Adrian Grove, Business Development Director of leading national Recruitment and Training Solutions Provider, Qube Learning, offers advice on what Apprenticeships are, how to apply for an Apprenticeship and their benefits.

‘Being part of such an organisation, I regularly see individuals working passionately to carve out a brighter future for themselves, and an Apprenticeship allows anyone, from any background, at any age, to sign up. With National Apprenticeship Week here, we as a nation are championing this less conventional route into learning, and below is an insight into what they entail.’

What is an Apprenticeship?

• An Apprenticeship is designed to enhance your level of competency and confidence, allowing you to up-skill within your current role by developing your practical skills and knowledge.
• Apprenticeships offer you a practical alternative to university, and a fast route into a career of your choice. They provide you with a number of great, tangible benefits, whether you are an existing employee in a business, or someone who has just left school or college.
• They are a 16+ programme for people that know what type of work they want to do, but need skills, knowledge, and experience in the workplace.
• An Apprenticeship can lead to pretty much any type of career and is a great way for someone to work their way up.
• Apprenticeships start at Level 2 and go up to a Level 7. The stages in between are suitable for different levels of experience.
• You get paid while on an Apprenticeship, and this applies to all levels.

What are the benefits?

• Your training will either be funded by your Employer or through a co-investment between the government and your Employer, which means you can avoid the large debts associated with going to university.
• Earning a wage as you learn new skills plus paid holidays, plus bank holidays
• Receiving practical, on-the-job work experience that will put you ahead of the competition.
• Gaining knowledge of how your chosen industry works, to see whether it is really what you want to pursue as a career.
• Gaining a nationally recognised qualification, which is highly attractive to your current and future employers.
• Working alongside experienced staff and taking a fast route into a career with good prospects.
• Learning at a pace suited to your individual needs, with the support of a mentor.
• Rising through the ranks quicker. Surveys show that employers recognise and value Apprentices that are hard working.

Some of the sectors Apprenticeships cover, include:

• Digital and Technology.
• Clinical Care and Nursing.
• Warehousing and Transport.
• Retail and Customer Service.
• Financial Management and Accountancy.
• Building, and all associated ‘Trades’.
• Administration and HR.
• Catering and Hospitality.

How to apply

• Before you apply for an Apprenticeship, take some time to really think about the industry you would like to work in, as well as who you want to work for.
• Search for Apprenticeships on employers’ websites or register your interest with your chosen Training Provider or FE College.
• If you really want to boost your application, there’s nothing wrong with contacting the Employer, to ask about the Apprenticeship scheme they are running. It may help you set yourself apart from other applicants.
• Once you’ve got a good grasp of what’s required for the Apprenticeship you’re applying for, you can then put together a CV, which focuses on your achievements and relevant skills.
• A well-written cover letter can go a long way to helping your application stand out. Once the above steps have been done, just press apply!

Qube Learning is proud to be an OFSTED grade 2 (Good) Recruitment and Training Solutions Provider, that works with hundreds of Employers across the country, to deliver a range of training and qualifications to a multitude of Students. If you are interested in finding out more about the positive opportunities an Apprenticeship or Traineeship can bring, through Qube Vision and eLearning, either as a Student or an Employer, then speak with the experts at Qube Learning.

If you are interested in finding out more about the positive opportunities a Traineeship or Apprenticeship bring, speak with the experts at Qube Learning. Email:  [email protected] Telephone: 01235 833838