Discover the dynamic world of apprenticeships – a gateway to diverse career avenues, showcased at Step Up Expo this June at Olympia, London.
Delve into the realm of Apprenticeships – a remarkable alternative pathway to traditional university routes.
Gone are the days when vocational paths were solely for the pragmatically inclined. Today, modern apprenticeships stand as robust, esteemed options, often outshining conventional academic trajectories. This comprehensive guide clarifies the essence of apprenticeships and helps discern whether they align with your child’s aspirations.
Let’s debunk some misconceptions:
Myth 1: Apprenticeships are for those who fall short of university admission.
False!
Apprenticeships are not fallbacks for academic underachievers. They epitomise a hands-on approach to industry entry, enabling learners to pursue qualifications while actively engaging in their chosen field. Consider a prospective accountant: they could pursue a traditional degree path or opt for an apprenticeship, gaining practical experience alongside qualification attainment. Both avenues lead to the same destination, each offering distinct merits.
Refer to the solicitor profile in the Unifrog Careers library for insights from an apprentice solicitor.
Myth 2: Degree holders supersede apprentices in workplace promotions.
Also false!
Both pathways furnish students with the requisite skills and knowledge for career success, with no inherent favouritism from employers (unless a profession mandates specific degrees, such as veterinary science or education). Industries like art, sales, and construction value hands-on experience, facilitating swifter career progression for apprenticeship graduates or those with industry-immersed degrees.
Research by the Sutton Trust reveals that top apprentices can potentially earn £52,000 more than graduates from non-elite universities over their lifetimes!
Myth 3: You can’t pursue both.
Another misconception!
Apprenticeships and degrees aren’t mutually exclusive. They can be pursued at various life stages, either sequentially or concurrently. Enter degree apprenticeships: a hybrid model where students earn a degree while working in a related field, offering unparalleled versatility albeit in select industries.
Unifrog users can leverage the Apprenticeships Shortlisting tool to explore and compare live opportunities in their vicinity.
An apprenticeship might resonate with your child if…
They yearn to earn while they learn.
They thrive in hands-on learning environments.
They prioritise substantial CV-building experiences.
An apprenticeship might NOT align with your child if…
They prefer scholarly research and academia.
Their desired career lacks an apprenticeship pathway.
They seek the quintessential ‘university experience’.
