5 Things all School/College Leavers Need To Know About Apprenticeships


Earn While You Learn with an Apprenticeship through Optimum Skills

It's exam result season and whether you've got the results you expected or are left feeling disappointed, there are still plenty of options for further education, which aren't necessarily college or university. Apprenticeships are a great way to kick-start a career and earn while you learn, and with so many options available there has never been a better time to apply. Find out more on our list of five things you need to know about apprenticeships below.


1) Gain necessary knowledge and skills whilst working

An apprenticeship allows you to train for a job and get the qualifications you need whilst getting real on-the-job work experience.  An apprenticeship will prepare you with the correct skills, experience, and qualifications to build your career, there are more options than ever in many different career paths. You’ll pick up on-the-job relevant technical skills, gain an understanding of the industry all without spending most of your time in a classroom.

2) Apprentices are more employable

Apprentices gain direct experience in a real work environment, making them more employable. With only 5% of apprentices left jobless within a year of completing their training, compared with 16% of university graduates. Employers value the experience and commitment of an apprentice, and their passion to pursue a career.

3) Earn while you learn

Apprenticeships are free for people of all ages to do, meaning no tuition fees and no debt. You’ll even be getting paid to do it! The minimum wage for apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship is currently £3.70, however, some employers will pay more. Rather than having to pay thousands in tuition fees, apprentices get paid for learning new skills.

4) Growing amount of apprenticeship routeways

There has never been a better time to become an apprentice with hundreds of different apprenticeship routeways available. There are opportunities for people at any academic level to begin their apprenticeship journey. There are different levels of apprenticeships available and you can even gain a degree qualification whilst doing an apprenticeship. That means you can build your career and academic level from level 2 all the way to level 6 without having to attend college or university.

5) Apprentices are entitled to the same benefits as employees

Apprentices are entitled to all the same benefits as other employees. Apprentices are employed by the company they work for and therefore are treated just like other staff members. You will be entitled to at least 28 days' paid holiday per year, and paid sick leave, along with other benefits depending on the company.


If an apprenticeship if something you are interested in doing, get in touch with us today. We can provide you with information about apprenticeships and our current live vacancies, contact us to find out more.