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APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE 2016
Plumber [Trade] Plumbing apprenticeships are extremely popular, mostly because of the earning potential of fully qualified plumbers. If you’d like to work towards a high salary while learning the ins and outs of U-bends from trade professionals, an apprenticeship is a great way to start. An experienced plumber will instruct and oversee your training, pass on their knowledge of the trade and give you hands-on experience of the job. Most apprenticeships will ask for three National 5s or Standard Grades from applicants, and there may be a theory test to pass before the apprenticeship begins.
Multimedia Content Producer [Media] Although less common, there are a few apprenticeships out there for those interested in a career in the media. In a role like this you might have the chance to produce content for company websites; taking photos, writing articles or shooting films. Perhaps you’re great at making GIFs or you're a photo editing pro that could help a company get noticed, or maybe you’re brilliant at social media. You need to be creative, hardworking and great at multitasking for a role like this and you can work towards an SVQ in digital skills.
Nursery Assistant [Childcare] If you’re great with kids, this apprenticeship is a wonderful way to get qualified for a career in childcare. You can spend your days helping children to read, draw and play together while also working towards an SVQ in childcare . You might be assigned to a nursery, toddlers group or a kids’ play facility, where you’ll learn from trained childcare specialists while also gaining hands-on experience. You can have a positive impact on the lives of little ones while also getting ahead in your career. Not bad! Most apprenticeships will ask for qualifications at Nat 5, and a PVG check.
Chef [Hospitality] Are you great at rustling up dishes in the kitchen? Do you dream of being the next Nigella or Jamie Oliver? An apprenticeship working in a busy hotel or restaurant kitchen will give you a flavour of what life as a chef is like. You’ll be chopping food, washing plates and keeping a close eye on the masters at work before gradually being allowed to get cooking yourself. All great chefs have to start somewhere and an apprenticeship will allow you to get paid while earning a qualification too. If you love food and are ready for a fast-paced, all encompassing culinary career, this is a good way to get into it.
Software Tester [IT] Information technology (IT) is a constantly evolving, booming industry with loads of career opportunities. A software tester plays a valuable role in the development of a company’s products, making sure that everything works efficiently and highlighting any possible bugs in the system. You would be testing products, websites and software to make sure everything runs smoothly and submitting error reports. Whether you’re already a keen computer programmer or don’t have a clue how to code, these IT apprenticeships will give you fantastic training in computer development. With IT apprenticeships you can work towards an SVQ in information and telecommunications professionals, setting you up for a career in IT.
Admin Assistant [Administration] Could you be the first point of communication for a major company? Could you make sure the business runs smoothly, providing crucial support to management? An administrative apprenticeship isn’t all about typing and filing – you also learn valuable skills and knowledge about the company you work for. You may begin at the reception desk at an accounting firm and then progress later to become a trainee accountant, but a great starting point is the administration assistant Modern Apprenticeship. You can work towards an SVQ in business and administration, which could lead to a career in business.
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