National Apprenticeship Week runs annually to raise awareness of the benefits and opportunities which can be gained through apprenticeships. However, apprenticeships carry a curious negative stigma – one that needs to be addressed and erased.
The Apprenticeship Stigma
Apprenticeships often connote a ‘last resort’ for many people and are frequently aimed by career advisers at students who struggle academically. However, academic achievement is not an indicator of intelligence. Completing an apprenticeship is not lesser than completing a degree – both are equal pathways into successful and professional careers.
Apprenticeships are hands-on learning, with employers combining work, training, and study to provide their understudies with a practical and advanced start in their careers.
More needs to be done to remove the prejudice towards apprenticeships. It is a potential pathway for anyone and everyone; not just those who “don’t have the grades to go to university”, as people frequently assume. A trade chosen at the young age of 16 should not define anyone.
Completing an apprenticeship in place of a degree does not make someone less educated or less intelligent. Taking a different pathway through Higher Education does not give reason to look down on anyone socially or economically. Although this may not be the route for everyone, neither is university.
In the past, the stigma surrounding apprenticeships has been impacting numbers of young people undertaking apprenticeships in recent years – however, this year’s government report indicates a turn in the tide. Apprenticeship starts were up by seven per cent for the 2023/24 academic year, with under-19s accounting for 32.7 per cent. Compared to last year, when apprenticeship starts were down 3.5 per cent, this is a positive and hopeful outlook for the future of apprenticeships.
So, Why Dispel the Stigma?
You may be thinking – why bother changing the stigma? Rates of upstarts are increasing again, and a lot of us are settled into our individual career pathways.
What matters is making sure that future generations can choose their individual path. Both university and apprenticeships have unique, valuable skills to be learnt – but every person learns differently. Apprenticeships are a genuine, valuable alternative to university. They are not a last resort, or for people with bad grades, or a lesser qualification. Young people should have access to every opportunity that’s available to them, without worrying about what others may think of them.
Brig spoke to Julia, who works as an Apprenticeship Officer for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Julia told us about the bright minds that she comes across in her day-to-day job of guiding and supporting apprentices across Scotland.
“The apprentices I meet are generally young, bright, hardworking, keen and willing to learn a trade from the very beginning.“
When asked if she finds her job guiding apprentices rewarding, she told us;
“Yes, I enjoy helping apprentices succeed in their chosen career paths and encouraging them to stick at it when the weather is bad and the work is exhausting!”
Clearly, it isn’t an ‘easier’ way forward than University, but a committed and practical way into a wide range of professional careers across the world.
Why Apprenticeships are Fantastic Opportunities for Anyone
By doing an apprenticeship, you are gaining practical experience whilst being paid. Many people think of apprenticeships as being poorly paid – however, this is often not the case. Many employers pay their apprentices the market rate.
There are growing numbers of apprenticeships in different areas of various industries, at a range of levels. There are even some available here, at the University of Stirling. Most commonly, people lean towards the construction or forestry industry. However, unique opportunities are appearing everyday. Here are some of Brig’s favourite examples:
- Telescope Maker
- Sail Maker
- Chocolatier (who doesn’t want to be a chocolatier?)
- Crime-Scene Photographer
- Blacksmith
- Martial Arts
Dodging the financial burden of student loans and coming out of it with a college-accredited, internationally recognised qualification is a major benefit. The best bit? Absolutely anyone can do one – you just need to be interested and committed (and over the age of 16). You can explore more options here.
A Ticket to the World
The successful completion of a practical apprenticeship is a ticket to the world. Carpenters, joiners, painters and decorators, hairdressers, scaffolders, and so many more are essential services that are needed worldwide. A pathway straight into a job – in any country you fancy.
Julia mentioned working alongside many apprentices and employers who are off on adventures to other countries, most commonly Australia and New Zealand, to go straight into a job. She makes an effort to inspire young people to use their apprenticeship to explore the world, as the options are limitless.
It is clear that our mindset can change the future of other people. Removing the stigma surrounding apprenticeships makes future generation’s options more accessible, changing the face of the future workforce, and helping young people to get the most out of higher education.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
You can see my portfolio here: https://www.clippings.me/alicepollard
