National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is the 16th annual celebration of apprenticeships, taking place from February 6th-12th. Bringing together businesses, apprentices, and students from all across the country, this year, the focus is on skills for life. The week will focus on how apprenticeships create rewarding careers, talented workforces, and an improved economy. Did you know that businesses report an average increase in productivity worth £214 a week when they hire apprentices?
There are apprenticeships available in almost every sector you can think of: from business, to engineering, to nursing. Most learning takes place through on-the-job training, whilst working towards a qualification at the same time. Receive a salary, work alongside experienced staff, and get dedicated study time throughout the week too - what’s not to like?
There are a few different levels of apprenticeships. Intermediate apprenticeships (Level 2) are equivalent to GCSE standard, advanced apprenticeships (Level 3) are equivalent to 2 A-level passes, higher apprenticeships (Level 4 and 5) are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate/foundation year, and degree apprenticeships (Level 6 and 7) are equivalent to an undergraduate/master’s degree. They can take anywhere between one and five years to complete, and options afterward remain open (including completing an apprenticeship at a higher level, attending university, or getting a job with a current/new employer).
To be considered for an apprenticeship programme in England, you must be aged 16 or over. Entry requirements vary depending on the role, but above all, employers will be looking for a willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills.
To learn more about the apprenticeship opportunities available, the ‘Get Into’ Apprenticeships panel is a great place to start. Network with industry professionals (such as Google, KMPG, and PwC) and tune into a Q&A session, on Thursday 9th February in London (or through a live stream!). The link to register is: https://pathwayctm.com/event/get-into-apprenticeships-national-apprenticeship-week/
Alternatively, the biannual publication of the Higher & Degree listing explores over 320 apprenticeship vacancies. The link is: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/higher-degree-listing/
Happy browsing!
References:
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-your-education-and-training-choices/apprenticeship