If you enjoy doing practical work over studying and don't fancy spending at least three years working towards a degree, then maybe university isn't right for you, but an apprenticeship is. On the flipside, if you don't feel quite ready to enter the world of work and do enjoy studying (and believe that a degree would benefit your future career) then university might be the route for you. Benefits If you're the kind of person who wants to feel like you're proactively gaining skills yourself and taking strides forward in your development, while learning and earning at the same time, then apprenticeship programmes are something you should look into.
Higher apprenticeships (level four)
For these programmes, the required grades for entry are typically two A-levels or the equivalent of. A higher apprenticeship can be the equivalent of a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC).
A degree apprenticeship – has been available since September 2015. As the name suggests, on one of these programmes you’ll be able to work towards earning a degree while earning money and also not paying any fees. Many of these will go online in the autumn of 2016. See separate page on Degree Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships in London
As the British capital and the place where many of the world's largest companies have their headquarters, there's no question that London is a major hub for apprenticeships. Just some of the big names you could be end up working for include IBM, Accenture, Aon, the BBC and Capgemini, but the list goes on. Businesses want to take on young people like you as apprentices because it means they can bring in new talent and help you develop skills that they require and that can help you in your working life. There are more companies concentrated in the capital than in any other part of the UK, so it stands to reason that there are plenty of London apprenticeships that you can get involved in.
Check the requirements carefully:- IBM's higher apprenticeships require you to have at least 160 UCAS points in order to qualify, while Virgin Media's higher apprenticeship programme asks that you have two A-levels and five GCSEs (including English and Maths).
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
If there's an industry that you just know deep down inside you want to work in, then modern apprenticeship schemes can offer you the head start you need to get ahead of the competition and start learning key skills from a young age. In a nutshell, an apprenticeship is a stepping stone to help you reach employment – whether that's with the company you were an apprentice for, or another business where your skills are relevant and can be applied. Simply put, if you want to earn money for working but also continue to spend time developing your skills and understanding of a certain area of expertise, apprenticeships allow you to do just that. Alongside the fact that you're getting paid is the knowledge that you will be treated as a company employee, so you'll be entitled to holidays and annual leave. Gaining practical work experience while working with seasoned employees will allow you to soak up a wealth of knowledge. After all, you learn more by doing. Additionally, as you're just at the beginning of your career, you'll be expected to ask questions, so a support structure should be in place to help you learn. You may even be assigned a mentor to help you specifically. Studying and working at the same time can be a balancing act, but if you put in the time and effort at this stage in your life, you stand a good chance of reaping the rewards later down the line and standing in a stronger position than someone who just has the knowhow but no practical experience.
What industries offer apprenticeships?
Popular industries in which school leavers can find apprenticeships include consulting & IT services, manufacturing & engineering, professional services, pharmaceuticals & healthcare and financial services & banking, among others. https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/search/jobs
On the flipside, if you don't feel quite ready to enter the world of work and do enjoy studying (and believe that a degree would benefit your future career) then university might be the route for you.
Benefits
If you're the kind of person who wants to feel like you're proactively gaining skills yourself and taking strides forward in your development, while learning and earning at the same time, then apprenticeship programmes are something you should look into.
Higher apprenticeships (level four)
For these programmes, the required grades for entry are typically two A-levels or the equivalent of. A higher apprenticeship can be the equivalent of a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC).A degree apprenticeship – has been available since September 2015. As the name suggests, on one of these programmes you’ll be able to work towards earning a degree while earning money and also not paying any fees. Many of these will go online in the autumn of 2016. See separate page on Degree Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships in London
As the British capital and the place where many of the world's largest companies have their headquarters, there's no question that London is a major hub for apprenticeships. Just some of the big names you could be end up working for include IBM, Accenture, Aon, the BBC and Capgemini, but the list goes on.Businesses want to take on young people like you as apprentices because it means they can bring in new talent and help you develop skills that they require and that can help you in your working life.
There are more companies concentrated in the capital than in any other part of the UK, so it stands to reason that there are plenty of London apprenticeships that you can get involved in.
Check the requirements carefully:-
IBM's higher apprenticeships require you to have at least 160 UCAS points in order to qualify, while Virgin Media's higher apprenticeship programme asks that you have two A-levels and five GCSEs (including English and Maths).
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
If there's an industry that you just know deep down inside you want to work in, then modern apprenticeship schemes can offer you the head start you need to get ahead of the competition and start learning key skills from a young age.In a nutshell, an apprenticeship is a stepping stone to help you reach employment – whether that's with the company you were an apprentice for, or another business where your skills are relevant and can be applied.
Simply put, if you want to earn money for working but also continue to spend time developing your skills and understanding of a certain area of expertise, apprenticeships allow you to do just that.
Alongside the fact that you're getting paid is the knowledge that you will be treated as a company employee, so you'll be entitled to holidays and annual leave.
Gaining practical work experience while working with seasoned employees will allow you to soak up a wealth of knowledge. After all, you learn more by doing.
Additionally, as you're just at the beginning of your career, you'll be expected to ask questions, so a support structure should be in place to help you learn. You may even be assigned a mentor to help you specifically.
Studying and working at the same time can be a balancing act, but if you put in the time and effort at this stage in your life, you stand a good chance of reaping the rewards later down the line and standing in a stronger position than someone who just has the knowhow but no practical experience.
What industries offer apprenticeships?
Popular industries in which school leavers can find apprenticeships include consulting & IT services, manufacturing & engineering, professional services, pharmaceuticals & healthcare and financial services & banking, among others.https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/search/jobs