Top 5 Reasons to Choose an Apprenticeship

1. Money
No student debt, no university fees and getting paid to learn, its a win, win! Did you also know that the average university student racks up a debt of between £20,000 and £44,000 in student loans by the time they graduate?

2. Real World Experience
Experience in the real world of work, can often be deemed as more valuable than a degree and can often lead to quicker progression than your colleagues.

3. Anyone can become an Apprentice
It doesn’t matter on your age or qualifications, anyone can become an apprentice and with Skills Group you can start at any time!*

4. Achieve Nationally Recognised Qualifications
As part of each apprenticeship programme, you will work towards carefully selected industry-specific qualifications along with key skills, all of which will improve your employability and maximise your future career opportunities.

5. Support and Guidance
Throughout your time with us, you will be allocated a dedicated mentor who will liaise between yourself and your employer to provide advice and guidance and ensure your programme stays on track. Should you require additional support to complete your training, we also have a learner support team who can help to make your journey with us as smooth as possible.

*Some prior qualifications may exempt you from Government funding and will mean that you/your employer will have to make a larger contribution to your training.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School