GET IN… GO FAR
Olivia Beaty talks to local students and colleges about the benefits of apprenticeships
‘Get in – go far’ is how the government promotes apprenticeships and speaking to local students it appears to be the case.
An apprenticeship gives student hands-on experience in an industry they want to progress in. Instead of spending their time studying the course at college full time, they share their time between college and in the workplace.
Apprenticeships usually take between one and four years to complete, depending on which level you study, they are available across a wide range of industries and many high quality, prestigious companies offer them.
Recently qualified barber Shannon Harrison of Bespoke Barber in Longridge tells me: “I spent one day a week at college and four days in the shop, the practical experience is far more interesting than being in a classroom all day.”
I found many students felt they had the ‘best of both worlds’ as they receive a salary and the opportunity to gain a qualification whilst working and gaining the experience.
“Because of the hands on experience I feel I have developed my teamworking and customer service skills immensely,” said Preston College student, Jessica Curtis.
The minimum wage for apprentices aged 16 to 18 is £3.50 per hour. The same applies if you’re 19 and over and in the first year of your apprenticeship, after that you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However many employers pay more than this.
“I would recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone, it broadens your horizons and teaches you skills as well as earning a wage and you can still progress on to other courses and training,” explains Lee Boyle, Business and Administration student at Blackburn College.
Employers also benefit from this way of learning as they can teach their apprentices their way of working. The pupils start as a blank canvas eager to learn and so it can be easy to teach them.
“Apprenticeships are the future of all businesses, without them a lot of trades and professions will die or become homogenised,” said Ross Webb, owner of Bespoke Barber.
In the past apprenticeships have been seen as inferior to A levels or degrees, however now with more courses available through more professional bodies, they are becoming increasingly popular.
Business Administration student Robbyn Lawson who found her apprenticeship through Cats Apprenticeships told me: “I realised university wasn’t for me however, I find the combination of working and studying ideal. Cats have offered me great support and opportunities.”
An increasing amount of local and national businesses are now taking on apprentices. Joseph Lanzante of the Men’s Room, Clitheroe, and founder of the Joseph Lanzante Training Academy, said: “I am very excited to announce that my training school is now in collaboration with Burnley College and we are taking on apprentices.”
Many apprentices feel embarking on their apprenticeship was the best decision for them having learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed their learning.
Apprentice at Althams Travel Services, Shannon Green has recently been awarded Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards. She tells me: “Taking an apprenticeship was the best decision I have ever made. I work for a wonderful company who support and nurture me on a daily basis to help me succeed in my career.”
To find out more about taking on apprentices or embarking on an apprenticeship visit: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
