8 reasons why you should consider becoming an apprentice
Apprenticeships used to have a reputation for being trade related. However this is all changing. More often businesses ranging across a vast breadth of sectors (including the likes of technology, finance and not-for-profit) are running apprenticeship programmes and we will see the variety of programmes available increase as the UK government introduces an apprenticeship levy – a sort of tax – to encourage more organisations to run apprenticeship programmes.
There are many reasons why more people are applying for apprenticeship programmes as an alternative to more traditional routes such as university. Below are 8 reasons why an apprenticeship programme is an excellent option:
- Earn while you learn
According to the BBC, university tuition fees have skyrocketed over the past few years and have now reached a whopping figure of £9,250 per year! These are set to increase with inflation, meaning fees will rise above £10,000 in the next few years. Opting to do an apprenticeship means whilst you study you are earning and saving for your first car, house, or holiday, rather than racking up tens of thousands of pounds worth of debt.
- Qualifications
You will gain at least one nationally recognised qualification, if not more, during the course of your apprenticeship. Within many schemes you will even have the opportunity to progress to a degree!
- Employability
There is no substitute to learning on the job. Opting for an apprenticeship programme means you will learn key skills in addition to those you pick up in a classroom environment.
- Jumpstart your career
Gain years of experience within a profession, building professional contacts and establishing yourself within an organisation.
- Become an essential part of a team
From week one you will be making a valuable contribution within a team that will impact real customers and projects.
- Progress within a business
You’ll have a well established foot in the door once you finish your apprenticeship and a head start on external candidates when applying for a full time job within an organisation. You’ll already be commercially aware with a knowledge of the business which will put you in an excellent position when applying for a role.
- Learn from talented co-workers
You will be surrounded by colleagues you can learn from whilst completing your apprenticeship. This is a great opportunity to soak up knowledge like a sponge and hone your role specific knowledge as well as your softer skills.
- Range of choice in roles
The range of apprenticeship programmes available is constantly increasing across sectors and departments within organisations. There are some fantastic opportunities available. The world really is your oyster!
Certinia looks forward to the launch of our apprenticeship programme in September 2016 and can’t wait to welcome our new apprentices into the business! For further information on our open roles please visit our careers site: https://certinia.com/careers/
