How to find the right apprenticeship to get on career ladder for your dream job
APPRENTICESHIPS are the UK’s most popular professional qualification, held by one in 20 of the workforce.
But a study by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, for National Apprenticeship Week, suggests 79 per cent of young people do not think there is enough information about them available.
We have teamed up with Francis Bunch, of the National Careers Service, to help you find the right one.
He said: “Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to combine real work with training and study.
“They are a great entry route into lots of industries — from creative to clean energy and construction.”
How to decide if an apprenticeship is right for you: Anyone can become an apprentice, whether you are starting work or changing career.
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If you can, get some relevant work experience beforehand, to help understand more about the sector or role. You will also gain skills that employers need. Search Skills For Life to find out more.
How to find an apprenticeship: There are more than 660 types of apprenticeships available in the UK.
See the gov.uk website or talk to your local careers adviser by contacting the National Careers Service.
Which course? Apprenticeships take between one and six years to complete, depending on what type, which level and your previous experience.
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For people with little or no experience, an intermediate (Levels 2 or 3) is a good place to start. You can progress with advanced (Levels 4 or 5) and higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7).
Top tips to ace your application: When you have found one you are interested in, either complete an application form or submit a CV and covering letter.
The National Careers Service has guidance on how to write a CV, how to write your letter, and application form advice.
Set yourself up for success: Be open-minded and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.
You will usually complete 20 per cent of your studies at college or with a training provider, so it is important to make time to learn and stay organised, particularly for those juggling family or other commitments outside work.
TOP 10 APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYERS
AMAZON is creating 1,000 apprenticeships, including in data science and cyber security, HR, marketing and warehouse operations. See .
BAE SYSTEMS has 1,300 apprentices with 540 at degree level. Apply by February 28 at .
NETWORK RAIL has 300 places from Level 3 rail operations to Level 6 project management. For more details, see .
NATIONAL GRID is hiring 300 apprentices, from engineering to corporate roles. See.
BUSY BEES nursery chain offers childcare apprentices nationwide. See .
ZURICH INSURANCE has 34 places in accounting, actuarial, risk and compliance schemes. See .
MITIE, the facilities management outfit, needs 100 apprentices including for plumbing and electrical installation – .
KPMG UK needs 400 apprentices, in audit, tax and business services. See .
ATKINSRÉALIS engineering is taking on 154 apprentices. Includes surveying, project management – .
MARS has open roles in operations and engineering – .
MY RAPID RISE FROM TRAINEE TO CHIEF
FORMER apprentice Grace Hardy has gone from trainee to chief executive in three years.
After studying with accountancy firm Mazars, she set up her own business, Hardy Accounting, last year at the age of 21.
She has already received an apprenticeship recognition award from the Department for Education.
Grace, from Oxford, said: “Having developed all the skills I’ve needed to successfully run a business as an apprentice, I can’t speak highly enough of the opportunity apprenticeships represent.
“It feels like so much less of a gamble to pursue a route where you can get a head start in your career and earn while you learn, rather than accruing endless debts.”
FINANCE PLUSES
TWO specialist schemes are helping apprentices break into the competitive world of finance.
The Investment20/20 programme brings together more than 60 firms offering at least a 12-month full-time paid job with training, support and networking opportunities.
Internships or relevant work experience are not required and many trainees are offered roles when their course ends. See .
Meanwhile, the Association of Accounting Technicians has launched a careers hub.
As the UK’s first dedicated finance apprenticeship and jobs board, it connects would-be apprentices with employers who have AAT apprenticeship schemes.
See .
IMPRESS BOSSES WITH ‘YES’ ATTITUDE
ONCE you have heard the words “you’re hired”, how can you make the most of your apprenticeship
Hannah Linden is a Level 3 metrology engineering apprentice with Jaguar Land Rover.
The 22-year-old from Rugby, Warwickshire, who is also vice-chairwoman of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Panel of Apprentices, said: “Applying was quite a niche thing to do when I was at school, but I am so glad I went for it.”
She shares some insider advice . . .
- Take every opportunity that comes your way. Your answer should always be “yes” to anything you are asked to work on. It is the best way to learn and impress managers, for when you eventually want to get promoted.
- Seek out other apprentices. I find it helps a lot to compare experiences with friends and peers doing similar things to me at work – and in wider apprenticeship networks.
- Sign up with a more experienced work mentor who can give you feedback on how you are doing.
- Make the most of the chances to try things while you are an apprentice. You will have more licence to make mistakes and learn from them, compared to when you get a full-time job.
- Don’t be in a rush. I have seen lots of people trying to finish their apprenticeship too early because they want a pay rise. But it is best to take as long as you need.
- Learn all the skills you can, and make sure you really know what you are doing at each step of the apprenticeship.
Jaguar Land Rover has 164 apprenticeship vacancies, including 71 degree apprenticeships. Apply at .
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BRICKIES' BOOST
A TEENAGER who struggled at school has found her dream job in construction – thanks to an apprenticeship with housebuilder Keepmoat.
Kaycie Hall, from Newcastle, is doing her Level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship at the National House Building Council’s Training Hub in Scotswood.
She began her apprenticeship in 2023, after completing the introductory Women into Construction course. Kaycie said: “I’m neurodivergent and found school overwhelming at times. I’ve always been interested in a more practical, skills-based career.”
Geoff Scott, from Keepmoat, said: “It is a privilege to see our apprentices thrive.”
See .
Jobspot
SPECSAVERS is recruiting 62 apprentices, including optical assistants and lab technicians. Look for your role at.
FRESH food firm BAKKAVOR has 74 apprenticeship places covering manufacturing, finance and engineering. Apply at .