reaping the rewards of on the job learning and earning a salary.
In the next section, we will cover the various apprenticeship levels but it’s good to remember that irrespective of where you are on your career journey, there will be an apprenticeship level that is right for you. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will work alongside an assessor who will make sure you are achieving key milestones and 20% of your work time will be dedicated to off-the-job learning at your workplace, college, university or training provider.
1. Choose a level that works for you
Apprenticeship courses vary in length, based on the level you are looking to work towards. Apprenticeships aren’t only available to school leavers; they are suitable for anyone aged 16 or over, whether setting out or seeking a career change. Entry criteria will depend on the level you are looking to undertake, but basic requirements ask for a GCSE in English and Mathematics.
Here are the current apprenticeship levels you can work towards:
- Level 2, equivalent to GCSE
- Level 3, equivalent to A-Level
- Level 4 and 5, equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Level 6 and 7, equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
When you are weighing up the benefits of doing an apprenticeship, another point to consider is where you’ll be based and where your learning establishment is. This is important, especially if you are relying on public transport to get there.
2. Receive a qualification
Completing your apprenticeship course fully, will lead to a nationally recognised qualification or certification. This will demonstrate your commitment to future employers and validates the professional skills that you have learnt.
Apprenticeships in facilities management are an ideal choice, offering rewarding careers in a variety of business specialisms. They also give you the flexibility to use your transferable skills, should you decide to move into different aspects of facilities management. Whether you are looking for a career in business management, residential services, environmental services or catering, these are just a few of the apprenticeship career paths that you could take.
At Churchill we have supported many people on their career journeys through our apprenticeship schemes. Chris Lockyer is one of our apprentices who is studying for his NVQ Level 2 in horticulture. Take a look at Chris’ story and gain some great insight into why you should do an apprenticeship.
3. Earn while you learn
Unlike more traditional education routes, one of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is that it offers the opportunity to earn a salary while you learn. You’ll receive a wage, allowing you to be financially independent and avoid incurring student debt and the pressures that this can bring.
Have a read of Erin’s story on why she decided to choose an apprenticeship and how it allowed her to strike the right balance between working and studying. For Erin the biggest benefit of an apprenticeship meant having the best of both worlds: a career and the financial freedom to enjoy her spare time to the fullest.
4. Gain real work experience
Apprenticeships focus on developing industry-specific skills that are applicable to your chosen career path and the on-the-job training that you receive will be specific to your chosen profession. Not only will this prepare you for the demands of the job, but it will give you a head start against the competition, when applying for jobs in the future.
5. Perfecting skills
Throughout your course, you will be exposed to real business challenges and will learn to develop analytical and critical thinking skills to address these. These scenarios will develop softer skills, such as adaptability and resilience, skills which are highly prized in today’s job market.
6. Job security
Another benefit of an apprenticeship is that it often leads to full-time employment with the company you have trained with, providing you with stability and job security. When a company chooses to work with an apprentice, they are also making a commitment, both financially and in time, therefore (where possible) they look to retain the skills and experience that they have helped to nurture.
7. Develop your passion
Typically, your learning will be delivered in small groups, allowing you to receive personalised guidance and tuition from your trainer. The benefit of this is that you’ll be able to work at your own pace, to ensure that you can use your learning proficiently, when you are back in the business setting.
8. Outstanding support
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will build a strong network from working alongside other apprentices and business professionals, all of which could provide mentoring or future job opportunities or purely be a support throughout your career journey.
9. Regular assessments
One unique benefit of an apprenticeship is knowing that you are regularly assessed to make sure you are receiving the appropriate training and the right time, to maximise learning and cement your newly acquired knowledge. This is really important to be able to monitor your progress, to make sure you are working towards the key milestones in your course and have the opportunity to seek additional support, if you feel it’s needed.
10. Workplace flexibility
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, not only will you have the foundations for an exciting and rewarding future, but you will have clear direction as to where to take your career next. Even if you choose to move industries, so many of the skills you will learn will be transferable to other industries. With the right dedication and performance, you will have all the ingredients to climb the career ladder.
Get in touch
At Churchill, we take pride in knowing that our apprentices feel valued and receive a rewarding, inclusive and supportive environment to work and learn. We always do right and care deeply about your success, so our friendly team works hard to deliver a dedicated level of support as and when it is needed.
If you are still unsure why you should do an apprenticeship and how Churchill can help you to develop a progressive and supportive career, check out our career starters guide or get in touch with us today.