Most learning happens in the workplace, giving students the chance to train and gain experience, all while getting paid. Apprenticeships come with a secure contract of employment, including holiday pay, and are funded by contributions made by both the Government and employer. They are offered at various levels to match educational equivalents: intermediate (GCSE); advanced (A-level); higher (foundation degree and above); degree (bachelor’s or master’s). Some apprenticeships may  award an additional qualification, such as a diploma.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 who is not in full-time education and who is living in England — with similar schemes in the other parts of the UK. There are still some common misconceptions about apprenticeships — such as that they are available only in traditional hands-on trades or are only for those who failed their exams. In fact they operate in almost all industries and at all levels, with 28,000 vacancies currently being offered across 1,500 job roles: everything from engineering and plumbing to arts and media to law and banking, with potential employers including Deloitte, Barclays, BMW and the BBC.

Apprenticeships offered by banks and professional services firms are actually becoming even more competitive than their graduate schemes, as instead of building up large debts on a degree course, apprentices can earn money and get a foot in the door of their chosen employer or industry right away.

At Work Avenue we are seeing an increasing number of young people in the Jewish community approach us about apprenticeships — to find out more about what they offer and gain help getting into their chosen job role. My own background is in providing careers advice — helping people achieve their goals, including getting into university, apprenticeships and employment — so I have been delighted to bring this experience to Work Avenue clients.

Sam* had been looking for some time to gain an apprenticeship in the financial services industry. He received lots of advice from the Work Avenue team, including help with his application form and a mock interview. Sam landed an apprenticeship with Bloomberg, in customer service. It was the perfect role for him and he is already doing really well.

We’ve also helped Alex*. After having a difficult time as a child and young man, he started an economics degree but was unable to complete it. He got a job as a sales assistant, but was frustrated. Clearly exceptionally bright, and with a dogged determination, he dreamed of a career in IT.

Work Avenue helped Alex apply for numerous jobs and apprenticeships. Our advice, along with his refusal to give up, saw him attain an advanced apprenticeship as an IT solutions technician. He is now planning to move on to a higher apprenticeship in cyber security.

If you’d like to explore the option of an apprenticeship, receive support to land your perfect role or discuss the different pathways open to you, Work Avenue would love to hear from you.  

Hannah Dahan is employment adviser, Work Avenue, theworkavenue.org.uk 
*Names changed to protect identities

Work Avenue can offer guidance and support for applicants at every stage