Earn While You Learn - Benefits of being an Apprentice

Truth about apprenticeships

What is the truth about apprenticeships and how do they benefit your future and support you as a person? I’m going to share my story and how I got my apprenticeship which was the best decision I have made for my career.

I was attending sixth form for four months, but by the second month I already knew it wasn’t for me. I continued to study with the thought that it would be over before I knew it, I’d have A-Levels to show for the time I spent there, however I couldn’t hold out. Did I want to go to university? Was it time for a change and to move on from the school that I had attended at for five years? I wanted to do something more worthwhile; which is when I begun my search for an apprenticeship.

After a lot of research I decided that I wanted to do a LVL 2 Business and Administration apprenticeship. I searched for apprenticeships on job boards, google, social media until I found one that suited and benefited me the most. I went through the interview process and soon found out that I’d be working at McCall! I was very happy to hear that I would be starting something new,  something that I really had an interest in!

So how do they benefit you?

Being an apprentice is a brilliant way of being able to combine your hands-on work with your studies. You have one side; the practical work which is your job role working for your company, and the other i.e. your studies - the coursework you do yourself. What better way to gain experience and a qualification at the same time?!

You don’t have to sit in a silent room writing thousands of words for an essay… but you can be practical with your job, and you have set times to fit in your coursework (usually spread over a month) so you have plenty of time to get it done.  So benefit one, completing the course at your own pace with on-the-job training.

Another benefit of being an apprentice is becoming more confident. This is a great way to build up your confidence in the workplace. Speaking to/ meeting new people, having your own responsibilities and making new friends is a big benefit for your future. Confidence is KEY.

Benefit three; excellent progression opportunities. Start small, but build your way up! By putting this experience behind you, you have more chance to progress,both within your company and also by continuing on to your level 2,3 etc.

Earn while you learn. The more incentive you have while you complete your study, the more you want to continue doing it. Apprentices are earning after all – not getting a large debt!

Finally, benefit four; learning the key skills employers are looking for. By being in the workplace while studying, you generally pick up the skills that future employers look for in a candidate, as well as experience in the roles that you’ve taken on.

So far, I love being an Apprentice!