Apprenticeship Vibes

Apprenticeships have positive vibes with people of all backgrounds vibing with the ‘learn and earn’ culture. I’m not talking hip to attract a young talent pool as the multigenerational workforce has realised apprenticeships are professional qualifications that can boost your expertise and employability. There are good times ahead, but are apprenticeships seen as a really good thing for other people to do, not you?

I hear people talking about apprenticeships at work and on the train. Sons, daughters, relatives, partners and colleagues are doing one. The skills for life theme of apprenticeships reflects the multi-stage career conversations happening across industries. It's not about your age or where you started. It’s your potential, what you offer and how you can make work a mutually beneficial relationship for you and your employer.

Balancing the job for life mentality with squiggly careers and seeking experiences and qualifications before moving to the next chapter. Maybe that’s too radical for civil servants as we value stability, security and our pensions.

It is “part of our DNA” and the vision of apprentices working their way up the grades brings back memories of yesteryear when people started and finished their careers in the same government department. Legacy, corporate knowledge and loyalty are endearing qualities but that may not work for all career paths and professions. The return on investment for apprenticeships needs to be decided.

The UK government’s desire to have “gold‑standard” apprenticeships signals a push for high‑quality, respected apprenticeships and a shift away from university‑only metrics of success to help young people enter and progress in the labour market. Once you are in the organisation, you might want to develop your skills by studying an apprenticeship in data, finance, artificial intelligence, communications or any other subject that aligns with your role.

The Department for Work and Pensions has assumed responsibility to better align apprenticeships and skills with employment. The Growth & Skills Levy has money to spend. To change the narrative on apprenticeships, let’s convert positive vibes into the application and completion of apprenticeships to enhance skills and capabilities and meet business needs. Whether you are here for a long time or a good time, what is stopping you?

Would you do an apprenticeship?

I would do an apprenticeship but I am already doing an executive coaching qualification through work. I am in my mid-forties, have the relevant HR qualifications and a degree and MA in journalism and screenwriting. I have a busy day job and while project management and leadership apprenticeships are appealing, I do not work in project management or manage anyone. If I were to do an apprenticeship, I would do a level 7 MA equivalent which my employer would have to fund as I am no longer eligible for levy funding.

Oh, I only have a D in GCSE Maths and might fail the functional skills test if I do need to show my numeracy skills to be accepted on the apprenticeship, despite employers now having the power to decide whether a Maths and English qualification should be part of the apprenticeship course for adult applicants .

But I am already qualified to do my job, so maybe I am not the apprentice you are looking for. Everyone has a reason not to do an apprenticeship. Sometimes people do apprenticeships to get the job even if they are over-qualified or do not want to do it and drop out as soon as they have passed probation. They want the job, not the qualification. Some apprenticeships may need refining to make them fit for purpose. Maybe you cannot spare 20% of your working week to study your apprenticeship.

You have to make the right decision for you, but it should be an informed decision and remember your employer is paying for you to complete a qualification that is yours to keep. All you have to do is find the time, study and work hard. Being paid to study rather than working to pay off a student loan when you did not need to go to university.

Institutions Matter

To progress in HR I had to complete my CIPD qualification and pursue accreditation. Sometimes you have to study to get the job and to develop in your career. The more skilled you are, the more options you have. If the case studies from successful apprentices aren’t grabbing your attention, do some research. Don’t trust gossip, fake news or misinformation. Working for the government or public sector is more important than you might think.

The world is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous as it was in the 1960s during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the escalation of the Cold war. Every decade has faced geopolitical and humanitarian crises. Now, like then, ‘institutions have to stay strong in the face of adversity to counter disinformation and uphold the law and our values.’ That quote is from The Age of the Strongman, and I predict the role of institutions will become more prevalent in society and global affairs over the next few years. Can you do your bit to flex our institutional biceps?

Your critical thinking, interpersonal, vocational, trade and technical skills are needed. Depending on where the funding for your apprenticeships are coming from, there are many ways to serve your country and represent your societies and what you believe in. If I were to start my career again I would be looking for apprenticeships in demographics, disinformation, food security and international relations. Feel the vibes and you decide if you are going to be an apprentice.