Big advantages of apprenticeships at Lancaster and Morecambe

It follows the government announcement of a raft of financial incentives to encourage employers to recruit trainees and apprentices.

Apprenticeships can be started at any age from 16 upwards. It's not commonly understood that there is no upper age limit. In fact, there has been a definite increase in adults choosing to retrain via the apprenticeship route.

Georgia Simm (18) from Lancaster, a Level 3 Business Admininstration Apprentice at Knight Training in Lancaster, explained why she chose an apprenticeship and what she is getting from it.

She said: “Doing this apprenticeship has helped me gain and develop skills which will help me progress in my career. The main skill I feel that I have gained is self-confidence.

"During my time here at Knight Training, I have been encouraged to push myself to new limits by talking to clients on the phone, doing things I have never done before and getting to know new people. I used to struggle with my confidence and found talking to new people very daunting but now I do it every day without even thinking or worrying."

The Employer Engagement team at Lancaster and Morecambe College has seen an increase in applications for the growing number of vacancies currently available across a wide range of sectors, including Business and Marketing, Accountancy, Hairdressing, Construction and Engineering.

The most recent Ofsted inspection, done in March this year, graded the college’s apprenticeship provision as 'Good' and the latest national apprenticeship achievement data placed it in the top 20 Further Education Colleges in the country.

Georgia added: "My advice for anyone looking to do an apprenticeship is to not worry about not knowing how to do the job when you first start. It can be a steep learning curve but this is the purpose of an apprenticeship - you will get taught everything you need to know to help to develop you into this role. Also, when you are doing your apprenticeship, learn and do as much as possible as it is the best learning experience you will get."

The Benefits of Apprenticeships:

* School leavers get to start their career earlier than others. By the time their peers have left university, they will already have five years’ valuable work experience, increasing future employment opportunities

* People who do apprenticeships can still go to university. Universities respect the apprenticeship system and the qualifications and experience it provides. Students can progress from apprenticeships onto HNCs, HNDs and degrees

* Earn while you learn. The minimum apprenticeship rate is £4.15 from April 2020 (for under 18s) but many employers pay more than this

* You will know whether your career choice is the right one for you. You'll have worked in the industry throughout your apprenticeship

* Paid holiday

* Apprentices gain specialist skills

* Apprentices gain a range of qualifications, skills, knowledge and behaviour

* Apprentices receive on-the-job training by industry professionals

* There is no student loan

* Apprentices offer excellent career progression

Find out more about apprenticeships here.