Apprenticeships can offer help to people of all ages gain the skills and knowledge they need for a rewarding career. However, there are common misconceptions surrounding them. That’s why through this blog director of the national apprenticeship service, Sue Husband, busts some of the top myths surround apprenticeships.
Myth 1- “Apprenticeships are for people who don’t do well at school”
Apprenticeships are not an option that is available for people “just in case”. They are an alternative route into skilled employment, a great way to earn whilst you learn, and an excellent way to gain vital work experience and be able to set yourself on a fast track to a successful career.
Myth 2- “Apprenticeships are low quality”
This myth is far from the truth! In fact, quality is at the heart of apprenticeships. And to ensure things stay this way, the government has recently launched a new institute for apprenticeships, making sure that all delivered with the same high quality. There is also a group of employers that have come together to design new apprenticeship standards continuously to be sure that apprentices are learning the skills most relevant and valued in workplaces that employers need.
Myth 3- “Doing an apprenticeship doesn’t lead to good qualifications”
There are ladders of opportunity that doing apprenticeships offer, allowing learners to progress from trainee-ships and intermediate (Level 2) apprenticeships, all the way up to higher and degree. The apprenticeship route is becoming increasingly popular, with 19% of advanced apprentices progressing to degree level of qualification.
Myth 4. Apprenticeships are only for school leavers
In fact, apprenticeships are available to people of all ages. This makes them a great opportunity for anyone looking to change their career or improve their skills to secure a new role.
Myth 5. Employers don’t value apprenticeships
There is research that shows apprenticeships boost the productivity to businesses by an average of £214 per week, meaning that more and more employers are now choosing to grow their business through apprenticeships. Take the employers word for it! They say that former apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. Apprenticeships provide the stepping stone to a brighter future.
Myth 6. An apprenticeship won’t lead to a full time job
In fact, more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, with 67% remaining with the same employer.
The best ways to help your child study
Some children are blessed with the gift of good study habits, while others hate studying. Parents can play a huge role in aiding the studying process, we have listed some tips and tricks below in order to optimise the support you can offer!
Set up shop
Ensuring that your teen has a quiet, well-lit, distraction free place to study. The area should be well stocked with everything they may require. Paper, pencils, pen, calculator, dictionaries, anything that they may need. The area should be away from distractions. That means no TV’s, consoles, phones or other devices nearby to divert their attention.
If your teen wants to be away in a private space to study, allow the independence. However, check in from time to time to make sure they haven’t strayed from the tasks. If they need a computer to study, avoid having this in a private place as it is easiest to get distracted when you have the world of the internet in front of you.
Homework and projects
It can be frustrating and tough to watch your teen get stressed by deadlines and homework! But being there for them in the correct ways can help them and yourself.
Planning ahead. Sit down often and go over what they have received from their classes, trying to ensure there is a balance. Take a look at what they have, what should take priority and roughly how long to spend on each task. This doesn’t have to be down to the minute or even hour, but a rough outline of how things should go can make it a lot less stressful as they have an outline of the beginning and end.
Routine. Instil the message that schoolwork takes priority. Set a clear time that should dedicated in the day, and make it clear that TV, phones, games etc. aren’t to be resumed until that time period is up.
Real world benefits. Talk about how the skills such as meeting deadlines are transferable in to the real world. Or about how topics they are learning can relate and be really beneficial going forward.
Why not check out our parent guide and have a further read on what options are available and tools to help you help! https://www.autocity.org.uk/index.php/parents/