Apprenticeships campaign 2017

March 2017 apprenticeshipsnews.co.uk new and diverse roles

careers in engineering

From Aerospace to dental practice, the opportunities are vast p4

Ann Watson of SEMTA on bringing new talent to the sector p10

Find more online!

Who were the big winners at the national apprenticeships awards?

Apprenticeships “University wasn’t the right choice for me” Theo Paphitis explains how apprenticeships can offer an important alternative

PHOTO: THeO PaPHiTis reTail grOuP

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IN THIS ISSUe

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collaboration New standards have been set to ensure the best personal and professional development of individuals p6

ask the apprentices 10 years on from the first National Apprentice Week, we talk to 4 ex-apprentices about their experience and progression p14

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national apprenticeships week 2017 Read more online about what is happening during #NAW2017

“Apprenticeships are one of the greatest success stories of the decade” Apprenticeships work and that is a fact. The numbers speak for themselves – it is fantastic to know that 90 per cent of people that do apprenticeships go on to further work or education. This really is something to shout about, says Robert Halfon, Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills.

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onsiderable progress has been made towards Britain becoming an Apprentice and Skills Nation. Apprenticeship participation stands at nearly 900,000 – the highest figure on record. It is also an amazing achievement that there have been 780,000 apprenticeships started since May 2015.

With this in mind, the role of NAW in raising the prestige of apprenticeships and transforming the nation’s skills base has never been more important.

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“I hope NAW 2017 inspires more employers and people to do an apprenticeship”

Apprenticeships really are one of the greatest success stories of the decade – I am proud to say that through the new apprenticeship levy, £2.5 billion will be invested in apprenticeships by 2019-20that is double the amount spent in 2010-11. With more money than ever, we will be helping people get into more and better quality training schemes.

raising numbers as well as quality The levy will ensure a step-change in apprenticeships numbers and quality giving employers the highly skilled workforce

rt hon robert halfon Mp Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills

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they have been crying out for.

We have come an extremely long way and the stats I have mentioned speak for themselves. April is going to be really significant for apprenticeships and our reforms.

We will be seeing the apprenticeship levy come into force as well

as the launch of the new and independently led Institute for Apprenticeships.

apprenticeships for all industries The new Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers will be in place and Trailblazers will continue to work tirelessly to ensure there is a quality apprenticeship out there in every industry that is needed.

I hope that NAW 2017 inspires more employers and people to do an apprenticeship, helping us on our way to creating an Apprenticeships and Skills Nation.

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Mercedes-Benz is looking for the 'Stars of Tomorrow'.

Join our award-winning Apprenticeship Programme today.

• Train as a Parts Operations Specialist, Light Vehicle Technician or Heavy Vehicle Technician • Join from the age of 16 and earn while you learn • Work for one of the world’s most prestigious companies To find out more or apply today, visit our website: www.mercedes-benztraining.co.uk/apprenticeships or email us at mb.apprentice.academy@daimler.com

S N I K R E P S I TRAV

P I H S E IC T N E R P AP SC

HEME.

You’re chatting on the sofa and drinking your builder’s tea .... there’s no better time to talk careers.

Apprenticeships are the first rung on the career ladder. Apprentices earn while they learn.

Apprentices build great careers. Apprentices become CEOs. Have a look at www.travisperkinsplc.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships to learn more about our award winning apprenticeships or come and have a chat with us at the National Apprenticeship Show in Milton Keynes 13th & 14th March. We’ll put the kettle on. #CareerChats #TPLoveApprentices #NAW2017

For further information and details on how to apply, visit www.travisperkins.co.uk/careers/apprenticeship

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key Facts and Figures there has never been a better time to employ an apprentice, or start an apprenticeship.

up to 28,000 apprenticeship vacancies are available online at any one time.

There were 1,656,680 online apprenticeship applications in 2015-2016.

apprenticeships

are available in 1,500 job roles, covering more than 170 industries, from advertising to youth work and from environmental engineering to legal.

More than 2,600 employers are involved in designing the new apprenticeships standards. get in go far: Sue Husband talks with apprentices at the Skills Show in Birmingham. Photo: NAS

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apprenticeship standards have been published so far, of which over 84 are higher and degree apprenticeships.

There have been 4,300 starts on new standards in occupations such as Software Developer and Aerospace Engineer. apprenticeship participation now stands at a record level - 899,400 funded apprentices participated in an apprenticeship in the 2015 to 2016 academic year.

nearly all apprentices feel that they acquire or improve their skills as a direct result of their apprenticeship.

apprentices are most satisfied with:

89% 87% 86% 86%

the relevance of their training the quality of training their assessment on the job the quality of feedback

Almost 9 out of every 10 apprenticeship employer hoping to achieve business benefits tell us that apprenticeships deliver – including 75% reporting that it has helped their business improve the quality of their product or service.

there are currently 100

higher and degree apprenticeships available, with more in development, including foundation degrees, HNDs and full honours degrees. These include job roles ranging for legal services to banking and engineering.

after finishing, 7 in 10 apprentices (77%)

stay with the same employer.

Source: National Apprenticeship Service

The rise of the apprentice By sue husband, nas

2017 is set to be another successful chapter in the lifespan of apprenticeships. particularly as it is the 10th annual national apprenticeship week, happening from 6-10 March 2017.

The theme of the week is: ‘ladder of opportunity’ and the week itself will bring together apprenticeship employers, as well as current and former apprentices. There will be a significant focus on the latter; many of whom have progressed significantly in their chosen industry since commencing their apprenticeship. This includes former apprentices who are now pursuing careers as leaders in their fields, spanning a wide range of sectors and businesses, encompassing engineering, manufacturing and marketing.

key benefits Apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds; offering the chance to learn on the job whilst gaining the practical skills needed to get ahead, whilst also earning a salary. The lifetime benefits associated with the acquisition of an apprenticeship at Level 2 and 3 are significant, standing at between £48,000 and £74,000 for Level 2 and between £77,000 and £117,000 for Level 3 apprenticeships.

This can open up a whole host of opportunities.

10 years on from the first National Apprenticeship Week and apprenticeships are growing more

sue husband Director, National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)

and more appealing to young people and their parents. This is reflected in the increased diversity of apprenticeships on offer. For example 10 years ago we didn’t have degree apprenticeships or Trailblazers. But now apprenticeship Trailblazers, groups of employers developing standards specific to their sector, mean we have more and more employer-led apprenticeships, which include new and diverse roles in sectors from aerospace engineering, through to software development and dental practice.

Ladder of opportunity With the theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2017 as ‘ladder of opportunity’ a crucial development in the successful growth of apprenticeships, over the last few years, is the opportunity for degree level study with an increasing number of indi-

viduals now opting to take a higher level apprenticeship rather than going to university.

To this end we are committed to rolling out more degree level apprenticeships, so more young people can combine a high quality degree with an apprenticeship. Higher and degree apprenticeships are widening access to the professions and providing higher level technical skills employers need to improve productivity, as well as giving young people an equally valid career route to going to university.

Ten years ago this option wasn’t available, but in 2015-16, 26,750 people started an apprenticeship at Level 4 or above and apprenticeships will soon be available all the way up to Level 8. Higher apprentices could earn £150,000 more on average over their lifetime compared to those with Level 3 vocational qualifications.

Apprenticeships are not just a great way to progress in work and life they are a great way for employers to improve the skills base of their businesses. They work for all people of all ages and all backgrounds and can transform lives.

Statistics show 89 per cent of apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeship and 92 per cent said their career prospects had improved through doing their apprenticeship. To this end, we are committed to ensuring apprenticeships are as accessible as possible for all people from all backgrounds.

You want a fulfilling future.

We’ll help you realise it.

If you’re looking to start your career, there’s no better place to make it happen than our apprenticeship programmes.

If you’re looking to realise your future and keen to get your first steps into the world of work, our apprenticeship programmes are the place to make it happen. We’ll provide you with the right balance between earning and learning, and the chance to kick-start your career with a structured programme that combines innovative learning approaches with on-the-job training.

You’ll also earn an industry-recognised qualification. From day one you’ll be supported, valued and challenged to become an experienced professional. And with a wide range of schemes and levels available, we’re sure to have a role for you.

Find out more at: Santanderjobs.co.uk/realiseyourfuture

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INSPIRATION

Q&A

Knowing your options Mitesh Bhimjiyani launched Success at School in 2012.

After a successful career in investment banking he decided he wanted to help young people to understand their own career options. Successatschool.org gives young people no-nonsense careers advice and links them with employers and universities and he talks to us about why he believes apprenticeships are a great option.

Why have many employers increased the range of apprenticeships they are offering?

Any business has a number of positions they recruit for, so if you’re a construction company for example, you’ll still need people in your IT, HR or finance departments. There are a few main reasons behind the increase: The apprenticeship levy acts as an incentive for businesses to fulfil their needs by recruiting apprentices.

Apprentices will get properly trained and learn the skills for their chosen field, and therefore can really hit the ground running.

They bring fresh ideas to organisations who can be slow to progress.

So it makes sense for companies to offer a range of apprenticeship opportunities outside of their core business.

What guarantees do apprenticeships give in terms of equipping a business with future skills and business needs?

By their very nature, the new apprenticeship standards are designed by employers to train individuals in the skills required for that particular business. The combination of training and on-the-job experience should theoretically mean apprentices have a sound basis to meet skills gaps and business demands. Any organisation that invests in its people is future-proofing itself; apprenticeships are a way of doing that.

What are the benefits/opportunities of apprenticeships for school leavers?

Apprenticeships open up a much broader range of opportunities to roles and careers that school leavers would have previously needed a degree for. Many employers put a strong focus on apprentices’ personal and professional development, which is impressive. They’ll start learning skills they need for the workplace sooner than the graduates.

With tuition fees as high as they are, apprenticeships provide school leavers a route into a job without accumulating the debt that comes with doing a university degree. They will have also built rapport with their colleagues for many years by the time their equivalent graduate in-take arrives.

What advice would you give to businesses looking at going down the apprenticeship route – and what encouragement would you give them if they are in two minds about it?

My general ethos is: if you don’t try, you’ll never know. It does require investing some time in setting up an apprenticeship programme but there are plenty of organisations that have done it successfully and are reaping the benefits. Competition for talent is already high; if you’re thinking about it and want to wait and see, the competition is going to hot up even more. But don’t just do it because everyone else is, make sure an apprentice programme will work well for your organisation as well as the apprentices themselves.

What advice would you give to school leavers who are confused about the type of apprenticeships they should apply for?

This is a great question. In fact, one of the reasons I set up successatschool.org was to help young people understand their options.

And while it’s great that there are more career options these days, students need clear, unbiased advice. They can do an intermediate, advanced, higher or degree apprenticeship, or go to university.

When you add employers and job roles into the mix, young people really do face a number of choices and big decisions.

When looking at which apprenticeship to apply for, I think the answer lies with the individual first and the apprenticeship after. I would ask school leavers to firstly think about their own personal goals and ambitions; the areas they would most enjoy working in; and the skills they want to develop. Then, look for apprenticeships that match these goals and decide how much studying you want to do alongside it. This should help you decide the type (intermediate, advanced, higher, degree), employer and role you want to pursue.

Teamwork: Apprentices take part in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge. PHOTO: NAS

“We need to work together to champion apprenticeships”

By Elizabeth Crowley, CIPD

In recent years, we’ve seen a new appreciation of the value that apprenticeships can bring to both young people and to businesses in the UK. Employers are recognising that investing in young people helps them to win the war on talent and this growing momentum is reflected in the Government’s drive to deliver 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.

All indicators point towards apprenticeships taking centre stage but there’s still a significant job to be done to ensure that young people, parents and schools have the guidance they need to consider apprenticeships as a valuable route into work, and a meaningful alternative to university.

With endless subject options available and a range of routes into work– either through apprenticeships, internships, traineeships and degrees - it’s vital that you take time to weigh up all of these options and think about how they could help you to carve a successful career path.

Today, there are apprenticeships available to cover a huge range of occupations and sectors, including creative and digital media, accounting, agriculture, engineering, human resources and cyber security.

Apprenticeships are an attractive option for young people starting out in the world of work as they provide the opportunity to earn as you learn, and can

type of apprenticeship you choose in terms of subject, level and how long it will take to complete.

An apprenticeship can take anywhere from a year to four years to complete depending on the level.

Higher-level apprenticeships, for instance, typically take up to four years, and can lead to a degree-level qualification.

Developing skills Elizabeth Crowley Skills Adviser, CIPD

“It’s important to think about your career ambitions and how an apprenticeship could support this” help to avoid some of the financial pressures associated with a university qualification. You’ll serve a real purpose in an organisation and be contributing to its success.

You will get to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills and get a real understanding of what a particular role and industry can offer. As with other full time employees, you’ll earn a wage and get holiday pay and, importantly, you’ll study towards a related qualification.

It’s important to think about your career ambitions and how an apprenticeship could support this, as that will affect the

As well as learning role-specific skills on the job, apprenticeships are a great way of putting into practice some of the softer skills that employers are looking for in their people; like communication, collaboration and teamwork. You’ll gain these from working alongside experienced colleagues but also from interacting with people that are outside of the business, such as customers or suppliers. These skills will help you to develop within your apprenticeship scheme but they’ll also be transferrable to your next role, even if you choose a different career path altogether.

Apprenticeships are a solid choice for the start of a career.

Nearly 8 in 10 apprentices stay with the same employer at the end of their programme and more than 90 per cent of apprentices stay in employment after their scheme ends.

To achieve a more balanced labour market, to help young people get into and get on at work and, ultimately, get employers the skills they need, we all need to work together to champion apprenticeships.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Help others whilst helping yourself A career in adult social care can be extremely rewarding – 96 per cent of care workers said they felt their work really makes a difference.

Apprenticeships in care: A great route into a caring profession The benefits are huge and apprentices don’t even need previous experience. You can formalise your knowledge and gain new skills, whilst training and earning a salary.

As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and develop the skills and knowledge to become a confident and skilled care worker.

Helping others: Apprentices in social care enjoy a varied and challenging start to their career.

Daisy, apprentice at Countywide Caring Daisy was inspired to start a career in social care after looking after her grandmother with dementia. This experience made her realise she wanted to help people and when she started her social care Apprenticeship, Daisy knew it was where she wanted to be.

Daisy chose an Apprenticeship because it would provide her with a

wider knowledge and experience than doing a Diploma in Health and Social Care. Thanks to the Apprenticeship, Daisy says her confidence has grown. “I love my job and I know that I can help other people because I’m confident enough.”

As well as many other apprentices, Daisy firmly believes that it will help her develop her career in the social care sector: “I will be sat in my boss’s seat. That is it. I have

Will tomorrow’s leaders all have degrees?

At EY, school leavers can go as far as graduates, with just as many career options.

Choose what’s right for you. ukcareers.ey.com/schools

got the motivation now to do it and most importantly I want to do it.”

Jade, apprentice at Sorelle Support Jade chose a career in social care because she wanted to help people.

From helping her disabled cousin as a child, she wanted to put what she’d learnt from caring for her to other people. “I could see that the Apprenticeship scheme was my

employer investing in me as an employee – giving me the chance to grow, learn more and career prospects really.”

Whilst working towards her qualifications, Jade has been able to raise a family all at the same time so it’s worked really well within her life. “I have gone from just being a carer to a confident person with knowledge in my field with being on the Apprenticeship scheme.”

From her experience Jade thinks the Apprenticeship is a good thing for people who have been to school, got their qualifications but not too sure of what to do.“It can be great for when you’re older and been out of school for a while. With Job based learning you can be in the sector you want to be in and learn whilst you’re earning.”

© 2017 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. ED 0917

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ould you like to do a job that gives you a level of satisfaction, and that would allow you to help improve others’ lives? Or do you feel that you have the right values to be working in social care, but feel that you don’t have the right experience or qualifications to show to an employer right now? Then an Apprenticeship in the social care sector may be for you.

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Take an alternative route into law and see the opportunities

Apprenticeships have long been a respected means of training practitioners in a profession.

Apprenticeships combine the acquisition of knowledge (academic study), skills (application of learning) and experience (work based learning) with an apprenticeship wage and paid holidays offered by the training employer.

By Lynne squires, ciLex

T

he training requirements for solicitors and barristers have, most recently, followed a more traditional academic approach. Starting with university study i.e. a law degree, followed by a practice qualification i.e. legal practice course or the bar professional training course and then a period of work experience i.e. a training contract or pupillage.

Additional ’earn as you learn’ vocational routes, such as the Chartered Legal Executive qualification, have offered flexible and affordable alternatives to the more traditional higher education pathways for over 50 years and CILEx first launched legal services apprenticeships in 2013.

Recent Government reforms have led to the introduction of 3 Trailblazer legal apprenticeships: paralegal, Chartered legal executive and solicitor.

As employers have taken the lead on the development of these trailblazers, apprentices can be assured that the apprenticeship standards meet the need of the sector and that the training they receive will equip

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews.co.uk

them well for their future career development, whether that be a career as a lawyer or in legal support services. The standards have been designed for employers, by employers and are suitable for both large and small organisations offering a wide range of roles for future lawyers. Professional bodies have also been involved in the development of Trailblazers to help ensure that, where possible, routes to professional registration can be included in the development of the standard, this adds a level of reassurance that completion of an apprenticeship offers not only the opportunity to experience the work related to a specific training model, but also allows the individual to work towards a recognised professional status.

new options Conscious that they may have been missing out on finding talented future recruits, employers have welcomed this additional means of staff recruitment and training and the number of apprenticeship vacancies is increasing daily. The traditional routes into law have ten-

Lynne squires CILEx

ded to focus on recruiting those with high grades at A level, who have also had the opportunity to study at university and the ability to afford the practice qualifications associated with those pathways.

Apprenticeships allow individuals a choice, and ensure that those for whom university is not an option (through choice or necessity) are still welcome to join the sector and progress within it, regardless of their background or prior learning.

Trailblazer apprenticeships offer

apprentices the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the workings of a legal services provider, the types of legal practice that they could specialise in (e.g. family, property, crime, employment) and the future career paths available to them.

Apprentices get to find out whether they like the law, whether it is right for them and even if they decide that was not their career goal they will have gained valuable work experience, qualifications and avoided the student debt that is so often associated with higher education routes into the profession.

Making choices Apprentices receive constant and consistent feedback throughout the duration of their apprenticeship, as their experience grows so does their knowledge and skills.

This creates a more rounded member of staff who has been shaped and moulded by the employer to meet their role requirements.

Having completed an apprenticeship, apprentices are able to make decisions about their future chosen

career based on their own experience - a more informed choice, which is likely to lead them into making a long term plan that is right for them.

Apprentices are given an amazing opportunity to showcase their talent and skill to an employer, there is a possibility of full time employment or further vocational training available to them on completion of their apprenticeships. They offer a great deal to future employers as they are job ready, have relevant qualifications and valuable work experience.

In terms of advice for those considering a legal apprenticeship the best advice would be to research your options. Understand your options; where possible try to obtain work experience in as many areas as possible to get an idea of the work that you are considering. Seek advice from friends, family, careers advisors and professional associations.

This research will help to identify the option that is right for you and your own circumstances; it should also help you to find the right employer, one who is offering the future you are looking for.

CommeRCiAL feAtuRe

How the apprenticeship route can kick-start your career in law Apprenticeships are one of the many exciting recent developments within the legal sector.

We’re a profession with a reputation for the traditional, somewhat unfairly perhaps, so to see our sector embracing these new routes to qualification, is fantastic.

By Sam Lee, Head of Recruitment, Bond Dickinson

A

s an aspiring lawyer, the traditional route to qualification is highly competitive and the profession isn’t necessarily known for its diversity (again, rather unfairly). The introduction of legal apprenticeships has been a way of addressing both of these challenges and at Bond Dickinson we’re proud to say we’ve been there from the very beginning.

So just how different is the apprenticeship route? Radically! No longer do aspiring lawyers have to attend up to 5 years of university, accrue the vast amount of debt that it inevitably brings, and then take their chances on the graduate recruitment market. The new Solicitor Apprenticeship takes apprentices from school leaver through to qualified lawyer, in 6 years, without the need for university, law school or training contract. It allows apprentices to start earning a salary from day one of their legal journey, learn crucial business and legal skills, develop a real technical expertise while making a difference to the business immediately. University isn’t for everyone but that shouldn’t be a barrier to those who want, and are able, to pursue a career in law.

But this isn’t the only apprenticeship opportunity for anyone thinking about a career in law. Not everyone has aspirations of qualification

and the career that follows. Some may be unsure about making such a commitment at that early age, and that’s entirely understandable. The Paralegal Apprenticeship is a 2 year programme and gives apprentices an introduction to law and legal practice whilst developing a solid grounding in the business and legal skills required as a paralegal. Our paralegal apprentices are very quickly integrated into their teams, and are undertaking paralegal duties in no time – this isn’t just about fulfilling the admin duties, we’re creating career paralegals who will develop through our career frameworks and that could see them managing their own teams in the future.

‘Not for the faint-hearted’ Of course, for some, it could also be the springboard to qualification as a Legal Executive or Solicitor and that could be via further apprenticeships or other study options.

There is so much flexibility and so many opportunities available, it really could be the start of an amazing career. But it won’t be for the faint-hearted. There is no getting away from the fact that intellectual rigour is critical and anyone who has worked full-time whilst studying will tell you how challenging that can be. But the thing that has impressed us most about our apprentices is how up for this challenge they are; how capable; how

driven and how in control of their careers they are at such an early age.

Law firms are also starting to open up to non-legal apprenticeships, and if that’s your bag, the opportunities really are plentiful.

We’re currently running apprenticeship programmes within our Facilities, IT and HR teams and without these teams, our business just couldn’t operate effectively.

A career in law doesn’t have to be limited to practicing the law. It’s a sector that I’ve worked in for over 20 years and I can promise there is never a dull moment.

Ask the apprentices So if there is any advice I would give to someone considering a legal apprenticeship, what would it be?

Don’t think that your only option is university. An apprenticeship is a very credible alternative route to qualification as a solicitor and it’s by no means the easy option. If you’re ambitious, driven and can’t wait to start your legal career, this is definitely the route for you.

But don’t take my word for it, our apprentices have their own thoughts to share too: Florence Lungu, who is 19 years old, has been a legal apprentice at Bond Dickinson for a year and half.

Currently in her final year in the Advanced Level 3 apprenticeship programme, she reflects on what the scheme has meant for her, her

personal and professional development as well as her career in law.

She says: “Over the past year as a Bond Dickinson apprentice, I have worked in many different areas of the law and across many different teams. All in all, my role is very varied and I have had the chance to work across many disciplines developing new skills such as completing legal documents and adopting the correct etiquette with the court and clients. Aside from the legal experience I am getting, my apprenticeship has also enabled me to strengthen my soft skills including interaction with colleagues and clients, preparation for meetings, public speaking and other basic skills needed in any work environment.

“After having completed my GCSEs I went onto study A-levels in Law, History and Psychology.

My A-level choices were heavily influenced by my desire to pursue a career in the legal sector. When I passed my A-levels I realised that University was not for me, especially with the astronomical fees. Besides, I feel that learning on the job is the best way to acquire relevant and hands-on experience. When I finished college I started researching ways in which I could start a legal career without going to University and I then found the legal apprenticeship programme offered by Bond Dickinson.

“I did my research into the firm and from the outset felt that the business’s values and ethos would be a good fit for me. I decided to submit an application and shortly after I was invited along to a 3 day work placement and informal interview at the firm. Bond Dickinson was attractive because it offered excellent opportunities for career progression to qualify as a chartered legal executive and the apprenticeship programme seemed well structured and clear to understand.

“I have gained so much experience that has assisted me to understand what it means to be a lawyer.

The apprenticeship has been an excellent way to begin my career in law without going through the traditional routes. My experiences within my apprenticeship have surpassed my expectations as I am treated and given the same work as other members of the team. Being an apprentice at Bond Dickinson has enhanced my desire to pursue a career within the legal sector and has been an excellent opportunity to start my legal journey.”

Read more at bonddickinson.com

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INSPIRATION

INSIGHT

Your journey as an apprentice to a career in engineering and advanced manufacturing

Engineering skills for the future

Some of the most diverse and exciting career opportunities on the planet can be found in engineering. From designing the latest military jet to building and maintaining Formula 1 cars, engineers are at the very forefront of innovation.

Why become an apprentice?

• Debt-free learning •

Nationally recognised qualifications

•

Job security

•

Career progression opportunities

•

Route to great pay

Earn while you learn

Through on the job training and study at college or with a training provider or employer

Level 2 Apprenticeship Completion time: 18-24 months Level 3 Apprenticeship Completion time: 3-4 years Did you know?

Over 10,000 engineering and manufacturing employers offer Apprenticeships across the UK.

Why not join them?

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews.co.uk

Source: SEMTA

Photo: Thinkstock

By Ann Watson, SEMTA

I’m delighted, as the head of the organisation championing skills in advanced manufacturing and engineering, to lend my support to National Apprenticeship Week.

But the truth is that in the sectors that SEMTA represents, we don’t just have one week a year dedicated to apprenticeships – they are a tried and tested route into an engineering career, with around a quarter of the sector’s workforce having undertaken one and board members at a number of our most famous household names having done so too.

Employers in engineering go into schools and colleges all year round to promote apprenticeships as a strong and valued way into the sector, and they have so many programmes and initiatives up and running to show young people why they should start one.

Quality has been a watchword in engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships for a long time. If you undertake an engineering apprenticeship, you do so in the knowledge that you’re doing something which has been refined over many decades by employers – it’s a tried and tested way to bring new talent into the sector. Employers are now in charge of designing apprenticeships themselves, which means that when you start an engineering apprenticeship you can be certain that you will be gaining the skills employers really value and need.

An engineering apprentice can repay an employer’s investment in them within two years, and the knock-on effect of that is that an engineering apprentice could enjoy a career earnings boost of over £100,000 over

conduct similar research which looks at other under-represented groups in the future. I would say, though, that the situation is so much better now than it used to be – employers across our sector are absolutely committed to the diversity agenda, and they want to be able to make the best use of everybody in our society with a talent for engineering.

My message to girls is this: If you have the skills, you have a great future ahead of you in engineering!

Ann Watson SEMTA

“My message to girls is this: If you have the skills, you have a great future ahead of you in engineering!” someone who hasn’t undertaken one.

Then there’s the debt issue – with universities set to be able to charge some students £13,000 a year in tuition fees, an engineering degree apprenticeship offers young people the chance to get the same degree, plus a whole load of invaluable work experience, while earning a salary and having their fees paid for them. What’s not to like about that?

Engineering apprenticeships are open to young people from all backgrounds. I will admit that our sector could sometimes do more to tell people that a career in engineering is for them. Our latest research report, Engineering Skills for the Future, outlines the messages we should be using to reach out to girls, and we hope to

Exciting times for the sector As a young person just starting out in your career, if you took up an engineering apprenticeship now you would be entering the sector at a very exciting time. Technology is being developed that will transform not just our sector, and not just the world of work, but our whole society and way of life. Engineers are going to be absolutely central to making that happen – they are already working on so much that really does need to be seen to be believed. Driverless cars and drone delivery would have been jaw-dropping ten years ago but they really are just at the very tip of today’s tech iceberg.

And that, ultimately, is why I want you to think about starting an engineering apprenticeship. Ours is a sector where an apprenticeship has traditionally tended to lead to a steady and stable career. The skills you gain by doing an engineering apprenticeship – mathematical, analytical, mechanical and design, to name but four examples – will stand you in really good stead to ride the tech wave into the future. If you want to shape the world you live in, and if you want to make it a better place – you should start an engineering apprenticeship.

We shape a better world

Headline headline

Arup’s commitment to hiring young talent through apprenticeships Arup is now one of the world’s largest consulting engineering firms, with over 14,000 Arup is now one in of 92 theoffices world’sacross largest staff working 40consulting countries. engineering firms, with over 14,000 staff working in 92 offices across 40 countries. We provide engineering design, planning and project We provide engineering design, planning and project management services formanagement services for industrial, civil and building works.

We help to design and plan many types of structures, including industrial, civil and building works. We help to design and plan many types new of new bridges, hospitals, officebridges, towers, hospitals, railways and motorways.

We alsoand work as management structures, including office towers, railways motorways.

We consultants, helping ouralso clients improve their profitconsultants, and performance. work as management helping our clients improve their profit and

“As a Rail Engineering Design Technician I work on diverse projects and develop performance. my skills with a Arup is committed to hiring more young talent through Graduate andand Apprentice positions. We are proud to Arup is committed to hiring more young talent through Graduate Apprentice have been awarded as one of the UK’s Top 60 Employers of Apprentices. It’s a testament to our commitment team of professionals positions. We are proud to have been awarded as one of the UK’s Top 60 Employers to providing the ideal start to your development. The Arup apprenticeship allows you to study for an of Apprentices. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing the ideal start to around me. I relish academic qualification while working and learning in our offices alongside respected, technical professionals. your development. The Arup apprenticeship allows you to study for an academic “As a Rail Our apprentices combine work and study to gain qualifications alongside practical experience. theEngineering opportunityDesign qualification while working and learning in our offices alongside respected, technical Technician I work on professionals. Our apprentices combine work and study to gain qualifications alongside of working fordiverse a We have structured training within each discipline which is approved by the relevant professional institutions. practical experience. and develop skills likemy Arup You will combine on-the-job experience with day-release study and develop problem solving skills. You projectscompany We have structured training within each discipline which is approved by the will also be gaining relevant qualifications, which will set you off on the path towards becoming a qualifiedwith a team of professionals where I can progress, relevant professional institutions. You will combine on-the-job experience with dayprofessional in an extremely rewarding career. release study and develop problem solving skills. You will also be gaining relevant around me.

I relish learn skillsthe and gain qualifications, which will set you off on the path towards becoming a qualified Solihull-based apprentice, Shima Malek, said: “ARUP have provided me with an opportunity to develop opportunity of working for a qualifications.” professional in an extremely rewarding career. my career within the built environment. I am currently working within the Project Management team on an company like Arup where I can Solihull-based apprentice, Shima Malek, said: “ARUP have provided me with an exciting multi-disciplinary project with our HS2 client. I am constantly learning and developing new skills, opportunity to develop my career within the built environment. I am currently working progress, learn skills and gain not only through the University of College Estate Management (BSc Construction project management within the Project Management team on an exciting multi-disciplinary project with programme) which is funded by ARUP but also from the helpful and friendly staff, that are available to helpqualifications.” our HS2 client. I am constantly learning and developing new skills, not only through regardless of the questions asked.” the University of College Estate Management (BSc Construction project management programme) which is funded by ARUP but also from the helpful and friendly staff, that are available to help regardless of the questions asked.”

www.arup.com/careers/graduates_and_interns/ukmea/apprenticeships

www.webaddress.co.uk

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Q&a

alexandra sydney General Manager, Milkround

The vital skills which young people need to learn to make the leap from education to the workplace can be incredibly daunting, so being able to learn and develop inside a business from a young age is life-changing for school-leavers

why have many employers increased the range of apprenticeships they are offering?

The upcoming apprenticeship levy has definitely encouraged employers to put more of a focus on apprenticeships as a recruitment tool. The media attention apprenticeships have been given has made employers really consider the variety, volume and content of apprenticeships they offer. However, prior to the levy, apprenticeships were already moving into the spotlight for recruiters.

The increase in university fees led this charge, and although we haven’t witnessed a decline in university applicants, it certainly made employers think about the best routes to attracting entry level talent into their businesses.

what guarantees do apprenticeships give in terms of equipping a business with future skills and business needs?

Apprenticeships have the potential to create a completely different employee than graduate schemes. When you train an apprentice, you end up with an employee whose skillset is tailored for the business and who has a great sense of loyalty to the brand. In its essence, it is an investment into developing a productive and dedicated workforce who should remain in the business for a long time.

what are the benefits of apprenticeships for school leavers?

The benefits are near endless. Without having to worry about paying back a student loan, you get plenty of opportunities for qualifications and vocational training. You start earning a salary more quickly than your university-educated peers, and you get a head start in terms of experience in the workplace. By the time graduates are entering the business, you may already have spent years there honing your skills and building a network of contacts.

what advice would you give to businesses looking at going down the apprenticeship route – and what encouragement would you give them if they are in two minds about it?

Having a structured approach to apprenticeships is crucial – they need to be carefully planned to ensure that you are getting a sound return on investment in terms of skilled employees.

When approached correctly, apprenticeships are an opportunity to train young candidates in a way that is most beneficial to the business.

Only about half of young people attend university according to the Department of Education, meaning that there is a largely untapped potential talent resource available to employers. By targeting the other half of young people, businesses may find candidates that take well to working life but do not thrive in a strict learning environment.

what advice would you give to school leavers who are confused about the type of apprenticeships they should apply for?

Research is absolutely key - do not be put off by the sheer choice of opportunities available to you. Think about what sector you would like to have a career in and then look at how to get there.

By taking your individual strengths into account you can determine if, for example, a higher apprenticeship or a sponsored degree is the right decision for you.

For those who are unsure whether an apprenticeship is for them – keep in mind that they are available in more sectors than ever before. At the moment you can be an apprentice in such diverse industries as digital marketing and the legal sector!

Photo: Theo Paphitis Retail Group advocate: Theo Paphitis shares his reasons why he is supporting apprenticeships.

“The reasons why I’m backing apprenticeships all the way” By theo paphitis

the choices you make when you leave school shape your career and your life; it’s the sliding doors moment for school leavers to prevent those ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’ moments later on. these days there are more options than ever, but they need to choose what’s right for them. university isn’t for everyone, just like it wasn’t the right path for me, which is why apprenticeships are providing an all-important alternative option.

If you need convincing how beneficial apprenticeships can be, there is a long line of successful men and women who started out as apprentices, to help you.

Those who learned the invaluable twists and turns of their professions on the job straight after school such as Karen Millen, Alexander McQueen, Jamie Oliver, Alex Ferguson and F1’s Ross Brawn are fantastic examples of those who chose an apprenticeship that helped them to excel at their craft. Obviously, not everyone is going to be a famous fashion designer, chef or football manager, but it illustrates my point that the opportunities are endless and that is why I am so passionate about apprenticeships. They give you paid experience to learn a craft inside out, and what better way to learn if a career is for you than by living and breathing it.

Apprenticeships are a win-win for both employers and employees and the results of being an apprentice are undeniable from the shop floor to the boardroom.

I have heard so many times from

theo paphitis Entrepreneur and Chairman, Theo Paphitis Retail Group

apprentices across the board that the best thing about the schemes are that they can earn while they learn, and this is so important in young people setting out on a positive footing in the workplace and for their own finances. The vital skills which young people need to learn to make the leap from education to the workplace can be incredibly daunting, so being able to learn and develop inside a business from a young age is life-changing for school-leavers.

working to an end goal An apprenticeship is more likely to see you gain a full time job as you’re the one already doing that job. Unfortunately, a university degree doesn’t automatically promise you a job anymore, it’s a bit like trying to score a goal against a team that has double the amount of players; the odds are always going to be stacked against you! An apprenticeship reduces the opposition and you are almost guaranteed a goal at the end – what an opportunity! The only thing which is

definite when an individual leaves university is the large tuition fee debt, and no one should have to face that when they are starting out. University is the right choice for those who need a degree for the career of their choice, but if not, why wouldn’t you learn on the job?

I have spoken recently about the perfect storm for retailers – the combination of the change in consumer habits, the weaker pound against the dollar and euro, increasing labour costs and the archaic system of business rates. The Apprenticeship Levy is also a part of this; an important scheme which according to the Government will see 3 million new apprentices by 2020, however a word of caution - which the Government doesn’t always listen to – apprenticeships are about quality not quantity!

Are school leavers’ paths paved with gold? There are certainly more opportunities out there now and I’m pleased that the future is moving away from that one size fits all mentality.

Apprenticeships should be seen as an equal opportunity to the university option in the minds of school leavers, and that is the role of everyone including the government, businesses and very importantly schools. Educate on the options and give them the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions. The future for apprenticeships can be an incredibly bright one, especially with further investment.

Raising awareness, and reducing the “stigma” around apprentices is making great progress but is still an ongoing battle, and one I am backing all the way!

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the key benefits of digital apprenticeships employers are increasingly finding apprentices can offer an attractive way to diversify recruitment and bring in fresh talent to their companies. apprenticeships, which last between 1 and 4 years, combine realworld work experience with a structured training programme. they include qualifications ranging from popular industry certifications to honours degrees. equip a new generation with digital skills: 80 per cent of people say they’re more likely to use a business if it offers apprenticeships to young people.

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10 years on from the first National Apprenticeships Week, we talk to four apprentices about their experience and achievements.

Where are they now?

From engineering apprentice to project manager

rachel hoyle BAE Systems

Rachel Hoyle, 29, obtained As and A*s at GCSE, and won her first of many engineering awards whilst still at school. As a result of this early success she got the chance to go on a week’s work experience at local global business, BAE Systems. The experience inspired her decision to enrol on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering with the company when she left school at 16. The company and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers then supported her BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering degree and Rachel progressed through the company as an engineer. Four years ago she decided to take on a technical project management

From business administration apprentice to repairs and maintenance team manager

chelsea-Lee Grimes Severn Trent, Coventry

Chelsea was spurred on to start her apprenticeship by a desire to earn money and gain qualifications after she left school. Following completion of her apprenticeship she has worked her way up the career ladder in the male-dominated water industry, to lead a team of 17 men, as Repairs and Maintenance Team Manager. Alongside this full-time role, Severn Trent are sponsoring her to do a BA hons degree in Management and Leadership at Coventry University. Chelsea has now been at Severn Trent 10

role, and has since been recently promoted to management level at the business. In 2015, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering awarded Rachel the Stevenson Award, in recognition of her work in developing and promoting a career in engineering to young people. Rachel advises those considering the apprenticeship route: “There are lots of routes to successful careers – doing an apprenticeship allowed me to open my eyes to global businesses sooner than if I’d taken another route. It made me realise the work that needs to be achieved to progress in a company. I look at the senior leaders in the business now and I see what dedication and commitment they show. I think maybe I wouldn’t have been as aspirational and motivated if I hadn’t been exposed to the business in the same way, as my apprenticeship allowed.”

years and to those considering an apprenticeship, she advises: “I started my apprenticeship as a customer service agent in the call centre part of the business and have worked my way up. The training and qualifications I’ve received as part of this career path, have been invaluable. 10 years ago I thought I wanted to be a PA but coming into Severn Trent my career vision has curve balled. I’ve seen the work the men are doing first-hand, and it made me think, why can’t I do that too? The main challenges I’ve faced come with working in a male dominated industry. However if anything this has just strengthened my motivation to succeed. As part of this route I’ve attended a meeting at the Houses of Parliament, to meet the Water Minister and taken part in a BBC radio interview on women in the water industry.”

■ new talent: Recruit and develop

ambitious school leavers with the skills and experience to excel in your workplace ■ retention and productivity:

Apprentices can help support existing staff to develop and progress ■ tailor-made: From online training

to part time study, a programme can be created around digital roles and training needs ■ cost-effective: The average apprentice

“It’s given me a trade which I can go anywhere in the world with” nathanael ellis Scottish and Southern Electricity, London

increases business productivity by £214 per week ■ Fresh ideas: Having an apprentice who

■ Learning at all levels: From level 2 to

MSc, apprenticeships can train learners of all levels and abilities ■ high-quality support: Accredited

training providers can help employers through the entire hiring process

Source: The Tech ParTnerShiP

Nathanael left school at 15 with 10 GCSEs. Unsure what to do next he successfully applied for an apprenticeship at Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE). After initially struggling with the transition from school to the workplace, he soon adapted to the work environment and hasn’t looked back since. 10 years later and he is a connections manager for SSE at the age of just 25 and has no regrets

From apprentice to information team request leader

is learning about the industry can give a unique insight on projects

Read more on apprenticeshipsnews.co.uk

From apprentice to connections manager

Lucy wilkins Somerset County Council, Taunton

Lucy has been deaf all her life and at 21 was diagnosed with usher syndrome, which eventually leads to blindness. She completed a foundation level and advanced apprenticeship with the council and since then has won various awards including The Daily Telegraph/Jaeger-LeCoultre Business Personality of the Year award in 2007, which was presented to her by David Cameron.

Lucy left school at 16, enrolled at college, and gained a place at university, however she quickly

about the route which has enabled him to establish a successful career and buy a house in London. He says: “My apprenticeship taught me to grow up very quickly, I’ve become an adult. Moreover it’s given me a foundation for the rest of my life – a trade which I can go anywhere in the world with, as well as great social skills. I graduated to a managerial position at 22.” For those considering the apprenticeship route he advises: “100 per cent go for it if you can – you can gain qualifications whilst gaining experience at the same time and you’re being paid.”

decided the change in lifestyle wasn’t for her and dropped out. Lucy had been out of work for a while when she spotted the apprenticeship advert in the local paper. She says: “I always enjoyed learning, and I felt the apprenticeship was something I could do despite my failing eyesight; I could earn a wage and stop relying on other people. One of my greatest achievements was completing the foundation apprenticeship in 6 months then the advanced apprenticeship in 9 months and afterwards securing a permanent position with the council. I’ve been at Somerset Council for 10 years now and the awards I have won as part of my apprenticeship and afterwards have given me the belief that it doesn’t matter what life throws at you, if you believe in yourself then you can achieve whatever you want to. ”

MAKE LIFE HAPPEN WORK WITH WATER APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES MIDLANDS | £15,000 STARTING SALARY PLUS BENEFITS We do something incredible: we supply eight million people with almost two billion litres of water every day. From rivers to reservoirs, across the UK, we’re connecting communities with the world’s most precious resource.

Our Apprentices are the technical and engineering experts of the future. We need over 50 ambitious self-starters to help us become the most trusted water services company in the UK. We’ve got Apprentice schemes that cover every aspect of our business. From water production to wildlife conservation and from designing a new treatment plant to building an app. Join Severn Trent and you’ll help shape the future of a vital industry that’s experiencing unprecedented change.

Schemes start August 2017.

Read Heeran’s story and find out how to apply at: severntrentapprentices.com

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IT’S THE START OF SOMETHING BIG

COMPASS APPRENTICESHIPS They came from all across the UK into every type of role. From Chefs to Business Administration, Security to IT, Facilities Management and Finance, they brought their hearts, their souls, and their passion.

The 1,500 campaign launched in 2016 To join the 1,500 please visit www.jobsatcompass.co.uk

APPRENTICESHIPS I t ’s t h e s t a r t o f s o m e t h i n g b i g