Apprenticeship companies are hoping for a surge in interest as GCSE and A-level results are now in, albeit amid controversy over the algorithm used to determine grades.
Although university applications are up, doing an apprenticeship is now, more than ever, viewed as a good way to weather the Coronavirus downturn. With the University experience clearly subdued due to Covid regulations an apprenticeship offers interaction at both the workplace and the place of learning. Further, apprentices are recruited throughout the year, so if university is no longer the favoured option, being paid to start a vocational course will seem to many like the best option.
Apprenticeships and employment in general have certainly hit the buffers since the virus forced businesses to postpone their operations. As we return to some form of normality however, recruitment is expected to increase. With the array of incentives ranging from £2000 – £6,800 for employers to engage with an apprentice or kickstart employee the window of opportunity for both employers and those looking for a good career has never been so well supported.
“There are various ways to access apprenticeships,” explained Cirencester based company the Apprenticeship Management Group’s director, John Henry. “There is Intermediate that post GCSE students could start at, Advanced, which is the equivalent of two A-levels, Higher, which is a foundation degree and a degree apprenticeship, which is the equivalent to bachelor’s or master’s degree.”
Degree apprenticeships are potentially the best of both worlds as you can get a full degree and earn money at the same time. Apprentices are employed throughout the training and spend part of their time at university, a minimum of 20%, and the rest with the employer.
The Apprenticeship Management Group look after the apprenticeship training programmes and apprenticeship levy for the Electrical Distributors Association, Builders Merchants Federation, British Coating Federation, FIESTA (Furniture and Interiors, Skills and Training Alliance) and water and other utility companies and offer their services to businesses of all sizes.
John Henry says that apprenticeships are picking up again post lockdown in the sectors they currently operate in, with companies looking for new employees and offering dedicated training. John said: “Apprenticeships are routinely bypassed as a way to start in a field in further of full-time further education but are able to offer the same qualification, including degrees, without the legacy of a huge student loan.
“One of the advantages of an apprenticeship is that the individual will develops their relationship within the sector of choice and build a reputation within the working environment. They understand more about the workplace and what to expect, as opposed to going in cold after A-levels or a three to four-year traditional degree.” John urges young people as yet undecided “If you have an industry you would like to work in you can now earn, learn and advance your career at the same time.”
For more information please contact The Apprenticeship Management Group on 0117 2302313 or email info@theapprenticeshipgroup.co.uk
