I've Completed My Apprenticeship - Now What?
Completing an apprenticeship is not the end of the story. Once you have received your training and qualification, you may be asking yourself – what next?
Many apprentices remain with the same employer, transferring into conventional education. But this is not the only option available to you.
Job Offers
From the outset you should understand that there is not necessarily a guarantee of employment at the end of an apprenticeship. While many firms run apprenticeship schemes with the ultimate aim of taking on apprentices as conventional employees, it is important to remember that this may not always be the case. Circumstances change, particularly in an economic environment as prone to fluctuation as ours currently is. Similarly, some employers choose to run apprenticeship schemes simply in order to ‘give something back’, without necessarily hiring workers at the end of it.You should be clear from the start of your engagement as to whether or not there is likely to be a chance of conventional employment at the end of your apprenticeship. If there is, you will need to decide if this is something you wish to pursue long-term. If there is not, you may have to consider finding other work.
Transferrable Skills
Even if there is no offer of permanent employment at the end of your apprenticeship, the training and qualification will make you a significantly more attractive proposition in the eyes of other businesses. In the past, apprenticeships were criticised for providing people with too narrow a skill set. Today, though, apprentices come away with a broad range of transferrable skills, and a firm academic foundation.These skills will stand you in good stead when applying for other positions, particularly if you are competing against individuals with little experience in the field. It may well be that, having completed an apprenticeship, you have decided that you do not want to continue in the same occupation; even in these cases, many of the transferrable skills you have learned can be put to good use by other employers.
Using Your Qualifications
You may also decide that you wish to continue in further or higher education once you have completed your apprenticeship. A completed apprenticeship is equivalent to good GCSE or A Level passes, depending on the level at which you are studying. Higher Apprenticeships are often equivalent to a Foundation Degree.As a result, you are likely to find it easier to begin or continue an educational career once you have completed your apprenticeship. If you are considering going to college or university, talk to your learning provider; they may be able to offer guidance on the right course for you.
Job Hunting
Finally, you should be prepared for the perils of job hunting. If there is no employment at the end of your internship and you do not wish to go into education, you will probably have to look for a job.You may wish to approach this process in the same way as you approached the process of applying for your apprenticeship. Remember to play up your strengths, highlight your experience, and explain how your apprenticeship makes you suitable for the position.
Apprenticeships have a wide range of benefits and applications. There is a huge number of options open to you; make sure that you properly consider each one.
Re: Your Rights as an Apprentice
My daughter is doing an apprenticeship in a hair salon, she is contracted to a minimum of 30 and maximum of 40hrs, every week she…
Re: Your Rights as an Apprentice
My partner has been employed by a company as a nursery assistant for 6 months. They are now trying to force her into an…
Re: Your Rights as an Apprentice
My daughter started an apprenticeship 4 months ago, is being paid the minimum £5.28 but has not started an official apprenticeship…
Re: Apprentices' Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take on an Apprentice Barber if they have gained NVQs at college but need shop floor practical training
Re: Top Tips When Applying for an Apprenticeship
Hi I am Affan (17 years old ), currently doing my A levels at Eastbury community school in maths, chemistry…
Re: Fixed Term Apprentice Contracts and Dismissal
My Grandaughter, (not via a blood relationship), has served a 5 year apprenticeship as a dog carer. She…
Re: Working Hours and Holidays
anonymous My Salon has no clients and i was told im not needed tomorrow should i still get paid as this is not my fault?
Re: Your Rights as an Apprentice
My son is an apprentice, he started around 3 months ago, he is paid weekly, however he.hasnt been paid for nearly 3 weeks by his…
Re: What is Minimum Age for Building Site Apprenticeship?
let’s start off with the fact that i’m 16, female, for my whole life i wanted to be a mid wife &…
Re: Fixed Term Apprentice Contracts and Dismissal
My son age 16 started an apprenticeship July 2023 his contract specifies 6 month’s probation period. 3…