Picture this. You’ve decided to pursue a career in tech and you’re wondering what the next steps are.
After reading online, you’re aware that competition is tough and you’re going to need to develop your skillset and knowledge before you become successful in your career.
Although you understand the type of sector you’d like to work in, you don’t have adequate experience to get your foot through the door with an employer. You've heard about an apprenticeship but you're not sure what it involves.
If you've just started out in tech and you're wondering whether an apprenticeship is the right route for you, don't worry.
Below, we will cover a list of all the benefits and cons of doing an apprenticeship.
PROS
#1 – Paid on the job
Firstly, an apprenticeship is a paid job that offers hands-on work experience, allowing you to earn why you learn.
Although the wage isn’t often high to start with, some employers often pay higher than the standard rate.
#2 – You’ll gain a qualification
At the end of the course, you’ll receive a nationally recognised qualification.
Apprenticeship levels vary from intermediate to a degree equivalent. Although some may require little experience, others require a previous qualification such as English or Maths GCSE.
Alongside training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours learning in a classroom. This will gain them a nationally recognised qualification.
#3 – Gain industry experience
Whether you want to start a career in computing or technology, an apprenticeship is a great way to gain experience.
Many employers favour real-life experience over qualifications, so this will allow you to demonstrate key industry knowledge and network with other key partners.
In terms of eligibility, it is available to anyone over the age of 16 in England who is not in full-time education.
#4 – Develop your skillset
An apprenticeship is a great way to understand more about your preferences and whether you are right for a certain career path.
It could be that you enjoy the theory behind computing, but you don’t like the projects you are working on in an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are a great way to shadow all areas of a business.
#5 – Gain confidence
Starting out in any career is difficult, especially in digital.
During an apprenticeship, you will be exposed to all areas of the business, meaning you will gain a full scope of the industry.
This provides a perfect example for future employers of work-based experience and evidence of knowledge.
CONS
#1 – You could limit your options
One potential risk of undertaking an apprenticeship is limiting your options.
For example, if you choose to pursue an apprenticeship in computing early in your career, you may feel pressured to go into one industry.
Before pursuing any apprenticeship, it’s important that you do some research to understand more about the profession and if this is the right industry for you.
That said, you can leave an apprenticeship at any stage. If you decide it’s not for you, then there is no obligation to finish the course.
#2 – Wage
Despite being paid a salary, apprentices typically start on a low salary.
This may be slightly lower than other roles, however, the benefit of an apprenticeship is that it can lead to further opportunities upon completion.
#3 – Commitment
An apprenticeship depends solely on the cooperation between the apprentice and the employer. If you are not fully committed to the job, it will show.
As an apprentice, you must be prepared to give it your all, show enthusiasm and ask questions where possible.
#4 – Extra responsibility
Going into an apprenticeship means you get to experience real-life work and deal with key stakeholders.
Although this may be a fantastic opportunity to show how keen you are, it is an added pressure to be prepared for.
#5 – Holiday allowance
Apprentices have a national holiday allowance of 5.6 weeks per year if they are employed full-time.
In comparison to university, this is significantly less time off in a calendar year.
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Is an Apprenticeship Right for Me?
Now that we’ve covered all the pros and cons of an apprenticeship, you should hopefully have a better idea of whether it is right for you.
Starting out on any career path is scary. However, before making any decisions about your career, the best thing to do is research. This involves researching the type of company you'd like to work for, where they are based and the type of apprenticeships they offer.
We are here to support you in your journey. Good luck!
