IF you want to hear “You’re hired!”, do an apprenticeship.
Since 2010, almost six million people have enrolled on these earn-as-you-learn schemes.
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Nine out of ten apprentices go on to sustained employment and the same percentage of firms believe that hiring apprentices leads to a more motivated workforce.
With more than 690 different schemes — and almost half of all new starters aged 25 and over — there will be one to suit you.
The Army alone has 40 to choose from.
Cpl Harry Smith, from Bradford, joined up at 16.
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Now 24, he is an apprentice electronics technician.
He said: “The Army is constantly developing me as an individual.”
This week is National Apprenticeship Week so Sunemployment is high-lighting some of the UK’s top schemes and sharing expert advice on how to make the most of your training and climb the career ladder.
Top sectors signing up this year
MILITARY
THE Army is a huge supporter of apprenticeships, with 90 per cent of new joiners enrolling via a scheme.
There are 40 types on offer, ranging from Level 2 to 6.
Colonel Craig Terblanche, who leads the delivery of the apprenticeship programme, said: “It offers great opportunities to develop leadership and management skills, with clear routes for promotion, career progression and personal development.”
Cpl Harry Smith, from Bradford, joined the Army at 16.
Now 24, he is an apprentice electronics technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
He said: “The Army is constantly developing me as a soldier and as an individual.
“I have achieved a full advanced apprenticeship in electrical maintenance and installation. In the future the Army will put me through an Artificer course which will give me a degree-level qualification.
“My primary role is to service, maintain and diagnose any fault on any equipment. This can range from Land Rovers right the way up to tanks and missile systems.”
Apply at jobs.army.mod.uk.
TELECOMS
BT is hiring 446 apprentices into roles covering software engineering, data analytics and cyber-security.
Visit bt.com/earlycareers.
Virgin Media O2 has 100 apprenticeship roles.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
STUDY up to degree level as a management consultant, accountant or tax specialist.
KPMG has 400 vacancies at kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprentice.
BDO has 130 positions at careers.bdo.co.uk.
Deloitte is offering 250 places on its Bright Start programme.
See tinyurl.com/bdvne6y3.
RETAIL
SUPERDRUG and Savers need 500 new apprentices.
Apply for a place at superdrug.jobs/apprenticeships.
Aldi is also taking on 500 people across buying, logistics and HGV driver roles.
See aldirecruitment.co.uk/apprenticeships.
THG has 34 jobs at thg.com/talent/job-search.
And the Co-Op is hiring at jobs.coop.co.uk/early-careers.
HOSPITALITY
HOTELS and restaurants provide quick career progression for apprentices.
Hotel chain Hilton has 100 roles.
Restaurant Nando’s needs 300 staff.
McDonald’s offers apprenticeships up to degree level and has 600 places this year.
You can search at people.mcdonalds.co.uk.
TRANSPORT
THE Go Ahead group needs 850 apprentices.
Visit go-ahead.com/our-people/apprenticeships.
A flying start
A TEAM of 40 British Airways apprentices dispatched a flight to South Africa this week, demonstrating their key role in aviation.
The trainees worked across check-in, lounges and at the boarding gate to manage the departure from Heathrow to Cape Town.
Rachel Iley, director of BA’s Global Learning Academy, said: “This flight shows the integral role of apprentices in our workforce and the opportunities for those who join a BA scheme.”
This year BA will hire 194 apprentices (see careers.ba.com/emerging-talent).
Meanwhile, easyJet has 20 places on its engineering scheme (see rb.gy/bk0203).
Positive mindset is key
PAUL Eagland moved from being a trainee to being the boss of 7,500 people as Managing Partner at accountancy firm, BDO.
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1. Embrace learning and never stop asking questions.
Take every opportunity you can to build your knowledge and skills.
2. Show initiative.
Demonstrate commitment by going the extra mile where you can and always look for ways to be proactive.
3. Build a network.
It helps develop technical skills and softer interpersonal skills and improves wellbeing.
4. Find a mentor.
Some businesses have established mentoring schemes in place but even if your business doesn’t, I’d advise trying to find someone who will offer you a form of mentorship.
5. Be adaptable and embrace new ways of working with a positive mindset.
A road to progress
JAGUAR Land Rover has 350 vacancies, including in digital and supply chain roles.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme is ‘Skills for Life,’ and this is exactly what JLR is providing its apprentices with as they develop cutting-edge vehicle technology.”
See jaguarlandrover careers.com/content/Apprentices.
LEYLAND TRUCKS has five degree apprenticeships for design engineers and project managers plus 28 standard roles.
Search leylandtrucksltd.co.uk/apprenticeships.
RENISHAW has places on its Manufacturing Engineer degree apprenticeship.
You need to apply this week, which you can do at at tinyurl.com/ 2e2ed9u2.
