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Why an Apprenticeship Might Be Right for You

Published on: 24 Feb 2021

Skills for care

With A-level and GCSE results comes a lot of soul searching and decision making for year 11 and year 13 students across the country.

There are so many things to do with those results for post-16 year olds and one becoming more popular over the past few years is an apprenticeship.

With an apprenticeship you can start a new job, earn as you learn, progress in your career and, with an apprenticeship in social care, you can add the satisfaction of helping others to that list too!

If you are deciding what do next and think that full time education such as college or university may not be for you, here’s what you need to know about apprenticeships:

 

1. Most apprentices who successfully complete apprenticeships are offered permanent jobs

Apprenticeships are one of the very few career routes in which you can be offered a permanent job where you have trained. This takes out the panic of applying for different jobs after completing your training and qualifications.

Oliver was offered a permanent job after doing his apprenticeship. Read his story.

 

2. Most apprenticeships last around one to two years

Unlike degree courses, apprenticeships can last only one to two years. During this time you will earn a wage as well as studying.

 

3. Apprenticeships in social care are often flexible with the number of hours you work each week as well as the time of day you work – Care isn’t 9-5!

Social care is a 24 hour business and because of this, people who work in social care can often find work with flexible hours to fit in with their own lifestyle. This gives you the chance to ensure you can fit in and make studying a priority.

Stephanie chose flexible working whilst completing her apprenticeship. Read her story.

 

4. Apprentices ‘earn and learn,’ gaining new skills and nationally recognised qualifications

The main attraction of an apprenticeship is the fact that you are studying whilst earning a wage too. This is perfect as you can focus on what you are interested in and can put your knowledge into practice. You will gain qualifications which can be transferred to different roles and even to different sectors.

Danielle thought that her apprenticeship was a perfect combination of work and study, whilst earning a salary. Read her story.

 

5. Apprenticeships are not just for young people, they’re open to everyone from 16 upwards

This is a common myth about apprenticeships that needs to be corrected. Anyone over the age of 16 can be an Apprentice. In fact, many people think it is a great way to learn or update qualifications for a new role or a nice step into returning to work.

Arceli was 40 years old when she started her social care apprenticeship. Read her story.

 

6. There are more than 25 types of apprenticeships in the social care sector including manager roles

These include: care worker, personal assistant, technician and activities worker or coordinator.

Find more job roles in social care here.

 

7. There are three levels of apprenticeships: intermediate, advanced and higher

Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships are available depending on your skills, experience and qualifications. The higher apprenticeship is designed for managers and senior practitioners. It is possible to work through all three and then if you wish on to a degree!

 

8. Adult social care is a growing sector and one that offers increasing opportunities for progression; many Apprentices go on to take up management and leadership roles

The adult social care sector currently employs 1.5 million people, and by 2030, Skills for Care estimate that another 500,000 jobs and people could be needed to meet England’s growing social care demands.

Here more about being an apprentice with our meet the apprentices videos.