'Great, the UCAS form is in, but look at this as well'
The usual path towards increased employability and 'getting on' in life has been to take A-Levels and then on to University. A-Levels are still very important, but the next step now needs more careful planning as there are now two routes. University or higher level apprenticeships.
You probably won't be expecting this...
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It is likely that you don't know the man in the picture. But he is the Group Managing Director for BAE Systems and he started his career as an apprentice.
The stereotype built up in the 1990's of the bumbling sixteen year old apprentice who just about manages to work the photocopier, needs to be thrown out. Higher level apprenticeships should be considered seriously by anyone looking at a career in IT, intelligence and engineering.
Many have scoffed at apprenticeships in the past for a lack of academic rigour. But just to attain a place on a good program, you will need at least good passes (A-C Grades) at A Level.
Many have scoffed at apprenticeships in the past for a lack of academic rigour. But just to attain a place on a good program, you will need at least good passes (A-C Grades) at A Level.
"For far too long academic subjects have been elevated above practical learning and these rigorous, well-respected qualifications - equivalent to a traditional degree - are going to help end that imbalance." Prime Minster David Cameron
For years a degree meant increased employability. All the way through the education system this idea has been reinforced. But there are some really exciting opportunities with higher level apprenticeships that don't leave your children with c.£40,000 worth of student loan debt and they can be working for some of the most exciting companies in the UK.
Just imagine for a second you are an employer. You have two CV's in front of you:
Candidate 1.) Good A-Levels and a degree.
Candidate 2.) Has good A-Levels and has spent the last three years in an apprenticeship program working with GCHQ and MI6. They have been working on qualifications that are of degree level.
Furthermore, they plan on studying for an additional year to gain a full degree in their spare time.
Who would you choose?
I recently attended an event in which both Heads' of Human Resources for Siemens and BAE who were speaking about employability. It was clear they much preferred apprentices than graduates. Adding that they tend to rise much more quickly towards management positions.
I am not denigrating the necessity to study at degree level, but in today's job market candidates need to stand out. Every teenager needs to be aware that they are going to need something special on their CV and not just a degree to ensure they stand out.
Just imagine for a second you are an employer. You have two CV's in front of you:
Candidate 1.) Good A-Levels and a degree.
Candidate 2.) Has good A-Levels and has spent the last three years in an apprenticeship program working with GCHQ and MI6. They have been working on qualifications that are of degree level.
Furthermore, they plan on studying for an additional year to gain a full degree in their spare time.
Who would you choose?
I recently attended an event in which both Heads' of Human Resources for Siemens and BAE who were speaking about employability. It was clear they much preferred apprentices than graduates. Adding that they tend to rise much more quickly towards management positions.
I am not denigrating the necessity to study at degree level, but in today's job market candidates need to stand out. Every teenager needs to be aware that they are going to need something special on their CV and not just a degree to ensure they stand out.
So I encourage you and your children to look into apprenticeship programmes as well as applying to uni.
You never know, this alternative path could lead to becoming Managing Director at BAE or perhaps the best football manager in history.
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Another former Apprentice...
By Alex_Ferguson.jpg: photo with zoomderivative work:
Alex_Ferguson_02.jpg (Alex_Ferguson.jpg) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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