Prosper Autumn 2023 Yumpu_compressed

SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIPS
The apprentice
view...
Do you think more can be done at sixth
form/ school to promote apprentices,
rather than just the standard ‘apply to
university/college’, and look for work
afterwards?
Luke Edgar Hill: There should be as
much emphasis on apprenticeships at
career evenings and conversations
around the options you choose at each
level of your educational ladder. If careers
officers had a closer relationship with
businesses, they could promote
companies in their different disciplines to
students as an alternative career. This
could be done with companies doing
small presentations to students at the
appropriate times.
Ross Fletcher: Yes, I believe that more
can be done. More companies should go
into schools and present the advantages
of apprenticeships to students, and more
students should be encouraged to attend
apprenticeship fairs. Some students are
simply unaware of the apprenticeship
schemes available that would suit them
better than going to university.
Owenia Francis: Absolutely. I think
encouraging young people to partake in
Luke Edgar Hill: “I’ve gained hands-on
experience in the industry as well as
targeted support from experienced
colleagues... an apprenticeship is the start
of my pathway to a career in engineering...”
learning outside the classroom through
taster days, placements, internships, or
traineeships will give them real insight
into what an apprenticeship has to offer.
Also, incorporating business into schools
through enterprise events, workshops
and careers fairs can help bridge that
gap.
Walid Hakem: Without a doubt. Most
of the time, careers advisors and
teachers promote apprenticeships as an
afterthought or a ‘plan B’, but in the
current atmosphere of diversification,
finding different ways of “doing what’s
best for me” can always be promoted.
Do you think becoming an apprentice
has helped your career?
Luke Edgar Hill: An apprenticeship has
given me a strong foundation in my
career. I’ve learned on the job, putting
into practice my training in a more impactfull
way than just academic lessons. It’s
also helped me build connections and
I’ve had the chance to display some of my
projects to executive team members.
Ross Fletcher: It’s been a great start to
my career; I feel that Crowe has given me
the best possible foundation.
Owenia Francis: I’ve been introduced
to a wide business network through my
work at the Chamber, including links to
other regional chambers and the BBC
Hub. Familiarity is a huge advantage
when it comes to narrowing down a
career path and the commitment to work
and study is highly valued by employers.
Walid Hakem: Taking the path I have
has meant that it has been essential to
my career progression as well as my
personal development. It has been great
Would you recommend other young
people to think of an apprenticeship
rather than going on to FE/HE?
Luke Edgar Hill: The chance to gain
“More companies should go into
schools and present the advantages
of apprenticeships to students... some
students are simply unaware of the
apprenticeships available that would
suit them better than university...”
Ross Fletcher
hands-on experience in your chosen
industry, and receive an industry
recognised qualification, while earning, is
a tremendous advantage.
With HE/FE once you have finished
your qualification you have to apply for a
job, but you’ll be up against candidates
with the same qualification but who have
experience from their apprenticeship,
and they will be more employable.
Ross Fletcher: For those that want to
work in finance, I would definitely
recommend an apprenticeship as an
alternative to going to university.
The opportunity to complete the exams
at an earlier age can speed up your
development and growth.
At a firm such as Crowe you are part of
a large annual intake of other similar-aged
people, not just in your local office but
across the UK, and you can make
friendships and really enjoy the journey
together.
Owenia Francis: If you have a strong
passion for a subject, then university is a
great option. That said, if you are
interested in gaining work experience,
qualifications and earning without
prioritising one over the rest – an
apprenticeship is the way to go.
PROSPER AUTUMN 2023 37