Apprenticeships seem to be having something of a renaissance at the moment. The skills shortage in some sectors is causing significant problems for industry and business leaders are looking for solutions.
Apprenticeships are one solution which is being presented. Encouraging young people to see apprenticeships as a worthwhile opportunity will be key to the impact apprenticeships can have on UK industry. Apprenticeships have traditionally been seen as a vocational route for school leavers but many apprenticeships are now open to older individuals too and could present a valuable route to a career change.
Whilst pay for apprentices can be low salaries on reputable schemes they are receiving valuable training whilst working and gaining experience. With the cost of training courses at colleges and university fees apprenticeships now offer an alternative route to many careers which pay an above average salary. Successfully training skilled apprentices in areas where UK industry is experiencing skills shortages could be crucial to solving this problem in the future and supporting growth in key areas such as construction, IT and engineering.
