As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off, we thought what better time to catch up with those involved in all stages of the apprenticeship process!
Last academic year, participation in apprenticeships increased by 4%, with 353,500 new starters in England alone.
Over the course of this week, we will talk to a 3rd year apprentice and his employer, an executive director of curriculum at a local college, a contracts manager and a site manager who began his career as an apprentice.
Mikey is an 18-year-old electrical apprentice we placed with a local company here in Northampton. He is currently in his 3rd year, spending time on site and in college.
We sat down for a chat with Mikey and asked about the decision-making behind his choice to start an apprenticeship, his experiences so far and if he has any advice for those interested in doing the same –
“I decided to become an apprentice after returning to 6th form and realising being in a school environment was not for me. I investigated a trade and decided on electrics. And that the best option was learning on the job and doing a 1 day a week at college.”
The pros of being on an apprenticeship is being on site and learning hands on in a real working environment. Working with different people on different jobs weekly/daily. And obviously being paid!
For anyone who might want to be an apprentice, I’d say look into the trade you want to do, as companies give up their time to train you. Look into which college is going to suit you and your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.’
#nationalapprenticeshipweek #apprentice #construction #electricsindustry
