This week is National Apprenticeships Week 2015! The week is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and possibilities that apprenticeships offer. From the 9th to the 13th of March this week, Apprenticeships are a big talking point. They are not just the skilled labour jobs they were years ago. Here are 5 reasons why 2015 is the best year for apprenticeships.
1. Breadth of opportunity
It has recently been confirmed that the word "apprenticeship" has taken on an entirely new meaning. Before it was reserved for starting careers in Mechanics or Construction. However it has now been revealed that apprentices are pursuing a range of careers with great prospects.
It was revealed that the most popular Apprenticeships in 2014 was Health and Socal Care. This was followed by Business Administration and Management in third and second place. In fourth and fifth were Hospitality and Customer Service.
These popular apprenticeship are a long way from the reputation that were originally placed on apprenticeships as for only a select few careers.
2. They've come a long way
As part of apprenticeship week, the government have dug up some figures from the census from over a hundred years ago, revealing how far apprenticeships have expanded. In 1914 it was revealed that the most popular apprenticeship was in Dressmaking. This was followed by Engineering and Carpentry in second and third. Making up fourth and fifth place was Drapery and Millinery. It certainly shows the options now available to apprentices have developed over the past hundred years, but how far will they go in the next hundred?
3. Stricter with apprentices
Over a hundred years ago employer were much tougher on apprentices. While in the 21st century apprentices and employers work collaboratively to reach their aims, last century times were much harder on apprentices. If the employer were to take a dislike to the apprentice, the employer could have them summoned to court, on the charge of having a bad attitude or being idle.
4. It's a man's world...not
According to data put forward by the government, the majority of apprenticeships are now being taken by women. While we've already seen that the most three of the top five most popular apprenticeships in 1914 were careers traditionally reserved for men, it has now been revealed that 55% of apprenticeships are now being taken by women.
5. Apprenticeships are fantastic careers starters
The data that has been revealed around apprenticeships shows that they are a fantastic career starters. According to information from the government, 90% of apprentices stay in full-time employment after they finish their apprenticeship, including 2% of go on to be self-employed. In fact, 71% of apprentices continue with the same employer after their apprenticeship has finished.
Other options are available too. Data has shown that 19% of apprentices also go onto higher education courses also.
National Apprenticeship Week is a fanatic occasion for young people from across the UK to really kick start their careers and take advantage of this growing opportunity for young people. So take a look at what's available and start your careers today.