Breaking the stigma… why apprenticeships are for everybody, not just the young.

In light of Jeremey Hunt’s recent ‘returnership’ initiative, outlined in the Spring Budget which was announced mid-March, we want to showcase the incredible benefits apprenticeships hold for everybody, not just the younger generation.

Apprenticeships have long been associated with providing young people with a route into employment, as an alternative route to mainstream education where they can gain practical experience and earn while they learn. However, a sort of stigma has evolved against adults undertaking apprenticeships and this is mainly due to the lack of exposure that adults have to this fantastic option for learning and development. They are not only beneficial for young people, but for individuals of all ages who simply wish to develop their skills and advance their careers!

In a time where national skills-shortages are expanding, and the declining economy is affecting the employment market, the upskilling, development and retraining of individuals is more important now than ever before. There needs to be more awareness surrounding these great paid opportunities to gain new skills and improve individuals career prospects.

There are several misconceptions floating around the education landscape, building on the stigma where adults feel somewhat embarrassed or as though they are falling behind societal expectations for learning and development achievements if they were to undertake an apprenticeship. But in reality, apprenticeships are an incredible route for anybody and everybody! And here’s 5 reasons why…

1.     Continuing Professional Development

Apprenticeships are a really valuable way to continue your professional development and gain new skills and knowledge throughout your career. Whether you are looking to improve your existing skills or develop new ones, an apprenticeship can provide you with the opportunity to achieve your goals and advance your career!

2.     Career Change

For many people, an apprenticeship can provide a way to switch careers and explore new opportunities. Whether you're looking to transition to a new industry or gain the skills needed to move into a more senior role within your current organisation, an apprenticeship can help you achieve this.

3.     Upskilling

Apprenticeships can also be a valuable way to upskill and gain new qualifications in your sector. This is particularly beneficial for adults who want to keep their skills up to date with current industry developments.

4.     Industry Flexibility

One of the best benefits of apprenticeships is their flexibility. They’re available in a wide range of industries and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual learners. This means that workers of all ages can find an apprenticeship that suits their needs, whether they are looking for full-time or part-time opportunities. Reskilling or upskilling in a particular field also gives you the skills you need to be flexible across industries, and they come with many transferrable skills too. This is also amazing for social mobility which is a necessity in the current cost-of-living crisis.

5.     Employer demand

As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow with the recrutiment crisis, more and more employers are looking to invest in apprenticeships to develop their talent pipeline and upskill their workforce. They need to provide learning and development opportunities to ensure employee retention in order to stay above the surface in such an uncertain time. This means that workers of all ages can benefit from the opportunities provided by apprenticeships and gain the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field.

From career changers to those looking to upskill, apprenticeships provide a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, earn while you learn, and achieve your professional goals! With a wide range of apprenticeships available, there has never been a better time to explore the opportunities provided by this valuable training pathway.

Check out the latest apprenticeship vacancies at Learning Curve Group here: Apprenticeships | Learning Curve Group