APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprentices in action
Nic Robinson
discusses the
increasing
Coping with
popularity of
Apprenticeships. We also
hear the stories of three
the downturn
successful apprentices
ITHIN THE UK, academic
W
qualifications are commonly
viewed as an obvious path
to follow after school, with
A levels and university
degrees often a natural route
of progression for many
young people.
However, with the current economic crisis we Hands-on education: Apprentices Alyson
are experiencing in the UK, the government is now Meikle and Neil Harper have been learning
recognising the need for skilled workers. their trades on the job
Apprenticeships gain not only transferable and
practical skills, but they also have the benefit of being thing about Apprenticeships – you benefit from both the decided to organise my own competition, which was I would advise other potential apprentices not to feel
able to earn a salary while training. encouragement of an employer as well as your tutor. This held in the salon I work in. intimidated. I must admit that I was really nervous
Employers are realising that Apprenticeships can puts you in good stead for employment and for things The theme was pixies and fairies and I styled about retraining and was not sure if I would be able
positively impact on their businesses as they help like industry competitions. My college training combined the models hair and clothing around this theme to complete the key skills aspect of the course –
to ensure that employees entering their industry are with work-based training allowed me to perfect what I while competing against two of my colleagues. The fortunately the trainers were so helpful and incredibly
competently trained. had learned, as it really has to be practised in salons on a competition required a great deal of organisation and co- supportive. I enjoyed my learning experience so much
With 80 sectors that learners can pursue an daily basis to refine skills most effectively.” ordination and had I not been doing an Apprenticeship that I am thinking of doing a higher level day release
Apprenticeship in and 180 career options, there is huge I would not have considered planning something like course to build on my current skills.” SecEd
scope in terms of job opportunities and all interests are
Neil Harper, 23, carpentry
this. I gained some really useful skills, not only relating
catered for. “When I finished school I took an Apprenticeship to to the industry I work in, but also everyday employment • Nic Robinson is director of business development at
Apprenticeships are now seen as a valuable way to train as a chef. I worked full-time in a hotel restaurant skills. awarding body VTCT.
secure future job prospects. Some students may feel and went on day release to college. While I was at For some people who are not as academic as others,
disengaged by classroom-based, academic study and school, I realised that I particularly enjoyed the more they may view going back to college or having to
Further information
prefer to choose work-based learning. practical lessons and knew I would not personally be learn things such as key skills as daunting. However www.apprenticeships.org.uk
General Apprenticeships are equivalent to five suited to an academic course. I spoke to my teacher
GCSEs, with the learner accumulating a qualification and they informed me of my options for what I
such as an NVQ Level 2, key skills, and on some could do after school – my teacher was extremely
courses, a relevant technical certificate. knowledgeable and so I felt as though I pursued my
The Advanced Apprenticeships are equal to two Apprenticeship from a fully informed position.
A level qualifications and apprentices will gain a My teachers offered me guidance, explaining how
work-based qualification such as an NVQ Level 3, key Apprenticeships work and suggested ways of finding
skills, and again, in some cases, a relevant technical an employer to take me on. I found my employer
certificate. myself after contacting local businesses and luckily
The government is so keen to push the Apprenticeship one hotel agreed to employ me as an apprentice. It was
scheme that it has recently launched a major marketing really enjoyable and I worked as a chef for several years
SecEddigital
campaign, comprising online, television, radio and gaining advantageous skills and knowledge daily – both
press advertising, and featuring Sir Alan Sugar. The in my role at work and at college.
government is also providing an additional 35,000 However, after a few years of working in the
apprenticeship places in 2009/10. hospitality and restaurant industry, I decided that I
UK education news, best practice features,
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the wanted to try something new and different. As my
the very best comment and opinion – All to
age of 16 and best of all are free, with the Learning and first Apprenticeship was so rewarding and effective at
Skills Council financing training. providing me with the necessary skills, I decided that
your email, All for free – Register now!
In addition to Apprenticeships carrying no fees, from this is the route I would take again.
August 2009, apprentices must be paid a minimum of I am now training on the job to work as a carpenter
£95 a week. In fact, according to research, apprentices which I am thoroughly enjoying. I again attend college
can actually earn a weekly wage totalling an average one day a week and the rest of the time is spent in full- You can:
of £170. time work. I take home a weekly salary of £300.
With the UK currently facing a skills shortage It has been the best solution for me because I love
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despite mass redundancies taking place, it is important keeping active and I could not spend all week sitting in
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that teachers are aware of this route of training and are a classroom. Apprenticeships are so positive because
able to inform teenagers of the opportunities available they enable those who might not be suited to academic
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as an apprentice. study to further their skills and knowledge, and offer an
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alternative option.
Jon Di Francesco, 17, hairdressing
My Apprenticeship has increased my confidence • Search the latest teaching jobs
“Taking up an Apprenticeship was the best option for hugely by making me feel like I am improving all
me because I benefited from receiving a wage. I really the time, and setting myself up for the future. When I
enjoyed the practical element of learning and I wanted complete my training, I get to walk away knowing that I
to get stuck in and start working on clients straight possess valuable skills and have the capability of doing
away. I am an extremely hands-on person and find it a well-respected and constructive job.
hard to sit down for too long – training as an apprentice In the UK, vocational training such as NVQs are
is invaluable because you have the opportunity to learn sometimes not as respected in comparison with a
If you want to receive
on the job, rather than sitting down in a classroom. university degree. Yet Apprenticeships provide good job
I also feel that the training I undertook prepared me security and future career prospects because apprentices
SecEddigital free
for every eventuality. I felt so confident in the skills I obtain practical skills required to work in a particular
every week, email
had gained that I decided to enter the UK Hairdresser of industry. The added bonus of being an apprentice is
the Year competition, which is a really tough contest. that you are prepared and aware of what full-time
editor@sec-ed.co.uk
I initially had to submit a portfolio of my work employment entails and therefore do not get the shock
to date and the judges then shortlisted six people that some people with no experience might get.”
from the large number that entered. The second part
entailed completing a final look in 30 minutes in front
Alyson Meikle, 23, hairdressing
of judges and spectators, followed by an interview “I was already working as a hairdresser and had completed
where I gave a presentation and answered questions. my NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing qualification. I was then
We then presented our models and the winner was approached by a training provider and decided to take the
announced. When they announced my name I was so Level 3 NVQ in hairdressing. The great thing with this
overwhelmed – I still cannot describe how I feel! training is that I was able to do it in the salon and was not
My experience working in the salon, in addition to the required to attend college – instead an assessor would visit
college training I acquired as part of my Apprenticeship, me in the salon once every month.
prepared me for this competition and provided me with I really enjoyed my Apprenticeship and found that it
the relevant skills required to excel in my field. Without inspired me to think creatively and imaginatively. Part
having the support of both my employer and tutors I of my assessment towards the Apprenticeship involved
could not have achieved what I did. That is the wonderful having to participate in a competition, but instead I
DigitalAd copy 3.indd 1 18/11/08 09:47:12
SecEd • May 7 2009 15
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