• Tuesday 09/02/21 theguardian.com/apprenticeships Employers on Creative thinking How the Covid why hiring an around recruiting pandemic apprentice makes talent in media changed school- business sense and advertising leavers’ plans page 5 page 14-15 page 21 Apprenticeships

‘Everyone I spoke to said renewables are the future’ The boom in green jobs page 6-7 onohoe D ndy ndy A SUPPORTED BY photograph: The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian 2 Apprenticeships Explained 3 Apprenticeships

Inside Apprenticeships The Covid effect

The number of people starting Page 10 Hairdressing How to reach the top in the profession apprenticeships has dropped due to the Apprenticeships pandemic, but many employers are keen Page 11 Degree apprenticeships to resume recruitment as soon as possible, Study to a higher-level with no debt and the theme for this year’s national Page 13 Disability; plus comment hit hard, but well apprenticeship week (8-14 February) is Employers need to make adjustments, “Build the Future”. Our cover story looks but the benefits run both ways at exciting career paths in renewable What are An apprenticeship is a chance Page 14-15 Diversity and inclusion placed to recover they? to earn and learn. Those aged energy and we hear from apprentices in How the media industry is benefitting a wide range of jobs, from hospitality and from wider-recruitment programmes 16 or over are trained for hairdressing to space engineering. You work, combining hands-on Page 16 Living at home Apprenticeships have been Barking, Essex, furloughed 26 of his experience while studying, can do an apprenticeship in almost any Tips for home-working and studying team, including two apprentices. profession – there are 150,000 employers cut back by the pandemic, “Business dropped considerably, gaining qualifications and, currently offering apprenticeships across Page 17 What I wished I’d known … but many are predicting they but we were fortunate not to importantly, getting paid. Former apprentices review their careers will play a key part in the close completely,” John says. “We There are apprenticeships for more than 170 industries, so why not have encouraged our apprentices to a look at what’s on offer? Page 19 Space industry post-Covid economic rebuild keep training online with Harlow more than 1,500 roles, from A look at a UK sector all set for takeoff College, and we extended their graphic design and floristry to apprenticeship period so they construction, accounting, and Page 4 Funding Page 21 How Covid changed plans Jenny Little can complete their studies. After How employers can cover training costs School-leavers on swapping uni for lockdown, we got everyone back to social care. There is no upper apprenticeships during the pandemic work who wanted to come back.” age limit for training. Page 5 View from employers hen the Collings’ business has always Why apprentices are good for business Page 22-23 Unusual apprenticeships This content is coronavirus employed two apprentices at any supported by Who pays How businesses pay for Ten lesser-known careers and trades sent Britain into given time and he believes in youth Barclays. To find for them? apprentices depends on their Page 6-7 Green jobs out more about lockdown last training. But, reluctantly, he could The renewable energy sector is booming Page 25 Law training supported by March, John not increase his headcount in 2020, size. Companies with payroll content, visit – making it a great place to start a career Making a legal career more accessible theguardian.com/ Collings had to so held off hiring new apprentices of more than £3m a year pay supported-content Wtell half of his staff to stay at home. last summer. He is not alone. Covid- the apprenticeship levy, a tax Page 9 Hospitality Page 27 Did you know …? The boss of Online Lubricants, a 19 has hit the jobs market hard and Jobs in the UK’s third-biggest sector Surprising facts about apprenticeships commercial oils supplier based in apprenticeships have suffered. of 0.5% of their pay bill. Firms below the levy threshold pay 5% of training costs directly to the training provider; the government covers the rest. Small employers with fewer than 50 members of staff have all costs paid if they hire 16 to 18-year-olds. There were almost 743,000 people Last summer, the government ▲ The Institute for Apprenticeships What • Level 2 6 & 7 (Higher) participating in apprenticeships announced incentive payments for and Technical Education has moved educational (Intermediate) – foundation in England in 2018/19, with almost employers hiring new apprentices some assessments online in response – GCSE degree and levels 394,000 new starts that year. But between August last year and to Covid photograph: Getty above reaction to the pandemic crisis March 2021 – £2,000 for apprentices are they • Level 3 was swift. Six out of 10 employers between 16 and 24 and £1,500 for “However, many employers equivalent (Advanced) • Levels 6 & stopped all new apprenticeships those over the age of 25. But Lizzie plan to resume recruitment as to? – A-level 7 (Degree) – when the coronavirus took hold, Crowley, skills adviser for the soon as possible and want to use bachelor’s or research in May from the Association Chartered Institute of Personnel apprentices as a key part of their • Levels 4, 5, master’s degree of Employment and Learning and Development, warns this is Covid-19 recovery plans. The Providers found. Apprenticeship not enough. “Anecdotally, we hear institute has rolled out measures How long A full-time apprenticeship starts for 2019/20 were down 18% employers saying they need triple supporting more online learning and do they take? involves working 30 hours a on the year before, government data that amount,” she says. assessment, enabling apprentices in December showed. And between Jennifer Coupland, chief to continue training and complete week, plus one day of study – March and July 2020, 1,033 people executive of the Institute for their apprenticeships despite at university, college, or online. in England were withdrawn from Apprenticeships and Technical the pandemic.” Most apprenticeships will take apprenticeship programmes because Education (IFAteched), insists there Collings remains committed they had been made redundant, is reason for hope. “The number to investing in young talent, between one and four years to according to figures obtained from of people starting apprenticeships hiring 10 youngsters under the complete, depending on the the Education and Skills Funding halved over the first national government’s new Kickstart level of the apprenticeship, Agency. lockdown and we’re still waiting scheme, which offers six-month Small firms have found it to see the impact of the continuing paid work placements to out-of- the student’s abilities and particularly hard to retain apprentice restrictions,” she says. work people aged up to 24. He also the industry. numbers. Chinara Rustamova, the hopes to welcome new apprentices Federation of Small Businesses’ ‘The number of as soon as the circumstances around How much Apprentices are entitled to senior policy adviser, explains: “The Covid-19 improve. do they pay? the national minimum wage, coronavirus negatively affected apprenticeship “Since the pandemic, two of our apprenticeships in small businesses, existing employees have started which starts at £4.15 and rises with many putting off plans to starts halved over the higher level apprenticeships to to £8.72 an hour, depending hire new staff. The government’s first lockdown and improve their leadership skills,” he on your age and year of recent initiatives on apprenticeship says. “And we’re working with the incentives and measures to aid the we’re still waiting to Jo Richardson community school in apprenticeship. However, sharing of apprenticeship levy funds see the impact’ Dagenham to find our new Kickstart many employers offer more with small firms down supply chains recruits and hope to retain some than the minimum. mark an important step forward. of those trainees. It’s good for the That said, the incentives won’t help business and society. A belief in SMEs struggling with cashflow here Jennifer Coupland workplace training is hard-wired By Jenny Little and now.” CEO, IFAteched into me.” The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian 4 Apprenticeships 5 ▼ Employers who hire an apprentice aged 16-24 between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 can claim £2,000 photograph: Getty September, during a speech during his visit to further education college Funding Exeter College in Devon, Boris Johnson announced that changes Employers were coming. Investing in training is “We will be expanding apprenticeships, reforming the system so that unspent funds can about to become easier be used more easily to support ‘It’s proved to be apprenticeships – not just in big companies, but in the SMEs where there is so much potential for job Employers can claim Plan for Jobs, employers who hire creation,” he said. an apprentice between 1 August These reforms will include an a brilliant way up to £2,000 for every 2020 and 31 March 2021 can claim a online matching service, which will £2,000 incentive payment for any enable large businesses to identify apprentice – and reforms apprentices aged 16 to 24, and £1,500 small businesses to work with mean it will soon be for those aged 25 and over. and support. The West Midlands The employer can decide how Combined Authority, for example, of recruiting’ simpler to get funding best to spend the money, and it’s in has helped 1,300 apprentices to be addition to any payments already supported by helping big players made to support specific groups to transfer levy funds to small 2020. Rickards has been able to meet Lucy Jolin such as those leaving care, or those businesses in the area, which align Small business bosses such demand thanks, in part, to his with disabilities. Young people with the area’s priorities, including explain how taking on five apprentices, and plans to recruit taken on through the Kickstarter the automotive industry, digital and a further two or three in 2021. “The he Covid-19 pandemic scheme could also progress on to construction. apprentices helped their opportunity has appealed to artistic has been brutal for apprenticeships. The Department for Education companies succeed people who enjoy making things but many small businesses. Improvements to the goes back into the pot. In fact, big (DfE) says it’s also now looking don’t want to be sat in a factory all But there is cause for apprenticeship funding model could employer contributions support ‘We will be reforming at improving flexibility around day,” he says. optimism. A recent also help. Since 2017, apprenticeships around half of all apprenticeships. apprenticeships, making it easier Emma Sheppard Cornishware has worked with Goldman Sachs have been funded through the This means that smaller the system so that for non-traditional labour market Yeovil College to find prospective Tsurvey of 10,000 SMEs found that apprenticeship levy. Only employers employers can access unspent funds models, like the creative sector or candidates. They come from a range for every two businesses that had with a pay bill of more than £3m have apprenticeships for less. Employers the digital sector, to engage with mall business owners of backgrounds: some have come cut jobs, another had increased its to pay the levy, and they pay 0.5% of with a total annual pay bill of less can be used more them more easily. may believe in the ethos straight from college, others are number of employees. And 79% of their total pay bill. than £3m only pay 5% of the cost of easily to support “Training is seen as being the key behind apprenticeships, looking for a career change – one member of staff to provide support ▲ Top: Karina and Charles Rickards, been moulded by the firm. Almost entrepreneurs had identified new That funding is available to their apprenticeship training: the for unlocking productivity,” says a but many feel they lack even spent time in the anti-terrorism has worked well, as has putting owners of pottery firm Cornishware. all (80%) of the firm’s current skills gaps which needed to be filled. all employers, not just the ones government pays the rest. apprenticeships‘ DfE spokesperson. “Apprenticeships the time, resources squad of the police force. thought into finding the right Below: KC Communication boss, partners started off as apprentices or Apprenticeships could play a big who pay the levy. In fact, just 2% There’s a lot of money available: are recognised as representing or knowhow to take “It’s proved to be a brilliant way of candidate. “It’s not just giving a Katrina Cliffe young recruits themselves, showing part in helping this recovery, and of employers have to pay. But £2.5bn in 2020, which is double the really good value for money, for the Son one themselves. Research recruiting, rather than going out to young person a job. They’ve got to photograph: Gareth Iwan Jones that “there’s a real proven model of new measures are already in place. any funds that don’t go towards amount of a decade ago. However, Boris Johnson employer, for the apprentice and for by the Federation of Small the general jobs market,” Rickards be the right fit, especially if you’re a career progression for people if they Under chancellor Rishi Sunak’s supporting their apprentices the system can be unwieldy. In Prime minister the country as a whole.” Businesses found recruitment, says. “It’s allowed us to tap into a small company,” she says. want it”, Oliver says. time management and facilitating really good resource of people who Where a lot of small businesses That’s something that many in the the 20% requirement for off-the- want to learn. They’re not coming fail, she adds, is where they “expect engineering industry have struggled job training have been the biggest here with any bad habits from apprentices to just be able to hit the with, after a decline in funded challenges for SMEs. similar industries. Personally it’s ground running. You’re setting them training opportunities after the But taking on an apprentice can also very satisfying to teach them a up to fail if you do that.” 2008 recession. “There were senior be an opportunity to address skills skill that they’ll have for the rest of While on-the-job training is engineers and junior engineers, gaps, or diversify into a new area. their lives.” important, Cliffe has found the but there was a real skills gap in the And there are considerable cost- He says the success of an skills and knowledge of new middle,” she adds. saving benefits: the government apprenticeship really comes down technology that apprentices bring Her advice to an SME thinking covers 95% of training costs and to the effort that both parties put from college have been invaluable. about taking on an apprentice apprentices are paid a minimum of into it. “Like anything in life, be well Cliffe has even added new services would be to start slow, build a strong £4.15 an hour for their first year. prepared,” he advises would-be to the company’s portfolio as a relationship with the right training We spoke to three employers apprentices. “Establish a good consequence. “For me, it’s very provider (which doesn’t have to about the difference apprentices relationship with the training much a two-way street in terms be local, given distance learning have made to their small business. provider so they really understand of what they can bring back to the options) and make sure the potential the type of skills you need. And business,” she adds. ‘It’s not just about apprentice understands the We’ve met rising demand as an employer, you’ve got to put And while she admits it can be giving a young commitment they’re making. Then, Charles Rickards and his wife Karina as much into it as you expect the hard for a small business to think once they’re with the business, took over the south-west pottery employee to. If they think you’re about bringing someone on who will person a job. They’ve make them feel welcome. company Cornishware in 2008, just trying to get some cheap labour, need looking after, she does say “it’s got to be the right fit, “Our apprentices aren’t treated but it wasn’t until 2019 – as they the relationship’s never going to be a absolutely worth it”. differently to any other employee,” repatriated their production process great one.” especially if you’re she adds. “They get the same back to the UK – that they started to We’ve closed our skills gap a small company” benefits, the same biannual pay take on apprentices. We’ve added new services Eight years after launching its increases, the same equipment. The The company produces more than It is perhaps unsurprising that apprenticeship scheme, the only difference is there’s a higher 150,000 pieces a year, each of which Katrina Cliffe took on an apprentice engineering partnership Troup level of support around them to is hand decorated and glazed, and as her first employee, given that she Bywaters + Anders won the SME Katrina Ciffe help them succeed professionally, has seen a 110% increase in sales in started out as an apprentice herself. Employer of the Year category at KC Communications academically and personally.” “I was 15 and had no idea what I the 2020 National Apprenticeship wanted to do,” she says. “I just knew Awards. I wanted to earn money. I ended The firm takes on 10 apprentices up doing a business administration each year across its eight offices, apprenticeship.” covering a range of standards When her Huddersfield-based including building services, project PR and marketing business, KC management, HR, digital marketing Communications, got off to a flying and accounts. start in 2014, hiring an apprentice to It’s a move that has shifted the handle less complicated tasks was company’s culture dramatically the perfect solution. “It felt too soon for the better, Claire Oliver, head to get someone experienced, and I of HR, says. “Apprentices bring had to consider cashflow,” she says. new energy to the business, a new “It worked really well. I probably way of thinking, particularly when doubled what I expected to turn over they’re so technologically advanced. in that first year because I had an And it’s allowed our more senior extra pair of hands.” engineers to be able to develop their She now employs a team of six, management skills.” but still regularly hires apprentices. Building a steady succession ▲ Claire Oliver, head of HR, Troup She’s found creating a formalised of apprentices has also created a Bywaters + Anders induction plan and allocating a pipeline of future leaders that have The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021 The Guardian Apprenticeships 

Brandon Nurse, 19, is Comment in the second Renewables Heather Hayes year of his apprenticeship working on the Greater Gabbard The wind is at the o shore wind ‘We like the diversity of farm :  back of green jobs    thought apprentices have. They bring a fresh

The quadrupling of o shore wind perspective to the work’ With the government capacity is expected to support committing £12bn 60,000 jobs alone. Celia Anderson, people and skills director of the to kickstart a green O shore Wind Sector Deal, says the eploying solar power at a commercial industrial revolution, industry has committed to recruiting scale is such a young industry that we’ve 2.5% of its employed workforce as always had a big intake of relatively young joining the sector could apprentices. “And we will need to people. It’s tough to nd employees with be a smart career move increase that substantially in the a 20- or 30-year-long career in this sector future. We’ve got some very big – there just isn’t an abundance of that projects ahead of us,” she says. Dsort of experience. We’re an industry that’s constantly “ There is a vast array of jobs evolving, and that means there are new and exciting Emma Sheppard in this industry – we need people career paths being created all of the time. across HR, marketing, sales, Lightsource bp has been developing solar projects business admin, as well as in the since 2010. We’ve built three-gigawatt (GW) of solar f somebody had told Mark technician and engineering roles,” capacity across the world (enough to power around 1m Dyer a year ago that heat she adds. “Higher-level digital skills homes), with about another 16GW of solar projects in pumps would be leading such as robotics, data analytics, various stages of development. We employ 500 people the BBC News at Ten, he’s programming and cybersecurity across 14 di erent countries and are expanding fast as not sure he would have are also only going to become more demand for renewable energy grows. believed them. But the recent important.” In the UK, we have historically taken on apprentices Ipublication of the government’s The push to decarbonise within the operations, maintenance and engineering 10-point plan to reach net zero by transport is also creating new side of the business. Apprenticeships last for 18 months 2050 has shone unprecedented light career paths, particularly and are typically eld based, with apprentices driving on the renewable energy sectors. around the creation of battery from site to site, shadowing experienced engineers and “Last year, around 27,000 heat manufacturing facilities, known as learning about performing maintenance tasks across pumps were installed in residential gigabyte factories, says Prof David our solar farms. That practical homes. The government has just Greenwood, chief executive of the experience complements the announced that they want 600,000 Warwick Manufacturing Group at ‘The younger technical knowledge they learn in homes by 2028,” says Dyer, the the University of Warwick. “This generations are much the classroom, as well as providing deputy managing director of Daikin, creates a need for new skills in solar speci c training and skills. one of the leading heat pump sectors that haven’t existed before. more used to thinking In 2021, we’re expanding manufacturers in the UK. What these companies need are and talking about that apprenticeship programme Key to meeting that demand people who are ready for work the across the business, bringing will be an expansion of the rm’s moment they walk in the door. An renewables as a key young talent into teams such as apprenticeship programme, he apprenticeship gives a good mix priority for the future’ business development, HR and adds. “As the market expands, I will of the fundamental training and communications. We like the certainly want to recruit more.” understanding that’s required, plus diversity of thought that apprentices Accelerating the installation real world experience. have. They bring a fresh perspective of energy-e cient heat pumps is “That’s why we’ve been working Lowestoft. I already had some practical skills and was to the way we work. There’s also an just one of the proposals included so hard with UKBIC [UK Battery Explainer Experience interested in learning more about electrical systems. element of reverse mentoring, as their digital skills in in the government’s strategy for a Industrialisation Centre] to develop What is net zero and why must we reach it by 2050? Towards the end of the course, I started looking into particular rub o on others. £12b n green industrial revolution. apprenticeships to train a cohort of apprenticeships. I wanted to earn money while I When apprentices in operations use mobile There are also plans to expand the people to sta these facilities when ‘Everyone I spoke to continued studying, rather than building up debt. A lot technology to help them on a job, for example, alongside capacity of nuclear, hydrogen and they’re ready to open.” Net zero means achieving a balance What impact will this have on jobs The O shore Wind Industry of my dad’s friends worked in the o shore oil industry, engineers who only really ever use their phones to wind power solutions . The measures The £130m UKBIC in Coventry between the amount of greenhouse for young people? Council has announced it will hire at said the same thing: and I liked the sound of working outside, being busy make calls, it can really accelerate the evolution of are expected to create up to 250,000 works to provide the missing gas emissions produced and Job creation in the green economy least 3,000 new apprentices by the and keeping on my feet. I’m not sure how I’d cope being skills among the whole workforce and identify new jobs, although the Local Government link between promising battery the amount removed by the will happen all over the country, end of the decade. oil is dead, renewables stuck in an o ce all day. Everyone I spoke to said the opportunities for improved e ciencies. Association (LGA) estimates technology and successful mass atmosphere. Reaching this target but particularly in regions such as A retro t army of almost half a same thing: oil is dead, renewables are the future. We’re open to a wide range of educational direct jobs in the low-carbon and production. Damian Pearce, by 2050 will help limit worldwide the north of England, Midlands, million new builders, electricians are the future’ The application process with SSE Renewables was backgrounds when recruiting candidates, but de nitely renewable energy economy will rise UKBIC’s HR director, says: “I think temperate increases to 1.5c – as Scotland and Wales. and plumbers will be needed to intense. There were online tests and a practical exercise look for an interest in sustainability. We don’t have to to more than 1.18m by 2050. the growth of apprenticeships in agreed by governments in the 2015 The low-carbon and renewable make existing homes and business where we had to show we could work at height. Once look very hard for it – the younger generations are much Many of those jobs are expected this area will be a very attractive Paris Agreement. energy sector already employs premises more sustainable. Braidon Nurse, wind turbine technician we’d been shortlisted to six , there was the nal interview more used to thinking and talking about renewables as a to bene t young people in the north proposition for young people. The The UK government was one of 225,000 people. It is estimated the round and two of us were taken on. It’s a four-year course, key priority for the future. of England, Midlands, Scotland prospect of joining an organisation the rst to make this goal legally number of people working in green A career with a greater purpose apprentice with SSE Renewables, explains at the end of which we apply to join SSE permanently. I’ve We want our apprentices to have an entrepreneurial and Wales. In the north-east, for that is at the early stages of this new binding in 2019, a move which jobs by 2030 will be 1-2 million. A 2018 government survey found how he secured his role and the longterm heard that often this is a formality – the four apprentices spirit, and be agile thinkers who can adapt fast to example, the LGA believes that more green industrial revolution really experts say has contributed to almost two thirds of young people appeal of working in the green energy sector in the last round are all still with the company. changing technology. These are also our future than 25,000 jobs could be created seems to resonate with people. It’s a a growing number of countries are interested in pursuing a career I’ve just started my second year and I’m really customers and the fact that we can access their insights in low-carbon electricity, with smart career move.” and companies around the world A growing industry in the green economy. In addition, enjoying the experience so far. I’m learning skills I is of incredible value to us as an organisation. planning permission for projects commiting to net zero targets. a report last year from KPMG found Interview by Emma Sheppard wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere else and I’m working The future of renewable energy really lies in the such as the Dogger Bank wind farm attitudes towards oil and gas among with a team of people that are really committed to hands of today’s apprentices. As employers, we have in the North Sea already granted. ‘We’re going to need How will net zero be achieved younger generations are already helping me progress. I’m starting to work on bigger jobs an amazing opportunity to nurture this next generation Experts say the government’s these technologies by 2050? posing challenges for recruitment in eople always ask what it’s like being at the and be trusted to handle maintenance tasks on my own. of motivated, sustainability-minded leaders who announcement has provided some Net zero will be reached by two 3,000 the fossil fuels sector. top of a 100-metre-high wind turbine. It We regularly check the whole of the turbine, clean it, will meet the world’s growing demand for renewable certainty for those in this sector. to reach net zero, so di erent routes: reducing existing Number of apprentices the O shore does make your legs go a bit funny when you change lters, maybe change the main circuit breaker – technology. They are likely to move across verticals “In the past, we’ve had a lot of emissions and removing or Wind Industry Council has said the Increased diversity look over the top. But before I started as a whatever’s required. Long term, I’d like to specialise in – whether wind, solar or hydrogen – and being open- inconsistent policy and that’s made we need to develop o setting the remainder. It will sector will take on by 2030. Renewables could support a drive wind turbine technician apprentice with SSE the high voltage side so that I could isolate a particular minded about collaboration across the sector will only it more di cult for businesses to a workforce that is require signi cant investment in for a more diverse workforce in the Renewables last year, I was more worried turbine from the others if necessary. There are only three help us to achieve the goals we’re all working towards. plan,” says Jess Ralston, an analyst at ready to deliver it’ the green economy – in wind, solar, future energy sector. According to Pabout being sick on the two-hour boat journey you have people authorised to do that on the Greater Gabbard site, Apprenticeships are an investment in an individual’s the Energy and Climate Intelligence hydrogen, carbon capture, electric the International Renewable Energy to take to reach the Greater Gabbard o shore wind farm, so it’s an important job. future, but they’re also an investment in the renewable Unit (ECIU). “We’re going to need vehicles and more. The government 32% Agency (IRENA), women currently 12 miles o the coast of Su olk. I’m happy I decided to work in the renewable energy sector’s future too. these technologies to reach net zero, has outlined plans for £12bn of Share of the renewable energy hold about a third (32%) of the I grew up locally and did well in my science GCSEs sector in general and wind in particular. It’s certainly so we need to develop a workforce to Jess Ralston investment to fund its vision for a sector workforce already made up of world’s renewable energy jobs. before opting to take a level 3 BTec diploma course increased my awareness about the fact that we all have a Heather Hayes is the global HR director for Lightsource bp. deliver it.” ECIU new green industrial revolution. women, according to IRENA. Emma Sheppard in maintenance engineering at East Coast College in role to play in making the future a sustainable one. She was speaking to Emma Sheppard Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian Apprenticeships 9 ▼ Hospitality apprenticeships can be taken all the way to level 7 senior leader – equivalent to a master’s photograph: getty Kenilworth, Warwickshire, a week before the first lockdown in 2020, Hospitality apprenticeships are vital in training the next generation of the hospitality industry. The company works with University College Birmingham to Cheers, to the UK’s offer a front of house placement and a kitchen placement in the wedding business, and will also be running apprenticeships at its pub, The third-biggest sector Virgins & Castle, in partnership with Warwickshire county council. Like Whittaker, she thinks hospitality is often under-estimated. “It’s not just starting out in what is a competitive about putting food on a plate and Despite the hardships industry, with the opportunity to taking it to a table. We want to make of 2020, a hospitality undertake training at a range of sure people have a start and see it levels and in a multitude of roles, as a career.” apprenticeship still from bartenders and front of house Last year proved difficult, she offers a rewarding career staff to chefs and managers. admits, with apprentices’ trial “The big thing about shifts having to be postponed and job opportunities apprenticeships is they give a broad every time the business was forced education in their role,” says Jill to close, but she hopes the torrid Whittaker, managing director at time won’t put people off a career Ellen Manning HIT Training, a specialist training in hospitality. “It’s an exciting and provider for the UK’s hospitality innovative industry to work in and industry. “Apprentices are not stuck there’s different concepts coming f all the sectors in on a production line in a kitchen out all the time.” To help encourage the UK, hospitality doing just one job – their experience if it’s just this raft of unskilled people people, Crump says they are trying has perhaps been is varied.” HIT offers training and ‘Hospitality who wander in, pull a pint and then to change the idea that hospitality is hit the hardest by apprenticeships from basic short go home.” The reality is far from a “hard and horrible place to work”, the coronavirus courses to full apprenticeships employers say they that, says Whittaker, with hospitality by making sure staff don’t work pandemic, with starting at intermediate level 2 are forever having developing a whole range of skilled endless hours with no breaks, get fed Orepeated lockdowns and tier hospitality team member up to level their really good staff workers. “Hospitality employers and watered on shift and get rotas restrictions preventing restaurants, 7 senior leader – the equivalent say they are forever having their in advance so they can plan their bars, hotels and cafes from trading. of a master’s degree, delivered in poached because of really good staff poached by retail time. “It’s about trying to be a better Recognised by many as a association with Arden University. companies or other companies employer so people can be the best challenging career to embark It’s also important to recognise their skills’ because of their skills.” of themselves and be happy at work. on, hospitality runs the risk of that the industry is about more than For Julie Crump, chief operations We’re not saying there won’t be hard becoming less appealing after the serving food and drink. “It’s more officer at bespoke wedding catering days and hard times, but it should be trials and tribulations of 2020. But convenient to talk about hospitality, Jill Whittaker business Caviar & Chips, whose about having a positive career and apprenticeships remain a way of the third-biggest sector in the UK, as HIT Training owners also opened a pub in bettering yourself.”

Experience ‘An apprenticeship offered me the opportunity to earn a living and secure a future’

Karl Svendsen turned his created a steep learning curve for me as I started my apprenticeship. back on a law degree to train By putting my ego aside and as a barista. Now, he’s a store asking for help, I was put on to a manager and looking to take six-week learning plan to help me develop my knowledge, skill set on the next career challenge and behaviours.” That resulted in a promotion to shift leader, allowing him to expand his skills even further. Ellen Manning Svendsen faced an obstacle to his apprenticeship journey when he and his partner separated, leading to him hen Karl moving temporarily to Manchester. Svendsen Despite the move, he and his became a area manager worked together to father in 2019, make sure he could complete an he decided apprenticeship as he “sofa surfed” providing and adjusted to his new life. Despite Wfinancially for his new family took the stumbling block, Svendsen priority. That meant the difficult finished his apprenticeship in full, decision to leave university where achieving a distinction. He was given he was studying for a law degree and the opportunity to advance from ▲ Karl Svendsen was an apprentice discrepancies with stock taking. I apprenticeship pushed me outside instead embark on an apprenticeship shift leader to store manager in just barista with Caffè Nero before then confidently delivered training my comfort zone, encouraging me as a barista with Caffè Nero through 15 months as part of a hospitality becoming a store manager to staff to prevent this issue from to go head first into situations that HIT Training, a training and supervisor apprenticeship, happening in future and within I felt less comfortable or capable apprenticeship provider for the enabling him to take the next step three months, the missing margin of tackling otherwise. The training hospitality and catering industry. in his career. was brought back within the target has encouraged me to take more “An apprenticeship offered me the “By taking on the role of store percentage.” On top of that, he took time to reflect on my own learning perfect opportunity to earn a living, manager in one of the Liverpool responsibility for writing rotas to and how I communicate with kickstart my career and secure stores, I was immediately able ensure hours were fairly distributed, my team. This has culminated in a comfortable future for me and to make positive changes,” he as well as leading on inventory more confidence to take on greater my family,” said Svendsen, from said. “My apprenticeship gave management and recruitment for his challenges and motivates me to look Liverpool. “Initially, having little me the tools I needed to launch store and two others in the area. for opportunities where I’d previously experience working as a barista an investigation into the store’s Svendsen reflects: “My have doubted myself.” The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021 The Guardian  Apprenticeships

▼ During the pandemic, hairdressing skills have become more appreciated ▼ Apprentice chartered building surveyor Georgia :  Dear splits her time between work and university di cult for apprentices to practise. o ered her the chance to study for a Alastair Bailey worked closely with “We usually hold training nights degree apprenticeship, she jumped the civil service’s Government Hairdressing when the apprentices would train Degrees at it. “It was too good an opportunity Economic Service (GES) to create at the same time,” says Curtis. “We to turn down,” she says. “I can learn the course. “They realised they had to stagger that through the something at university and then drew their applicants from a very How to make the cut in day instead .” Higher level a month later it’ll crop up at work, narrow range of universities and a Despite the di culties, those or vice versa. I think doing a degree narrow band of society,” Bailey says. with a career in hairdressing apprenticeship puts you ahead of “Here was a chance to do something are more than happy with their study, but people who study full time. You’ve di erent, rebalance GES and to bring a much loved industry choice. But they admit it is still got that work experience already.” those wider insights into policy.” overlooked by many as a career. Degree apprenticeships were There were 90 students on the “There still needs to be work done no uni fees introduced by the government course when it rst launched last to encourage people into it,” says in 2015 to address the acute skills year. Many are with the civil service, Matthew Curtis Hair Design, Curtis, who goes into private shortages the UK faces in key but others work for organisations Apprentices keep hair started as an apprentice himself schools to talk about the bene ts of industries, such as chartered such as the Bank of England and salons ticking over  and and has worked around the world apprenticeships. Nixon says things  yes please surveying, aerospace engineering, Civil Aviation Authority. The course as a session stylist – styling models, are changing but admits they could and nuclear energy. That’s expanded is the equivalent of an economics learn skills that often celebrities and actors on catwalks, still improve. “I know lots of parents signi cantly since – recent gures degree but Bailey says the structure lead to owning a business photoshoots, lm sets and events who are actively encouraging their estimate there are now more than of the curriculum has been changed. – as well as opening three salons in kids to try a career like hairdressing, 7,000 programmes on o er by at “We provide theory alongside London, Stratford-upon-Avon and whereas 15 years ago it felt like Degree apprenticeships least 100 universities in England. practical analytical skills in the rst Chipping Camden. “Apprentices everyone was being pushed to go off er the chance to earn Apprentices spend 20% of the week year, so apprentices become really Ellen Manning are the backbone of the business,” to uni. It’s a creative job, and clever studying towards a full bachelor’s useful members of their team within he says. “They help the salon run kids are pushed into ‘clever’ career money while studying all or master’s degree (a level 6 or 7 a couple of months.” e ectively and they learn their paths even if they are creative the way up to a master’s quali cation), and the rest of the Teale Cunningham is currently hey were some of the craft while they do it.” Similarly have to have. It’s really technical in people. I used to say I was ‘just a time in paid work. The average working as an apprentice within the people we missed most Jane Nixon, owner of Hair Eden in addition to soft people skills.” hairdresser’ but now I hold my head starting salary in 2019 was £17,800, economics team at the Department during the lockdowns Worsley, Manchester, started her There’s no denying 2020 up and say it. I’ve learned so many Emma Sheppard and all course fees are picked up by work with employers to design for Environment, Food & Rural of 2020, with many career as an apprentice and takes on presented di culties – both for the skills from marketing to accounting the government and employer. ‘I can learn something programmes that address the A airs . He’s been involved with of us realising just at least two apprentices every year. businesses and their apprentices. and I don’t think I’d have gained the At Northumbria University, Joe industry’s needs. “That back and writing brie ngs, going to meetings how much skill our “I want someone who understands “Every time we had to close it same skills through study.” tarting as a receptionist Hedley, assistant director of sales at university and then forth with the employers is hugely with ministers, assessing the Thairdressers have when we were what it is like to work in a busy created a bottleneck,” says Nixon. For Mitchell, the stability that it at Munday + Cramer in and business development, says a month later it’ll important,” Hedley says. “There’s a economic impact of new policies, faced with trying to do their job. Yet salon, and not only knows how to do “Rather than business being steady brings is as valuable an asset as any. 2017 after nishing her there are programmes designed lot of  exibility to shape [the course] and more. “It’s a completely di erent hairdressing is often overlooked as hair, but to manage their time and throughout the year, we had months “So many people spent lockdown A-levels, 21-year-old for people entering a profession crop up at work, or in the vision that they want.” learning experience to [doing just a career path. Apprenticeships are their clients,” she says. For Anthea where we couldn’t work then wondering whether they would Georgia Dear couldn’t – in nursing, the police, law and vice versa. You’ve got Degree apprenticeships can also a degree at university], I think it’s a common entry into the industry, Mitchell, owner of Hair Professional Salon owner and former months of working six days a week.” have a job to go back to and what have predicted that she’d architecture, for example – as well that experience’ help increase the diversity within superior actually,” he says. “ When bringing bene ts of on-the-job in Maidstone, apprentices quickly apprentice Jane Nixon Their apprentices were still able to was happening to their industry. I Sbe training to become a chartered as those for current employees an organisation. That was the you do a university degree you don’t training for apprentices and appeal learn that hairdressing comes work towards their quali cations, didn’t feel like that at all. It’s not the building surveyor less than a year looking to upskill; MBAs, digital impetus behind the development learn a lot of practical skills that for employers in the form of with plenty of technical demands. says Nixon, but she is not convinced sexiest, most glamorous or best-paid later. But when her managers at the marketing, and chartered manager of the professional economist employers are really after. And my government incentives. “Hairdressing has become more they progressed at the same speed. work, but it’s stable and there’s a lot architectural, building surveying degree apprenticeships have proved Georgia Dear apprenticeship at the University of friends are certainly jealous I won’t Matthew Curtis, founder of complex in terms of the skills you Coronavirus restrictions also made it to be said for that these days.” and property management rm particularly popular. Universities Munday + Cramer Kent, where professor of economics end up in £40,000 worth of debt.”

*RateMyApprenticeship Awards 2020 Tuesday 9 February 2021 The Guardian Apprenticeships 

Comment Rabia Lemahieu Employers must make adjustments for people with disabilities, but the benefi ts run both ways

ver the last year, we have come to realise that work arrangements can be made more exible. We’ve put a spotlight on how we can make work more inclusive for disabled people, and those with health conditions on a long-term basis. OHaving a health condition is a part of everyone’s life. Perhaps you have diabetes, or anxiety. Perhaps, as you get older, you start to experience problems with your hearing, or sight, or you are diagnosed with cancer, or Parkinson’s. Any of us could become disabled, through an accident or through illness, at any time. So it makes sense that apprenticeships should be accessible to anyone with a health condition or impairment, as they should be accessible to everyone. We are people too. We more  exible. Since 2017, some ▲ In 2018/19, are no di erent to anyone else. apprentices with learning di culties 12.3% of all But aside from the fact that it’s just the right thing Disability and disabilities have been exempt apprenticeship to do, ensuring that your apprenticeship is open to the from the minimum standards starts declared widest possible pool of talent can be hugely bene cial of maths and English, which a learning for your organisation. Numerous employers have apprenticeships normally require. di culty or told me that they are all the richer for ensuring their “That’s a great step in the right disability apprenticeships are open to disabled people. What can be done direction,” says Capper. “But there’s :  Many of us have particular skills, which we have a whole host of people who don’t developed to cope with our impairment or health have an EHCP [education, health and condition. We are creative. We are problem-solvers. And care plan] and for whom  exibility is we are also your customers! If you are selling a service essential if they are to succeed.” or a product to us, our input is vital. We can help you to make training Finding the right training improve it and make it more accessible. It makes no provider who understands any sense to exclude a large section of your community. adjustments to learning is crucial – Of course, having the right support in place is key. but also di cult. “We approached Luckily, that is easily done. Employers must make more inclusive? three providers and as soon as they reasonable adjustments: that’s the law. In many cases, heard our apprentice had special these adjustments are easy to implement. educational needs, they weren’t So, for example, you might allow an apprentice to interested,” says Roy Candlin, work from home if their health He resigned after a year. “I was contracts manager at Ground condition is particularly painful While apprentices with pretty depressed,” he remembers. Control. “Luckily, our fourth is ‘Ensuring that your that day. If your apprentice  nds it additional needs are “It had a huge e ect on my mental fantastic. Our apprentice, who has uncomfortable to have their desk and my physical health.” autism, is now fully quali ed and apprenticeship is open in a brightly lit or noisy area you being hired in greater Fullam is not alone. In 2018/19, working for us full-time.” to the widest possible can change where they sit. If your numbers, more support 12.3% of all apprenticeship starts To help people with disabilities apprentice is concerned about declared a learning di culty or into work, training providers can pool of talent can be travelling on a crowded bus in rush is needed in workplaces disability, up from 7.7% in 2011/12. claim  nancial help to support hugely benefi cial for hour, you can allow them to come at But a recent report from training learners with a disability, while a di erent time. Technology, too, is company Cognassist found that 15% providers and employers recruiting your organisation’ making many jobs more accessible. Lucy Jolin of learners who drop out of their an apprentice aged 19 to 24 with All you need to do to work out apprenticeship do so because their an EHCP are eligible for a one-o what those adjustments should be needs aren’t being identi ed and incentive payment of £1,000. is to talk to your apprentice. Ask hen Callum they’re not getting the right support. If your company has fewer than them what they need! We are very good at managing our Fullam, 18, So what needs to be done? Mark 50 employees, the government conditions and we’re more than happy to tell you what was accepted Capper, head of development in the will pay the entire cost of training works for us. There is also plenty of support available, as a mechanics Lifestyles & Work team at Mencap, an apprentice who is under 18 both from organisations such as Disability Rights UK apprentice by a a charity supporting people with or aged 19-24 with an EHCP. The and those focused on particular impairments, such as well-known car learning disabilities, believes Disability Con dent badge identi es Mencap or the Thomas Pocklington Trust. Wdealership, he was delighted. But it that apprenticeships should be employers who have signed up Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for wasn’t long before he realised that to the government’s Disability employers to access this incredible group of people and he was being treated very di erently Con dent scheme to recruit and enable them to contribute their many di erent skills from his fellow apprentices. “I had ‘There’s a whole host retain more disabled people. and talents to the workplace. They are a wonderful to clean the workshop or do  ling, of people who don’t In September, Fullam accepted way in for those who  nd that the traditional pathways while they were allowed to do the a new apprenticeship in business to employment – A-levels and university – don’t  t work they were hired to do,” he says. have an EHCP and administration at Youth Engagement their skill set. And they are now available in so many The job started to a ect his for whom fl exibility Slough, which organises free sectors, from law to engineering to computing. So health: Fullam has a condition called activities for young people – and he whether you are an employer considering taking on tarsal coalition. “The bones in my is essential if they are is loving it. a disabled apprentice, or you are wondering whether feet didn’t separate properly before going to succeed’ “Everyone here is supportive,” he an apprenticeship would be the right thing for you I was born,” he explains. “Walking says. “I can say if I’m having a bad personally, take the next step. Don’t be afraid of and standing causes a lot of pain day. It’s very di erent from my last perceived barriers: they can be overcome. and discomfort. It was such a manly place. So if you’ve got a disability atmosphere, I didn’t feel I could talk Mark Capper and you’re thinking about applying Rabia Lemahieu is the disability and skills manager at about how much I was struggling.” Mencap for an apprenticeship, I say go for it.” Disability Rights UK. She was speaking to Lucy Jolin The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian 14 Apprenticeships 15

▼ Ogilvy UK’s chief people officer Helen ▼ Of all apprenticeship starts in Matthews says taking on apprentices 2019/20, 13.3% were BAME has expanded the talent pool photograph: Stocksy Diversity BAME apprentices Taking a creative Overcoming a wall approach to new of disadvantages

10 years, critics point out BAME While progress is being groups represent roughly a third hires in adland made, more needs of the student population across primary and secondary education in to be done to ensure England. And the youngest fall the apprenticeship schemes furthest behind. BAME apprentices and was motivated to apply to the in the 16- to 18-year-old group made Ogilvy’s apprenticeship Ogilvy scheme when she graduated benefit all communities up just 7.8% of new apprentice starts scheme – The Pipe – aims in 2018, after her father mentioned in 2018/19, down from 8.6% the that David Ogilvy didn’t embark on year before, according to research to bring young creatives a creative career until his 30s. Jenny Little of official data by further education into the industry from “My time on The Pipe didn’t just publisher FE Week. confirm that I wanted to work in the Sandra Kerr, race equality diverse backgrounds advertising and marketing world, it iring apprentices director for charity Business in the actually helped me to define who I boosts productivity, Community, says: “Apprenticeships am as a creative,” she says. cultivates talent are meant to be a door into a new Heidi Scrimgeour Nahr works full-time for Ogilvy and builds a diverse career, but all too often it’s slammed and has a clear sense of where she workforce. But, shut for BAME communities. Even sees her career going. “Previously if despite diversity well-intentioned employers can seem lobal advertising someone asked where I wanted to Hand inclusion being the watchwords disconnected from what inclusion agency Ogilvy be in a few years’ time I’d have given of good business, the proportion and diversity means in reality.” to increase BAME apprentices have launched an an answer focused on improving of apprentices from black, Asian In 2017, Business in the faltered. The 5 Cities Project, which apprenticeship myself as a creative and my actual and minority ethnic (BAME) Community launched a Best saw the National Apprenticeship scheme in 2016 that craft, but over the past year, I have communities remains low. Why does Employers for Race list, but for the Service work with businesses to aims to celebrate and realised that my purpose is more this gap in opportunity persist? two years it ran, the list comprised boost take-up of apprenticeships Gchampion diversity, and provide aligned with giving other people “If you look at apprenticeship fewer than 100 companies. Since, among under-represented groups, more employment routes into the the opportunity to be creative,” applications, people from BAME the charity has created a Race at was wound up last year. creative industries. she says. backgrounds are applying, but Work charter, which sets out five Crook believes educating Open to all, regardless of “Although I enjoy the process of not getting through,” says Jeremy actions for organisations to address ‘Even well-intentioned recruiters is vital, as well as background or qualifications, The creating, empowering other people Crook, chief executive of charity the racial inequality, including having a encouraging further education Pipe is a two-year programme based to do the same is very satisfying Black Training and Enterprise Group senior sponsor for race, tracking and employers can colleges to challenge employers in Ogilvy’s London headquarters. to me. I hope to be able to impact (BTEG). “It’s less a lack of awareness publishing ethnicity data, and taking seem disconnected who use unfair hiring practices. He Apprentices who are taken on a wide range of people to execute of apprenticeships than how action to support ethnic minority points to an employers’ toolkit BTEG – known internally as Pipers – their own ideas as creatives.” employers recruit. Word of mouth career progression. Kerr says: “An from what inclusion recently developed with the Greater gain experience in a range of To help lower the barriers to recruitment is common, which puts employer which doesn’t invest and diversity means London Authority to help companies specialities, including advertising entry, Ogilvy passes some of the BAME applicants at a disadvantage.” in diversity and inclusion – from in growth sectors adopt more and customer engagement, design, apprenticeship levy back to The Of all apprenticeship starts in apprenticeships to the boardroom – in reality’ inclusive recruitment methods. social, PR and behaviour change. Pipe apprentices. “In effect, we’re 2019/20, 13.3% were BAME, figures is failing to invest in itself. Who can He warns: “The government has to They work on client briefs while giving them a startup bonus so from the Department for Education afford to do that anymore?” work more with employers or we’ll also studying towards a level 3 they can pay a month’s rent or show. While this represents a But while some employers are Sandra Kerr remain stuck at the current BAME qualification, which is equivalent to cover travel costs, making the significant increase over the past making progress, various initiatives Business in the Community participation rate.” two A-Levels. apprenticeship scheme as inclusive The scheme has seen Ogilvy as possible and setting participants welcome poets, skaters, sculptors, up for success,” says Matthews. dramatically non-diverse, it’s still a wall’ of faces, which can feel very communications job or even jewellery designers, shelf stackers, “Natalie is a brilliant example ‘who-you-know’ game dominated unwelcoming to anyone from a an internship without industry artists and DJs through its doors. of a young apprentice who has Social media and marketing by white, middle class people,” says non-white background,” he says. experience, so I moved between Key to its message is appealing made her own luck and success, Blaise Grimes-Viort, a social media “Even if you consider applying, jobs a lot,” she says. to those who think the creative grabbing every opportunity she and online community consultant there’s that sense of ‘will I be alone?’ “During the pandemic I realised industries are difficult to get into can,” she adds. “Especially at time ‘As an industry, we’re creating many new who delivers training for Marketing to think about. We’re trying to how far behind I was in my career unless you know someone on the when so many opportunities for Debuts apprentices. dismantle those walls because a journey as a result, so I started inside or have certain qualifications. young people have closed or been “For an industry that’s trying to lack of diversity is not conducive to looking at entry-level and assistant “We launched The Pipe in 2016 postponed due to the coronavirus opportunities for on-the-job experience’ engage with every socioeconomic innovation, but nothing can change roles, thinking they might be easier very purposefully to open up the pandemic, it’s important to combat group in the UK, it’s completely unless people participate, and that to get into, but despite applying for creative craft to a more diverse pool the misconception that the creative nonsensical that the people who might mean being the first candidate 20-30 jobs a week I hardly had any of potential emerging talent, and industries are closed unless you are crafting the messaging are not from a diverse background to join a responses. When I was offered the many of our Pipers are now fully know someone on the inside, and Sport. However, when the Creative from diverse backgrounds are representative of those groups. And team. That isn’t easy, but there are apprenticeship with Wilderness I fledged creatives in a number of vital at a societal level to ensure that A new apprenticeship Industries Federation weighted the underrepresented in the UK’s it’s no good taking the position that many wholehearted efforts across felt so grateful that my opportunity different roles within the agency,” creative industry apprenticeship training provider aims employment statistics according creative communications industry. people who want to follow a career the industry to ensure you won’t be had come at last.” says Helen Matthews, chief people schemes continue.” to where jobs are based – for The result is Marketing in the advertising and marketing the first – and you certainly won’t be For anyone keen on a creative officer at Ogilvy UK. to make the marketing example, nearly 32% of all creative Debuts, a recruiter and a training industry will find us, if there isn’t a the last.” industries career, Grimes- “Our aim has always been for at sector more inclusive jobs are in London where 40% of provider tailored to the marketing clear pathway defined.” For 24-year-old Ayesha Fatima, Viort recommends seeking out least 50% of our intake to be from ‘Our aim has the workforce is BAME – it found, industries. It has created two Despite the lack of diversity, Marketing Debuts opened the apprenticeship opportunities underrepresented backgrounds, always been for at more than 17.8% of the UK creative 13-month apprenticeship pathways Grimes-Viort says there is “a great door to a dream job in the creative as Fatima has done. “As an and we’ve been working closely Heidi Scrimgeour industries should be BAME if they in creative project management deal of effort” from within the industries after years of knock- industry, we’re creating many new this year with Uptree and Brixton least 50% of our were to reflect the population and social media and community industry to change things, resulting ▶ Digital backs. At the beginning of this opportunities for valuable on-the- Finishing School to ensure we cast at large. management aimed at young people in many new opportunities marketing year, she was the first apprentice job experience and training,” our net as widely as possible.” intake to be from he UK’s creative Apprenticeships play an from diverse backgrounds. Major for young people to pursue apprentice to embark on an apprenticeship he says. “And despite diversity The Pipe was the route to a underrepresented industries have a important part in redressing the names in advertising – including creative careers. Nonetheless, he Ayesha Fatima: with digital marketing agency being underrepresented, this is creative career for Natalie Nahr, now diversity problem. balance. Recruitment and training Adam & Eve DDB – have already acknowledges that accessing those When I was Wilderness via the Marketing a welcoming environment for a social content creative with Ogilvy backgrounds’ About 11% of jobs consultancy The Industry Club signed up to offer paid (at least opportunities might mean blazing offered the role Debuts programme. people keen to participate and and vice-chair of Ogilvy Roots, a in the creative has partnered with specialist £18,000 a year) apprenticeships, a trail. with Wilderness “I knew I wanted to work in learn the fundamentals of a career network set up to champion greater economy are filled by apprenticeship provider The and the scheme is open to any “When you look at the ‘about I felt my social media when I left school but in advertising and marketing. But ethnic and cultural diversity within Helen Mathews TBAME workers, according to the Opportunity Group to tackle creative agency or brand. us’ page of the average advertising opportunity had I couldn’t afford to go to university don’t be shy – you don’t win if you the agency. Nahr is from Ghana Ogilvy UK Department for Culture, Media and the fact that young people “The UK’s creative economy is agency you’re likely to see a ‘white come at last and it’s impossible to get a creative don’t play.” The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021 The Guardian  Apprenticeships 

▼ Finding time to study while also working in your  rst proper job can be stressful : ;   temptation to work in your pyjamas; Georgia Terry, 21 you won’t be in the right frame of Former digital marketing Working from home mind. Instead, create a to-do list of My fi rst job apprentice at the Retail Motor super simple tasks. Have a shower. Industry Federation Eat breakfast. Send one email. My apprenticeship was my rst Just ticking them o your list will ever o ce job, and ahead of Ditch the pyjamas, generate a feeling of momentum. What I wished I’d starting I worried about a lot. I One of the most important things thought I might just be there to you can learn in life is that you make tea or photocopy. As it turned don’t need to feel motivated to start out, I had my own responsibilities embrace easy wins doing things. Often it’s action that known back then … like running social media accounts inspires motivation, not the other and creating content. I was helping way around. to make decisions, and I felt like a valuable part of the team. If I’d you well for the rest of your career, Don’t overdo it assessment centre where we had known it would be this way before Career coach Andrew whether we return to the o ce When you’re keen to make a good Two former apprentices to develop a technology solution I started I might not have been Sewell shares fi ve tips regularly or not. impression, there can be a tendency review their fi rst steps on and pitch it, followed by an online so nervous. to overdo it, and suddenly your application. If I could go back and As great as it was to be given real for staying productive Set boundaries work-life balance is out of whack. their careers ladders and give myself some advice it would responsibility, working full-time in a lessthanideal Interruptions are the enemy of work, That’s why it’s important to set time reveal what they would be to spend more time developing while studying for my quali cations so it’s vital to establish boundaries for rest. Include short breaks in commercial awareness, because was hard work – at times it felt very working environment and let your parents/guardians/ your day, a proper lunch hour and have done diff erently you should be able to show an overwhelming. Some days I would siblings know you need time to some time outdoors, and speak to understanding of not just the role, real projects straight away, but I was have to complete coursework on focus. Ask them (in the nicest way your manager if your workload is but the company and industry itself taught coding skills and went on to my lunch hour, and when that Andrew Sewell possible) not to interrupt you. It’s preventing you from taking breaks. Ekansh Sharma in the application process. help build a software platform for a wasn’t possible it only added extra easier if you have your own room, Also, have a regular nishing time and Georgia Terry I didn’t expect to be working on client within a month of joining. This time pressure. Knowing how to but if you’re in a share situation, and a treat lined up for the evening. gave me a sense of pride and made juggle these di erent demands hese are strange times headphones can help. You could ▲ Stay focused and treat yourself to need to accomplish – one hard, one That’ll give you something to look me feel like a valued member of the before starting my apprenticeship to be an apprentice. If also negotiate times when you really some mood-boosting endorphins with medium, and one easy. At the end of forward to. Ekansh Sharma, 23 ‘Knowing how to team with my own responsibilities. would have spared me some stress, you’re one of the lucky need the room to concentrate on a deep-breathing exercise that day, review how you did. Make Former digital and technology juggle time demands I stayed on at Accenture after I’m sure. ones who’ve escaped something – with the promise you’ll :  a note of what you achieved and Get physical solutions degree apprentice at completing my apprenticeship, and That being said, these unexpected redundancy (and 12% return the favour. reward yourself. Is there anything If you’ve been sitting and staring Accenture before starting my I’m now a global project management Enkansh Sharma: ‘I didn’t challenges helped me develop haven’t – according to you could do di erently tomorrow? at a screen all day, the best way I received an o er for my rst choice apprenticeship o cer for an engineering client, expect to be working on real beyond anything I was expecting. TSutton Trust research from October Manage yourself At the end of the week, email your to switch o is to do something university, but decided that higher managing around 45 small projects . projects straight away’ An apprenticeship is there to train last year), there’s a good chance This isn’t just about avoiding manager with a summary of the physical like jogging around the education wasn’t the right path. It would have spared Because I was given hands-on you to become quali ed. But I also you’re working from home right obvious distractions like your things you achieved. It doesn’t need park or a few minutes of jumping was a risk, but almost four years on I me some stress’ experience right from the start , I have grew in con dence, I became better now. How do you stay productive in phone. It’s about taking stock and to be long – just a few bullet points. jacks. The rush of endorphins will can say it’s one that paid o . con dence in my role that I may not organised and managed my time this environment? As a homeworker planning for the day ahead. calm you and help you stay positive. I applied for my degree have had otherwise. Without my more e ectively. I didn’t expect my myself, I’ve learned what strategies Each night, spend ve minutes Write a list (and just do it) If you can’t move around, deep apprenticeship through the apprenticeship, my career would not apprenticeship to be as rewarding actually work. Best of all, these ve thinking about the next day. Ask On days when you don’t feel breathing will also provide those Accenture website. A telephone Georgia Terry be progressing at the same rate as it for my personal growth as it turned self-management skills will serve yourself what three things you like getting out of bed, resist the mood-boosting endorphins. interview, and then a half-day Former apprentice currently is. out to be.

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“I have gained invaluable skills, initiated some wonderful friendships, and been presented with fantastic opportunities I would never have been exposed to had I not started as an Apprentice at Marsh.” - Charlotte, Completed Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship, December 2020

Kick start your career within a global company https://careers.mmc.com Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian Apprenticeships 19

Engineering If you’re looking for a career that could really take NOMINATE off, look to space industry-backed apprenticeship A new course – the space – which has the support of BAE engineering technician Systems, Thales Alenia Space UK, the United Kingdom Atomic apprenticeship – offers Energy Authority and many smaller the chance to join an industry players. A GAME Roy Haworth, head of digital expanding industry design process and implementation at Airbus and chairman of the space apprenticeship trailblazer group Jenny Little that devised the new scheme, says: “This is a level 4 apprenticeship and we’re looking to recruit people CHANGER or young people eager straight from school, though there’s to launch into the no upper age limit. At Airbus, world of work, career our apprentices complete their horizons are expanding training over three years with to infinity and beyond. the first year full-time at college. The next generation Then, they spend two years on day Fof space engineers began training release completing more advanced last month through a new technical skills at college, while the apprenticeship scheme. rest of their time is spent in all parts The space engineering technician of the business doing real jobs under apprenticeship is the first to be supervision.” recognised by the Institute for The space industry is not Apprenticeships and Technical just involved in the design and Education and is the result of manufacture of spacecraft and the a collaboration between the items and infrastructure that make ▲ The UK space sector is expected to University of Leicester, the UK Space them work. It also fuels services create about 30,000 jobs in a variety Explainer Agency and aerospace giant Airbus. and products that rely on space- of roles over the next decade Careers in the space sector The apprenticeship aims to provide based data, much of it provided by photograph: Getty young recruits with space-specific satellites. Kathie Bowden, lead for technical skills, including spacecraft skills and careers at the UK Space What is a space engineer? use of satellite services. The Space manufacturing and design, testing Agency, adds: “There are jobs for all There are a number of engineering Growth Partnership, made up from and satellite integration. More than sorts of people in the space sector roles in the space sector. industry figures, academics and 50 apprentices will have started fulfilling all sorts of roles. Previously, Engineers may be involved in the representatives from government, is IET Achievement their training by the end of 2021, these opportunities were few and far design and assembly of spacecraft aiming to increase the UK’s share of with plans to ramp up recruitment. between at apprentice level, but this or robotic systems, such as the the global space market – currently “Space presents very particular scheme will really open things up.” Mars rover. Software engineers valued at £190bn – to 10% by 2030, challenges rarely seen elsewhere,” Haworth adds: “This write code, while electrical when it is estimated it will be worth explains Dr Nigel Bannister, apprenticeship is a non-degree- engineers design and test durable £400bn. Boris Johnson has even associate professor of physics and based route into the industry for systems that can function in space committed to launching a space Awards 2021 astronomy at the University of those who might well have struggled and do not require maintenance rocket from Scotland by 2022. Leicester. “You need to thermal to gain entry to these jobs before. or upgrade. Whether it is ensuring vacuum test components, for People imagine everyone needs a components can withstand the Is it all about outer space? example, placing them in a chamber master’s degree in astrophysics to vibrations experienced during By its nature, the UK space industry Put forward a scientist, engineer or technician and pumping out the air to subject work in the space sector. You don’t launch or that a circuit board looks beyond Earth’s confines, them to conditions similar to those and this scheme shows that.” still functions in an airless but satellite services also prop for an IET Achievement Award. in space. Even soldering has to environment, space engineers are up infrastructure on the ground. be done to an exceptionally high trained to create hardware and Satellite data keeps your mobile standard so that something of ‘Previously, in systems that can operate in the phone, satnav and home energy very high value can be confidently hostile environment of space. network functioning. It is used in Nominate by 17 May 2021 launched into space where there the space sector defence, by the emergency services is zero chance of correcting a apprenticeships were How big is the UK space industry? and by financial services, allowing problem later.” Britain’s space sector is companies to regulate exchanges theiet.org/achievement The UK space sector is expanding, few and far between, experiencing huge growth, on the stock market. But it also with 30,000 more jobs expected but this scheme will currently employing around informs the farming industry, to be created in the field over the 42,000 people and predicted monitors climate change and The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). next decade. The industry struggles really open things up’ to create a further 30,000 aids flood response. In the not- The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom. with a skills gap and retraining jobs over the next decade. It so-distant future, it is likely to be technicians from other disciplines generates an income of £14.8bn instrumental in the development can take months, hence the decision Kathie Bowden and supports £300bn more of of driverless cars. to create the government and UK Space Agency economic activity through the Jenny Little Tuesday 9 February 2021 The Guardian Apprenticeships 

A diff erent path When the Covid pandemic hit, plans changed …

strong. I’m interested in trading and Faced with the prospect cryptocurrency so I spoke about of uni life in lockdown, that in my interview with EY. The manager interviewing me asked these four school leavers where I see myself in the future and decided to pivot to I told her: EY board of directors. I’m apprenticeship schemes. going straight to the top. So, how’s it going? Samuel Foxwell Level 3 apprenticeship with Pinnacle Housing Association Lucie Grace I was going to Middlesex University to do a business course, but then I thought: “Is this what I really want Daniel Samuels to be doing?” University is not the School leavers apprenticeship with same this year as people are just Ernst & Young locked in their rooms. With an apprenticeship I’d be getting paid You know when they say: ‘It’s not and learning workplace skills at the rocket science?’ Well I was studying same time, so it seemed like the way rocket science quite literally, at the to go. Now I’m actually working in University of Manchester, when the housing, I have customer service pandemic started. As a rst-year skills that I can take into future jobs. Study engineering. I was living in halls back in March I’m training to become an income and suddenly we were given two o cer, helping people manage their weeks to get our stu and get out. rent and I’m on the phone all day, it’s Work on real projects. I wasn’t really enjoying university, great. I’m starting my CIH (Chartered and the pandemic put things into Institute of Housing) quali cation perspective: life’s too short! Then, next year. It’s an 18-month course Get paid a salary. this August, I realised I can’t go back that I’ll get one day a week o my ▲ With university life disrupted by online even if I was in the o ce. to university – paying £9,000 a year job to complete. Our o ce is only the coronavirus, many prospective ‘I thought a degree I work in a team called Network for Zoom calls is mad. I decided allowed eight people in at any time students have reviewed their options apprenticeship as a Platform within network to look into doing a school leaver – but they accommodated me every :  architecture, focusing on new apprenticeship with Ernst & Young, day when I rst started so I was in would be a lot more technologies, so the experience I’ll A degree a company I’ve always aimed to the o ce ve days a week, with the gain from this role will be invaluable. work for. As a uni graduate I might support I needed. They’ve been valuable than going You’ll study a four-year, immersive not have stood out to them, but brilliant, to be honest, giving me to uni, especially at Megan Lightfoot BEng (Hons) Engineering programme, as a year 13 graduate I stand out. everything that I needed. I couldn’t this current time’ Degree apprenticeship in quantity I was involved in loads of extra have made a better decision. I can surveying with Tom Willowby Ltd. on our degree apprenticeship. And you curricular projects and my CV looks see the future and I’m working won’t pay any tuition fees. towards something, so it’s all good. I’d originally planned to go to Megan Lightfoot Northumbria Uni, where I’d applied ‘In August, I realised Yasin Usman Tom Willowby Ltd for a quantity surveying degree, but A career I can’t go back to Degree apprenticeship in digital when I heard that A-level grades and technology solutions with would be based on mocks I thought You’re a Dyson engineer from the start. university paying Vodaphone I should have a back-up plan. I started to look into apprenticeships You’ll play a crucial role in the Dyson world £9,000 a year for I con rmed a place at Queen Mary and I found one at Tom Willowby and earn a competitive salary. Zoom calls is mad’ University of London to be close to Ltd. They hadn’t advertised when my family during Covid-19. Grades I applied, I just emailed them on Daniel Samuels are crucial to getting into uni, so the o chance and they o ered me An experience Ernst & Young when I heard that the A-level exams an interview. I thought it would be were cancelled I started looking a lot more valuable than going to Life at The Dyson Institute is far from ordinary. into degree apprenticeships, uni, especially at this current time. which seemed like a great option. I don’t think I would have enjoyed It’s for those with a passion for solving problems I decided to go into IT because university this year. My friends and a fascination for how things work. there are lots of jobs in the eld. My at uni say it’s hard doing courses apprenticeship is run by Blackpool online, while I can work in the & Fylde College and accredited by o ce or on site as construction is If you’d rather get hands on with real Lancaster University, so I’ll graduate a key-worker industry. I’m starting from there. I’ve been working from my degree apprenticeship next engineering challenges, register an interest home since I started, which has been September, but until then the now: www.dysoninstitute.com great, as it cuts out the commute and company has taken me on in an I can use the hours productively. I admin role. It’ll take me ve years am missing the human interaction, to nish the course, but I have no however, many of my colleages are regrets; I’ll have a job and a degree, all over Europe, so we’d be working so it’s the best of both worlds. The Guardian Tuesday 9 February 2021 Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian 22 Apprenticeships 23

▼ A shortage of skilled diamond setters in the UK means jewellers are keen to take on apprentices photograph: Getty Fish husbandry Tattooist making, prepping, making stencils stable duties; mucking out; riding Glass-blowing A Fish husbandry apprenticeship How do you become a tattoo artist? and other aspects of the tattoo out and “going racing”; as well as The ancient technique of glass- Unusual careers involves working on fish farms, You might be surprised to find that business. It advises that tattooists the obvious elements of day-to- blowing involves inflating glass into rivers and reservoirs. You’ll learn an apprenticeship is one way in. are looking for someone with day care of horses and preparing a bubble then shaping it into objects, all about caring for fish and looking Often local-registered tattooists enthusiasm and a “love for the art”. them for competition or riding. An such as containers or drinking after their habitat. Once qualified, will take on aspiring tattoo artists, apprenticeship offers the chance to vessels, to be used in various sectors Polish up your skills you’ll be able to work on a fisheries offering the chance to learn on Horse groom progress up the ladder in the horse from manufacturing to jewellery. site or for the Environment Agency. the job from someone already Horse-lovers can embark on world, and eventually become a One route to learning the skill, Last year, Sparsholt College in skilled in the field. Birmingham- a career as a groom thanks to professional groom. though uncommon, is to complete Hampshire announced that its based Inky Needles Tattoos an apprenticeship. There are an apprenticeship with a seasoned, learning on the job apprentice Charlie Moore was the reminds wannabe tattooists that several options available on Master brewer professional glassblower. They first person in the UK to complete the right apprenticeship won’t the government website and Perhaps the perfect career option include learning skills such as how the fish husbandry and fisheries just teach tattooing, but also apprenticeships can be taken in for beer-lovers, an apprenticeship to make different types of glass and management apprenticeship. He other skills, such as sterilisation, various stables, from showjumping is one route to becoming a brewer. how to decorate it using engraving, Chocolatier said: “You’re getting money and proper cleaning and business to racing and equine centres. Brewing apprenticeships last etching, sand or grit-blasting. You can become an Yes, you can do an apprenticeship in experience while you’re learning. management, as well as needle Duties for roles include: general between 12-18 months, during Apparently a career in glass-blowing apprentice in almost any what many might see as the perfect It’s a head start, a real advantage which time you’ll get paid to work – and an apprenticeship by default career. Major chocolate companies and I now have a permanent role as in a brewery. There are various – is well suited to people who aren’t sector – we take a look at including Nestlé, Mars and Cadbury assistant project manager.” levels of brewing apprenticeships, afraid of working with hot and 10 lesser-known roles … offer chocolatier apprenticeships, from level 2 training up to level 4, potentially dangerous materials. giving those wanting to build a Power station maintenance which would give a foundation- career around their love of the good Engineering apprenticeships aren’t degree-level qualification. An Funeral director Ellen Manning stuff the chance to learn everything unusual – but one that’s specifically apprenticeship in this area, Not an obvious career choice at from how to make chocolate to about working in power stations whether n a small microbrewery all, but one that could have a huge how to temper it and make various is slightly less common. As well as or large multinational company, impact on many people’s lives. hile some chocolate-focused products. other areas, many energy companies could involve a range of duties Becoming a funeral director can careers spring The opportunities are broad and now offer apprenticeships that teach from the hands-on, day-to-day start with an apprenticeship, with to mind appealing. Nestle apprentice Katie great experience for golfers, duties could open the door for you. You’ll all the skills needed to maintain tasks of working in a brewery Co-op including opportunities immediately Lloyd, 22, found herself helping to ‘You’re getting money include: removing early morning learn how to set stones into different various types of power plants in such as cleaning to beer launches within its Funeralcare division when it comes to develop a new Quality Street within dew and debris from the greens, pieces of jewellery using tools, the UK. They include companies or – you’ll like this – tastings. in its apprenticeship offering. Its apprenticeships, weeks of starting and went on to help and experience while raking bunkers, moving tee markers machinery and specialist equipment. such as EDF, whose engineering apprentice programmes in funeral Wwhat about the less common produce several new chocolate bars. you’re learning. It’s and cutting new holes on greens. The National Association of Jewellers maintenance apprenticeship scheme care are open to everyone, from opportunities out there? From Then there’s weed control, turf offers advice on how to look for is a four-year programme involving Brewing apprentice school-leavers to those looking chocolate-making to tattoos, an Greenkeeper a real advantage treatments, and maintaining things apprenticeships in the jewellery two years at the National College to retrain, with the opportunity apprenticeship can be the way into Unlike any office-based or industrial and I now have a such as water features. Perhaps not world on its website. In 2017 jeweller for Nuclear, delivered through to work up to funeral director. a career that you may never have apprenticeships, it’s possible to quite as relaxing as a round of golf. Jessica Poole said she had taken on Bridgwater and Taunton College, Unsurprisingly, key qualities are considered – let alone via on-the-job spend your days on the golf course permanent role’ her first apprentice diamond setter Somerset. In EDF’s own words, empathy and commitment, as well training. Some are government-led, – as an apprentice greenkeeper. Diamond setter with the assistance of the Queen “the doors will open” at the end of 12-18 as good organisational skills. The while others are championed by key Responsible for the maintenance, If you’ve ever dreamed of being the Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, partly the apprenticeship, giving people Time in months it takes to undertake apprenticeship involves on-the-job companies in a bid to close a skills care and overall appearance of a Charlie Moore person who sets precious diamonds in response to a shortage of skilled the opportunity to progress up the ▲ Becoming an apprentice tattoo artist could be the start of a creative career a brewing apprenticeship – during training as well as learning across a gap in a niche sector. golf course and making sure it’s a Former apprentice into jewellery, an apprenticeship diamond setters in the UK. career ladder. photograph: Getty which time you’ll work in a brewery number of modules. Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian Apprenticeships 25

Legal practice Expanding the talent pool of an elite profession

to do this, and enthusiasm for the For those looking to principle of apprenticeships.” build a career in law, an Firms are certainly starting to realise how important the apprenticeship offers apprenticeship can be to attract an alternative route in talent from under-represented backgrounds. At Browne Jacobson LLP, which currently has three apprentice solicitors, legal Lucy Jolin apprenticeships are a key part of a diversity and equality programme, which resulted in the firm rising nnie-May Dyson, from 82nd in the Social Mobility currently in her Employer Index in 2019 to fifth fourth year of the in 2020. level 7 solicitor “It makes sense to make sure that apprenticeship at we fish in and attract the largest, Blacks Solicitors in deepest, broadest pool of talent ALeeds, didn’t go to private school or that we can possibly get,” says university. Her parents didn’t go to Tom Lyas, recruitment manager. university, either. Right now, she’s “We also have so many questions a rarity in a profession where a fifth from clients as to what we’re doing attend a private school (three times to increase diversity. It’s the right the UK national average), and more thing to do, but being more diverse than half have parents with a degree. will also make you more attractive The solicitor apprenticeship has to the clients that you work with, now been available for five years because you need to represent – has it helped to make the legal them. I say: ‘Be brave and don’t stick profession more accessible? to tradition.’ For me, the training ▲ The solicitor apprenticeship was university and therefore get this That was certainly its aim, says contract is a dying thing.” launched with the aim of making the opportunity, because of the fees. ‘There are talented Victoria Roper, interim chair of Tom Moyes, training partner at profession more accessible The fact that they are thinking about people who aren’t the Law Society’s education and Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors – one photograph: Getty this at 18 means they are smart training committee. “It was hoped of the first firms to hire a solicitor individuals. Our main driver was to going to go through that having an apprenticeship apprentice, and which currently get a competitive advantage over route would make it easier for some has six apprentices on the pathway firms who weren’t ahead of the university and get people who for whatever reason – was also keen to get new blood curve, by getting some great talent. this opportunity’ found it difficult to go down the in through the apprenticeship. It And because of the apprenticeship traditional route.” makes good business sense, he levy, it made financial sense.” Tom Moyes That chimes with Dyson’s points out. “My thinking was that It’s also possible to build Blacks Solicitors experience. “I was uncertain about there are going to be talented people flexibility into the pathway. At the costs of university, and having who aren’t going to go through Browne Jacobson, apprentices to live away from home,” she says. started the paralegal apprentice “Plus, I wanted to enter the world route and were then given of work and get a qualification – I ‘There is quite a the option to change to the was keen to continue to progress on solicitor route after a year. “We the academic side and go beyond lot of enthusiasm recognised that a full-on six-year what I’d already achieved. I was from firms for apprenticeship might be a bit much very lucky that my progress tutor at without them getting to know us, college introduced me to the degree the principle of and us getting to know them,” says apprenticeship route.” apprenticeships’ Claire Stripp, head of talent and But it’s hard to tell how effective knowledge. “That flexibility enables it’s been, says Roper, as there Victoria Roper apprentices to find out what branch is very little data available on The Law Society of the law is for them.” equality and diversity indicators Lyas agrees. “Even those who for the 500 people currently on the go to university to study law don’t but Dyson believes that over the apprenticeship. “I suspect there has necessarily want to be a solicitor, next few years, more and more been some improvement, but we they just want to study law. They’re firms will recognise the benefit of can’t point to any kind of definitive not necessarily fully versed in the this alternative route into the law. data to back that up. I do think world of opportunity out there for “I think it’s going to take off,” she there’s potential for the number them. If you work in a law firm for says. “Having the practical side is of apprenticeships to increase and a year and then decide you want so helpful in understanding the thereby to further that equality and to be a solicitor, that’s an absolute academic concepts, and on the flip diversity objective. There is a way gift for us. The last thing you want side, the knowledge you get from to go, and a lot of people are just is a group of people you have the study helps you understand starting to get to grips with how significantly invested in dropping your tasks in the workplace better. best to collate and use the data. out because they realise it’s not An apprenticeship is such a valuable But generally, there is quite a lot of for them.” alternative for anyone who has the enthusiasm from firms who want It might have been slow to start, same concerns I had.” Tuesday 9 February 2021  The Guardian Apprenticeships 27 ▼ In the UK, more than 150,000 employers offer apprenticeships across more than 170 industries photograph: Getty ‘An apprenticeship may improve career prospects – one in five companies have a former apprentice at board level’

Scott Bullock Newcastle College

sometimes even school-leavers as young as 16. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s also possible for apprentices to earn good money before their peers who stay in education – I’ve known teenage tech apprentices move on to a salary of £40,000 by the age of 21.”

Apprenticeships are suitable for all ages Did you know that there’s no upper age limit for an apprentice? Anyone over the age of 16 can take on an apprenticeship, so you’re literally never too old. In fact, older apprentices bring lots of benefits to employers, from transferable skills and relevant industry knowledge to important personal qualities like maturity and reliability.

Apprentices don’t just make the tea It’s a widely held belief that apprentices spend their days Hailing on-the-job training making the tea and opening the post. “In fact, you’ll be given real work to do and you’ll be making a real difference to the business you’re working in,” says Scott Eight things you probably never Bullock, principal of Newcastle College University Centre. “Degree apprenticeships, in particular, offer the opportunity to go into a business knew about apprenticeships … at a much higher level” Apprenticeships are good for your career prospects route for people of any age and in a world where 85% of the jobs After completing an apprenticeship, We asked school-leavers, any industry, which I passionately people are doing today won’t exist ‘Higher and degree 85% of apprentices stay in academics and business champion to employers, employees, in 2030,” says Euan Blair (yes, Tony employment, with two-thirds (64%) parents and school children alike.” Blair’s son), co-founder and CEO of apprenticeship remaining with the same employer, leaders to share their apprenticeships firm Multiverse, programmes achieve according to a government survey. apprenticeship insights Apprenticeships aren’t just formerly known as WhiteHat. the same recognised “There’s a chance you won’t even for school-leavers need to look for a job when your The pay has improved qualifications as a apprenticeship ends,” adds Bullock. Heidi Scrimgeour It’s true; they’re not just for those “Apprentices who gain a level leaving school or looking for “I was shocked at how little degree or master’s’ 2 apprenticeship are also more their first career opportunity – apprentices were paid,” says blogger likely to be employed in a related You can get a degree as apprenticeships are suitable for and social media consultant Emma occupation than those who achieve people already in the workplace and Shilton. “I did my NVQ in business Barry Rickhuss level 2 classroom-based study, and an apprentice those looking to re-skill, regardless admin during my gap year in 2002 University of Kent doing an apprenticeship may even Apprenticeships are offered at of experience or education. and was only on £75 a week.” greatly improve your chances of different educational levels, so the “Apprenticeships are a powerful Shilton accepted the wage Employers like promotion within that company, qualification you could achieve driver for greater social mobility because she was gaining valuable apprenticeships since one in five companies have a depends on the apprenticeship you and they make so much sense in experience in an office environment former apprentice at board level.” go for. alongside her qualification, but, Apprenticeships offer significant “Apprentices on higher and happily, things have since improved benefits to employers, too. You can do an degree apprenticeship programmes ‘I didn’t know that for apprentices. There are different “Employers can claim national achieve the same recognised degree rates of pay depending on your age, insurance and receive payments apprenticeship in almost and master’s qualifications as you can do an but apprentices are paid at least from the government as part of any profession those who follow the traditional apprenticeship national minimum wage and are setting up apprenticeships within Think apprenticeships are just for university route,” says Barry entitled to at least 20 days’ paid a company,” says Carlene Jackson, mechanics and hairdressers? Those Rickhuss, marketing and business and be paid more holiday per year, plus bank holidays. CEO of tech company Cloud9 days are long gone. Nowadays, development officer of digital and than the minimum “I didn’t know that you can Insight, an award-winning provider apprenticeships are offered in lifelong learning at The University do an apprenticeship as part of of training and apprenticeship almost every industry, from of Kent. apprenticeship wage’ a job, and be paid more than the programmes. business and media to science and “This, coupled with the years of minimum apprenticeship wage “Companies such as Deloitte, technology. In the UK, more than industry hands-on experience that too,” says Laura Jenkins. “Having IBM and Rolls Royce have all used 150,000 employers currently offer apprentices gain, makes higher and Laura Jenkins discovered that, I’m now doing an apprenticeships to entice young apprenticeships across more than degree apprenticeships a fantastic Apprentice apprenticeship in digital marketing.” people into their organisations – 170 industries, according to UCAS.