Posted on 23rd February 2022 Get Involved Listenback ListenBack, Guests Uncategorised

Apprenticeships: Everything You Need to Know

Apprenticeship Week on Unity Radio was a huge success, as we opened our doors to over 10 different educational establishments across Greater Manchester and presented their opportunities over the airwaves. Our very own Jasper Hopkins welcomed the likes of Princes Trust, City in the Community, Job Centre Plus and Sale Sharks on to The Breakfast Show to discuss their provision, all of which you can listen back to below. Although Apprenticeship Week is now in the past, the search for a perfect career still goes on for many people. With this being said, there is a whole host of burning questions surrounding apprenticeships; am I too old to apply for an apprenticeship? Do I need any certain qualifications? Which apprenticeship pays the best? Read on to find out the answers. Check below for our full timetable from Apprenticeship week.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a program of paid work whereby a person will complete a course of both on-the-job learning as well as in a classroom. An apprentice will spend 80% of their time on the course on-site in a living, breathing workplace, gaining first-hand experience from the outset and throughout. This, paired with a classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification, makes an apprenticeship course a unique and fitting opportunity for many.

How much do apprenticeships pay?

There is a common misconception around apprenticeships that they don’t pay particularly well. While this is true in certain circumstances, you may be surprised to find out that the average yearly salary for an apprentice in the UK in any industry is around £20,000 per annum. Even still, if your chosen apprenticeship path doesn’t pay this well, the figure will continue to rise as you progress down the path set up for you by the apprenticeship. A small price to pay for direction and progress within your dream job.

Am I eligible to apply to become an apprentice? 

A frequently asked question regarding apprenticeships is “Am I too old to become an apparentice?”. The answer is, quite simply, no. As long as you are over 16, a UK citizen or someone who has lived in the UK for the past 3 consecutive years, you are eligible to apply for all types of apprenticeship. It’s never too late to start a new journey!

Why an apprenticeship might be right for you.

Apprenticeships are unique in the sense that they consist mostly on-site/on-the-job learning. Its factual that some people learn more efficiently in a practical manner using the first-hand experience to guide them through the theoretical aspects of the course. Classrooms can often be confining and uninspiring, so having the opportunity to get straight in to the workplace via an apprenticeship can be perfect for some people.

Where do I apply for an apprenticeship?

Listen below to the full interviews between Jasper and some of the most promising and exciting employment/education/training providers from within Greater Manchester. You never know what opportunities you might find in any of the 10 interviews that proceeded over the span of Apprenticeship week. The quotes below from the likes of M-EET Your Match, City in the Community and One Manchester give insight into how Apprenticeship Week went on Unity Radio. You can check out more of Unity Radio’s work within the employment/training/education sectors here.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to promote Greater Manchester’s Hidden Talent and M-EET Your Match on Unity radio. To be able to talk about both projects on a breakfast show that young people in Manchester listen to will help us get the message out to them that there is help and support for all young people whatever their circumstances. GM’s Hidden Talent gives 1:1 support to young people who are seeking an opportunity in education, training or employment. Jasper was very welcoming and put us both at ease during our slot. Thank you!”

– Lisa & Gavin from GM Hidden Talent and M-EET Your Match

“I really enjoyed the interview with Envy, it was great to speak about the programme on a medium that will get to many people. Often when talking about the programme its only hitting one set of ears, so to be able to explain the programme to young people, families of young people and potential refers was a great opportunity.”

– Lucy from One Manchester

“The interview with Jasper and Unity Radio was great. Jasper really understood what City in the Community were about, with his family experiencing some of their programmes and the impact they can have. I was given the time and opportunity to discuss my programme in more detail, adverting this to young people aged 16-25 in Manchester.”

– Chris from City in the Community

By Jack Meredith – @ringingears303

Robert Garner from The Growth Company – Twitter

Chris Johnston from City in the Community – Twitter

Qubra Din from Cyber Salford – Twitter

Natasha Ashby from Manchester Career Connect – Twitter

Des Howlett from Sale Sharks – Twitter

Laura Whitehurst from Princes Trust – Twitter