An Introduction To Apprenticeships;

National Apprenticeship Week!

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: What You Need to Know

National Apprenticeship Week is a time to recognize the importance of apprenticeships and their impact on the future of work. Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to get hands-on experience in their chosen field and gain valuable job skills that will help them succeed in their careers. Let's take a look at what apprenticeships are, how they benefit both employers and employees, and why they should be celebrated.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a training program designed to give individuals hands-on experience in their chosen field while allowing them to earn money as they learn. It’s an opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain valuable job skills without having to go through the traditional college or university route. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from six months to five years, depending on the industry and type of apprenticeship program. During this time, apprentices will receive mentorship from experienced professionals in their chosen field, as well as formal training and instruction in areas such as safety protocols, best practices, industry standards, etc.

Apprenticeships vs Internships

It’s important to understand the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship. An internship is typically shorter than an apprenticeship (usually lasting only a few months) and focuses more on gaining knowledge rather than building job skills or earning money. An apprentice has more responsibility than an intern as they are expected not only to learn but also apply what they have learned. Additionally, while interns may receive some form of compensation apprentices generally have paid positions with salaries that increase over time based on their performance and progress within the program.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer many benefits for both employers and employees alike. For employers, it allows them to get feedback from fresh perspectives which can help inform business decisions or create new opportunities for growth. For employees, it provides them with invaluable job skills that can open up new doors for career advancement later down the line. It also gives them access to mentors who can guide them through any challenges they may face along the way. Finally, it gives them financial security during their training period since most programs offer competitive wages that increase over time based on performance metrics established by employers.

Who can take part in an Apprenticeship?

To start an apprenticeship, you need to be: (1) 16 or over (2) living in England and (3) not in full-time education.



National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity for young people everywhere to learn about the numerous benefits of participating in an apprenticeship program. Not only do these programs provide hands-on learning experiences that help build valuable job skills, but they also offer financial stability during training periods and access to mentors who can provide guidance along the way. So if you’re looking for a way to jump start your career path without having to go through traditional education routes – consider looking into an apprenticeship!


Want to discover more about apprenticeships and what’s available?

Download ERIC, the ultimate career discovery app connecting young people to internships, apprenticeships, events, courses and upskilling opportunities across the creative industries.