To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we’re reflecting on the power of apprenticeships, and how they can open up a world of opportunities for young people.
In an increasingly competitive and uncertain job market, work experience is more important than ever for young people entering the workplace. Alongside skills that employers look for such as tech knowledge and problem solving, experience of the working world develops essential life skills like communication and self-esteem, which are just as important in setting you up for success.
“On my internship I’ve developed my tech skills and improved on so many transferable skills, such as public speaking, presenting skills, efficient working and time management. I’ll be able to use these skills in the future in whatever career path I go down, and in normal life too – like speaking to new people, which is something I have always struggled with.” Ellie, York.
Apprenticeships empower young people with skills like these – giving them a versatile, transferrable skillset they can use to build a rewarding future. From boosting their employability in a real-life environment to increasing their confidence, apprenticeships have the capacity to kickstart young people’s careers – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds who are more likely to face barriers in the workplace.
In fact, according to the Social Mobility Commission, “apprenticeships are one of the most powerful and effective means of boosting social mobility amongst workers from less advantaged backgrounds.”
Here are just a few of the #SkillsForLife that apprenticeships offer young people.
More confidence in their abilities
The step from school or college to work is a big one, and this leaves many young people lacking in the confidence they need to reach their full potential. Apprenticeship programmes offer real work experience ease this transition by providing a safe, supportive environment for young people to become more self-confident.
As they take on real projects and work collaboratively with other professionals, young people on apprenticeships see for themselves what they’re capable of, learn more about their interests and skills, and become more motivated to continue learning and progressing.
A supercharged CV
Completing an apprenticeship allows young people to gain real life experience while they earn a qualification – developing employability skills like problem solving and creative thinking to decision making and industry-specific knowledge.
It also means when they finish their apprenticeship, they have solid experience to take into applications and interviews and really boost their chances of securing a job. In fact, according to the National Apprenticeship Service, 90% of apprentices stay on at their employer after completing their apprenticeship.
Networks that work for them
The interpersonal skills young people have the chance to build on an apprenticeship give them relationships with colleagues, managers and peers that can help them progress throughout their career and life. The connections they make on their course can lead to job opportunities, friendships and sources of support in the future.
Apprenticeship stories from our network
98% of Career Ready graduates go on to positive destinations, including apprenticeship programmes. Like Emily, who interned at PD Ports on the Career Ready programme and went on to become an apprentice.
“I have learned so much already on my apprenticeship. I have found that, for me, the best way of learning is on the job and I have managed projects whilst working across sites and with different colleagues. I am really enjoying the style of learning during my apprenticeship, being able to go to University part time then put into practice the theory that I learn is a brilliant way of developing both theory and practical knowledge.”
Hear from Lucy, who chose to do a degree apprenticeship at Manchester Metropolitan University below.
A number of students on the Career Ready programme have seen the benefits of gaining work experience firsthand through their paid internship, which led them to choose the apprenticeship route after finishing school or college.
“An internship has the ability to open so many doors for young people, because most of us don’t know what career we want to do. By having the opportunity to actually work for an organisation you can see whether it could be the career for you whilst also accessing priceless advice you may not get at school or college. From working as a labourer to now becoming an apprentice PM at one of the largest consultancies is something I never saw coming.” Woody, London
“I loved the administrative side of my role and being able to communicate with people all the time, and am now on a business admin apprenticeship!” Charlotte, East Midlands
And for others, who were initially set on the university route, their internship opened their eyes to the other options available to them.
“This experience has also shown me the variety of jobs and opportunities available – before my internship I was fixed on only the university route, but now I’m considering apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.” Sara, London
Apprenticeships are an incredible option for young people who want to earn while they learn and get their foot in the door to the world of work. To find out more about them and how to find one, head to our Apprenticeship Toolkit.
