Apprenticeships – the alternative to university
Nilima and Jessicainvestigate why more young people are returning to this once popular option.
Many young people are considering apprenticeships. In the light of recent statistics, employers have realised that many students are now choosing apprenticeships instead of university and are trying their hardest to recruit them. We interviewed Neale –Wade Academy’s Career Adviser, Miss Helen Parks.
She said: “Apprenticeships are more popular now. They are a more recognised qualification and many students choose them to avoid high university fees. It means young adults and students don’t have to worry about being in debt.
“There is now an opportunity to get into higher apprenticeships and more students are taking these. We have more companies coming to us looking for students to pursue apprenticeships. There are various types available: business, administrative and many others that weren’t available previously. They are becoming more popular now because of the availability.”
The adviser went on to say, “The big thing students need to know is that we can guide them to the opportunities but they must go out and apply for them. They must be the ones who go and hand in the CV’s, contact the employer and go out and do the apprenticeship.”
Vice-Principal Mrs Mandley said: “There are many more students nowadays applying for an apprenticeship than before. We’re seeing double digits. Students usually go to college at the end of year 11 and university at the end of year 13.”
For apprenticeships, she suggested that having “Good work skills and a work based qualification” could help in the workplace.
University can seem like a daunting step for students. By having an apprenticeship, you “are not securing a debt” and you can be worry- free from such expenses.
Which is better - an apprenticeship or university? Her advice was: “You should look for both. I think they both have their merits. You should research both before deciding.”
We also conducted a telephone interview with an ex- Neale Wade student Kirsty who has secured an apprenticeship with local company 3B Design and Print. Her apprenticeship was a Level 3 qualification in Digital Printing (pre-press and artwork).
Q We asked, “Do you think you have made the right choice?”
A “Yes, 100%”
Q “How do you compare yourself to other students at university?”
“I have more money and a job I enjoy and I don’t have to sit in a lecture and learn about it.”
Q “Are you enjoying the apprenticeship? Is it everything you expected it to be?”
A “Yes, it is. I get to come in everyday to a job I enjoy and carry out a job role.”
As a concluding question, we asked her: “What advice would you give to students considering an apprenticeship?”
“Look into it- it could be worth your while. You learn skills every day.”
If you are considering an apprenticeship, ask your school’s career adviser or thoroughly research your preferences. It could make a difference.
Today, Neale-Wade Academy was visited by the Apprenticeship bus (SignPost2Skills) provided by PROMARCO which is based in Dudley.
It’s the first time that the Apprenticeship bus has journeyed into town reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to apprenticeship programmes. It launched last Friday in Huntingdon, moving on to Peterborough on Sunday.
The company has been receiving a positive reaction from most students.
The bus hosts a mixture of providers, colleges and businesses. These include: British Sugar, The A14 Project, working pensions, Steadfast training, the skills service and finally, the College of West Anglia. Leaflets containing information on many professions and where to receive the training were available to students.
