Traditional Education, it’s just what people do! A pathway set for generations, weaving you through secondary school, college and onto university, where you enjoy your first sense of freedom. All this learning, with the aim of broadening your horizons, improving your future earning opportunities and all whilst building unforgettable life experiences.
Whilst we have no doubt that traditional learning still works for a huge proportion of the young adult population, we do question whether less conventional pathways such as apprenticeships are often overlooked without consideration due fear of veering off the beaten track and bucking tradition?
So, if this is you and you’re worried about taking the wrong turn, the Skills Group are here to set the record straight and guide you on the pathway to apprenticeship success. As a Devon based organisation with over 25 years delivering quality apprenticeship programmes across a range of sectors, we have a strong belief that apprentices might just be the real winners.
It’s fair to say College and University are nothing like a typical workplace. Of course, there are deadlines, you have to work hard and be ready to learn quickly, but there is a marked contrast between the classroom and a thriving work environment.
As an apprentice you get stuck straight into the working world, learning first-hand from those in your chosen sector, experiencing a thriving work environment and able to see tangible results from the work you deliver.
It’s even been reported that many employers will favour an apprentice over a graduate, due to their more practical experience and learning.
For many, there remains a strong belief that career progression is heavily influenced by whether you choose further education or not. The truth is, progression is all about you as an individual, your work ethic, and your ability to be proactive and deliver great work. When it comes to the progression of an apprentice, with many courses starting as young as 16, in the time it takes a traditional learner to complete their degree, there is room for course completion and numerous promotions, with many even reaching junior management roles by the time they reach their early 20’s.
The business you choose to work for as an apprentice will also play a significant role in your ability to progress. So, take your time to research and choose wisely.
Traditional learning doesn’t pay. For the majority this means relying on the bank of mum and dad, spending all of your spare time working to make ends meet or racking up student debt for 6-8 years depending on where your learning stops.
In contrast an apprentice earns while they learn, right from the day they start the course. The salary typically starts low with the minimum currently set at £5.28 per hour, but there are no limits to how and when this can increase. Not only are you earning an income and building financial independence, but as an apprentice you will benefit from a minimum of 20 days paid holiday per year.
If you think traditional learning is your gateway to higher earning potential, you’ve got it wrong. In fact, studies have shown that apprentices can earn up to 270% more over their lifetime than university graduates.. In this aspect apprentices really are winners!
Through traditional education pathways, you pick a course and are accessed in line with set criteria and objectives as defined by teachers and examining bodies.
In the world of apprenticeships, whilst classroom elements are broadly defined, your role in a business can be shaped and evolve around your needs and interests, making the experience more valuable and giving you more opportunities to thrive and progress in a job you love.
Traditional education pathways continue to offer thousands of course options, with options to study in the UK, study abroad, or even make the most of a growing number of online courses.
While ten years ago, apprenticeship opportunities would appear more limited with a focus on industries such as hairdressing, trades, childcare and business services, it’s fair to say things have come a long way. In 2023, the possibilities are truly endless as the popularity of apprenticeships continue to grow. Today there are even apprenticeships that could take you into outer space.
Whilst traditional learning pathways still play an important role for so many young learners, we hope we have given plenty of reasons to take a step off the beaten track and explore the excellent opportunities apprenticeships bring to you; the bright prospects of the future.
By Choosing an apprenticeship with the Skills Group, you can rest assured you are choosing quality and experience, whether you are considering an apprenticeship, full-time course or bespoke career development programmes. As a leading provider in the South West, we are committed to our outstanding learning support, state of the art facilities and our innovative approach to course delivery.