Find your ideal job with an apprenticeship as thousands of firms are hiring for earn-as-you-learn schemes
FIND your ideal job with an apprenticeship.
It is National Apprenticeship Week and thousands of firms are hiring for earn-as-you-learn schemes, with a raft of new industries offering roles.
A CV-Library survey found design is the most competitive new area, with searches up 46 per cent. Engineering and finance are next.
The jobs board’s Lee Biggins said: “Most apprenticeships have been in blue-collar industries such as construction and automotive. But our data shows white-collar schemes are now leading the way.”
The average finance trainee takes home £17,434 while studying for professional qualifications. Engineers typically pocket £14,499. Employment Minister Mims Davies adds: “Apprenticeships offer vital work experience that helps unleash potential — and they mean cash in the bank.”
Lauren McNeill, 20, from Glasgow, is a fourth-year apprentice engineer with BAE Systems, which is hiring 800 apprentices this year (apply by Feb 28 at baesystems.com/en/careers).
She worked on a Royal Navy project and says: “The most rewarding part is knowing I contributed to the design of a complex warship.”
Raheeq Ahmad, 20, is now a trainee with accounting giant Grant Thornton. As a teen the Leyton lad was put on the apprentice path by charity , which helps struggling communities.
Raheeq built his skills at West Ham United and won East London’s Apprentice Of The Year title. He said: “Apprenticeships are the way forward because you get experience and knowledge at the same time.”
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ALMOST half of apprenticeships are taken by over-25s.
James Reed, chairman of Reed Recruitment, says: “Apprenticeships can help you change career and turn you from a novice into an expert within a relatively short amount of time.” Here is his advice:
- Identify your passion. More experience gives you a better understanding of yourself, what you enjoy about your current role and what apprenticeship suits you.
- Research what is out there. With apprenticeships for 1,500-plus roles, you will find the right one.
- Check your finances. Doing an apprenticeship could mean a pay cut at first, so be prepared financially before jumping ship.
- Set realistic timescales. There are three levels of apprenticeships: Intermediate, Advanced and Higher. Each requires different qualifications but can take as little as 12 months to finish.
- Tailor your application. Apprenticeships are competitive, so address how you meet the requirements. As a mature apprentice, you can highlight your skills and experiences with real examples.
- Use your experience. Joining a scheme can be daunting, especially if you are used to a specific sector or role. Draw on your past and adapt.
Upwardly mobile
GET moving in transport with the Go-Ahead Group.
It wants 100 apprentices from customer service to engin-eering around the UK.
Boss David Brown said: “We understand the importance of recruiting talent from all walks of life. Many of our senior leaders started as apprentices.” Apply at go-ahead.com.
Network Rail needs 219 new starters in track maintenance, signalling and overhead line work. For details, head to
Transport For London wants 75 apprentices. Apply now at .
Travel operator Tui is taking on 60 new apprentices See .
And Hilton Hotels wants 76 apprentices. Go to .
'Market places
A SUPERMARKET apprenticeship can get you in the fast lane to management, with many retailers’ schemes paying above-average rates.
Iceland is seeking 13 management apprentices.
The chain’s Jeff Uden says: “We expect a lot of our apprentices and they get a lot back with the progression opportunities being excellent.”
You can apply now at . Aldi, meanwhile, wants 870 apprentices in a range of roles.
The discounter’s Kelly Stokes says: “As well as on and off-the-job training, Aldi provides competitive salaries, health and wellbeing packages and one of the best working environments in the UK supermarket sector.”
Find out more at .
Jobspot
- THIS is not just an apprenticeship . . . Marks & Spencer has 30 vacancies in retail management, buying and merchandising. Apply by Feburary 14 at careers. .
- COCA-COLA European Partners has four top-level degree apprenticeships up for grabs in field sales and microbiology. See Applications close on February 28.
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