Concerned parents we’ve got you. Here at the Skills Group, with 25 years’ experience helping 15–18-year-olds take their first steps into the world of work, we understand that as a parent you want the best for your child’s future.
Today, we aim to answer some of your most pressing questions when it comes to supporting your child in exploring the world of apprenticeships.
So, if your child has mentioned apprenticeships and you are undecided if this is a decision that will give them the best opportunities for success, read on because we’ve got some of the answers you’ve been looking for.
An apprenticeship is a unique educational pathway that combines practical work experience with structured learning. It provides your child with the opportunity to earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience in a real work environment. They’ll receive training and mentorship from experienced professionals while working towards industry-recognised qualifications.
As apprenticeships continue to develop momentum, with increased popularity and government backing, there are more apprenticeship providers than ever before. Make sure you do your research and work with a long-established provider with a reputation for quality. Apprenticeships are about so much more than learning and it really does pay to choose a provider with a strong track-record for success.
In short no. The qualifications you get as part of an apprenticeship will not be the same as A Levels, BTECS and degrees, however, they are qualifications respected and recognised by industries and employers. In fact, with apprenticeships offering a powerful combination of practical experience and structured learning, employers are increasingly starting to value this blend more and even preferring to recruit apprentices over graduates.
At the Skills Group, we understand most people who choose an apprenticeship pathway didn’t enjoy traditional learning or education. This is why we work hard to make the experience feel unique and different, creating nurturing and interactive learning environments.
So, whilst there’s no getting away from the learning, it is possible to choose an apprenticeship provider that does things differently.
Apprenticeships are an excellent pathway to kickstart a successful career for your child. Through apprenticeships, they’ll gain industry-specific skills, a solid work ethic, and a network of professionals. This combination equips them with a strong foundation and opens doors to a range of exciting career opportunities. Many apprenticeship graduates go on to secure permanent positions within their apprenticeship companies or use their experience as a steppingstone to pursue further education or entrepreneurship.
At the Skills Group we take great pride in the support we provide, working with apprentices through all stages of apprenticeships and beyond. We are proud to have the opportunity to catch up and revisit the stories of many of our apprentices. Taking great pride in all they have achieved and inspiring the next generation.
Apprenticeships have come a long way over the years, so much so that today with the right role your son or daughter could have the potential to earn far in excess of graduates and become financially independent much earlier in their career. Studies have shown that apprentices can earn up to 270% more over their lifetime than university graduates. They also have the ability to define how their role develops. Starting in a junior role in most cases gives apprentices a unique opportunity to develop lots of skills and really get to know the work they enjoy and where they would most like to progress.
Whilst earning potential and opportunities for progression are defined by the work ethic and ambition of the individual. As an apprenticeship provider, we pride ourselves on the attention we pay to employer selection and the support we provide throughout to make sure every apprentice has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Your chosen apprenticeship provider should be on hand with all the information and support your child requires, providing valuable introductions to industries they are looking to work in.
In addition to this, if you choose to study with The Skills Group, as a provider we pride ourselves on taking this support one step further. With our specialist Study Programmes, you will have the opportunity to try out the learning and understand the industries you are looking to work in before you go out to an employer. This aims to build up basic knowledge and most importantly give your child confidence before getting started.
As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about the support available to your child during their apprenticeship journey. Rest assured; apprenticeships with the Skills Group come with a robust support system. Your child will have access to mentors, trainers, coindinators and fellow apprentices who provide advice, guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their apprenticeship. There are also frameworks in place to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.
At Skills Group we provide a diverse range of support options tailored to an individual’s needs. From learning support, through to SEND (Specialist education needs and disabilities) and other specialist support, we have trained professionals available across all our courses.
With increased popularity and significant government backing, the world of apprenticeships continues to thrive and grow, so much so, that there is now a course for just about everything. The great news is that the future is looking even brighter, with the government set to invest an additional 126 million in apprenticeships in the very near future; encouraging more businesses to consider recruiting an apprentice, paving the way for even more opportunity.
As an apprenticeship provider with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, we are delighted to see apprenticeships get such positive recognition and the funding they deserve.
By exploring the world of apprenticeships and considering the Skills Group as your chosen provider, your child can discover their passions, gain practical skills, and embark on a fulfilling career journey. So, embrace the possibilities, encourage their curiosity, and support them as they navigate this exciting educational path.
If you’re interested in exploring the opportunity of an apprenticeship with the Skills Group or if you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly Skills Group Team who will be able to help you on the next steps of your journey. Call us on – 01752 332 442 or email enquiries@skillsgroupuk.com