The perceptions of apprenticeships is changing in a positive way
Written on 2nd, February 2022
There are a few different ways in which COVID-19 has changed perceptions on training and apprenticeships. Furloughs and redundancies over the last two years have meant that more people have been looking at reskilling, with apprenticeships and training presenting an opportunity to learn a new career or upskill their existing skills. The stereotypes around apprenticeships being only for those leaving school and wanting to work in construction have been challenged and we are seeing a shift in perception to portray them as an opportunity for everyone regardless of age and industry.
In fact, recent stats show that 47% of the apprenticeships started in 2019/20 were by people aged 25 and over.
The delivery of training has also changed the reality of how accessible training and apprenticeships now are. Training had to adapt and migrate to a remote model quickly (and is likely to stay at a hybrid model at least) which resulted in more people able to learn from home, rather than finding time to travel and attend the traditional face to face learning in their busy schedules.
These realisations that retraining and revamping your career is achievable via the many apprenticeships and training opportunities available has been an epiphany for employers and individuals alike. However, with many cliches and stereotypes still lingering, and we’d like to highlight and quash these common misconceptions:
1. Apprenticeships are only for students and those at school/college-level
You can start an apprenticeship at any age, you don’t have to be 16 to apply and train. There’s no upper age limit, although funding arrangements are slightly different for those aged over 24. Someone in their fifties can decide to reskill or upskill in their current role, or could look to do something completely different. We have a selection of apprenticeship vacancies and our team can offer guidance on the different ways for employers and individuals to access different training.
2. They’re only for vocational training, and you have to be onsite to do them
Incorrect! Although vocational training is a great way to learn new skills, many apprenticeships are office/site-based too. Learners can train in a huge variety of sectors from engineering, business admin, sales, marketing, early years, among many others. Apprenticeships come in many forms and incorporate remote learning, hands on training and vital work experience. Find out more here
3. You have a degree, so you can’t do an apprenticeship
You can do training whether or not you have a degree or other higher education qualifications. And just because you have one doesn’t mean that you can’t use them to start or change the direction of your career. The key thing is the apprenticeship must be a new skill – so for example a Marketing degree would mean you couldn’t apply for a Marketing apprenticeship but if you wanted to become a teaching assistant you could do that.
So even if you have a Masters or a PhD, you can still complete an apprenticeship which will give you new skills and kickstart your new career path.
4. Men do construction apprenticeships, and women do hairdressing training
This ancient stereotype of apprenticeships is long gone in reality and ALL genders are welcome in ALL apprenticeships. Statistics show that the number of women and men starting apprenticeships were almost at the same level in recent years, and industries are making progressive strides when it comes to achieving equality. Employers are looking for the right person if they offer an apprenticeship and that could be anyone.
5. You have to be unemployed to do an apprenticeship
Again, incorrect. You can be employed in an existing job and need the knowledge and skills to progress/seek promotion or need additional skills in your current role. Whether it’s to pursue a new career or passion or to level up your existing training, apprenticeships are a great opportunity to gain new knowledge, connections, and expertise.
Professional Training Solutions has dedicated specialists who can help employers and individuals alike to explore the many training opportunities including apprenticeships.