What are the advantages of doing an apprenticeship?

• Earning while learning means you'll be able to avoid incurring student debts.
• You’ll get the chance to practice your existing skills in a professional, working environment. Most university students don’t get this opportunity.
  
• Apart from gaining new practical skills you'll also have the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications.
• You'll receive consistent support from experienced company workers and supervisors which will help you learn and develop your confidence.
• Working as an apprentice will enable you to build links within the industry. This will strengthen your career prospects.

Did you know...

• The National Minimum Wage for apprentices increased to £2.60 per hour on 1 October. However, research shows that many employers prefer to pay more – an average apprentice salary is £170 per week.
• 85,000 companies offer apprenticeships, in over 130,000 locations. There are more than 200 different types of apprenticeships available in the UK with over 1,200 job roles on offer.
• 83% of employers that employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers they need for their company’s future.
• One in five employers is hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate.