PROSPER SPRING DIGITAL

COVER STORY: STARS OF THE FUTURE
Continued from page 27
What has vocational training taught you
that a full-time college or university
course could not have done?
Georgie, Nant: University or college is
more structured, and learning based with
no guarantee of a job at the end of it. I like
that I have been able to gain an additional
qualification while having the security and
stability of a full-time job. I developed
vital skills such as time management,
confidence, accountability for my
workload and teamwork.
Joseph, Thomas Dudley: There are
social aspects that cannot be taught in
full-time academic environments as well
as skills for self-management and
time-keeping. Running both training and
full-time work simultaneously is certainly
not without its challenges but without
application, a large amount of knowledge
gained in a full-time college or university
course is lost. Apprenticeships are
tailored to your industry and knowledge is
reinforced by seeing things live every day.
Abbie, Talbots Law: My apprenticeship
has provided me with the chance to excel
in the legal profession and develop real
life skills and confidence that I did not
have previously. In a classroom you do
not get the hands-on experience of
dealing with clients and managing and
progressing their case in real time.
Matt, JJX Logistics: I have been given
hands-on experience; everything I
learned came with practical outcomes and
solutions that I could actually see the
effect of, rather theoretical scenarios. It
was proper ‘real life’.
What are the biggest misconceptions
about apprenticeships?
Georgie, Nant: That apprenticeships
are just for school leavers! It was a
misconception I had myself, and it is not
true. At Nant we have had a range of
apprentices from different ages and
stages in their career. It is great to have
that diversity of experience and opinion.
The course tutors are great at
understanding your learning style and
adapting their approach based on how
you learn best. This could be through
recorded interviews, observations in the
workplace or annotated images to
evidence your learning.
Joseph, Thomas Dudley: It felt like
apprenticeships were discouraged at
school and almost regarded as an inferior
option to the academic route. This is
wrong; there are huge benefits and perks
as an apprentice, and paths open as a
direct result.
Abbie, Talbots Law: People don’t
realise the level of education available
through apprenticeships. Degree level
apprenticeships are still relatively new, so
many still think particular careers are only
achievable by obtaining a degree, but the
qualifications through an apprenticeship
are the same as undergraduate degrees.
If you were recruiting, would you be
keen to take on an apprentice and what
value do you feel they add?
Matt, JJX Logistics: Definitely! It gives
the apprentice a chance to explore the
business and see which area they are
best suited to, as well as learn about the
world of work, the company and the
industry at a manageable pace.
Abbie, Talbots Law: Apprentices add
significant value to a workplace. Not only
do apprenticeships nurture the next
generation of lawyers, they diversify the
workplace, bringing in new and fresh
ideas and contributions.
Apprenticeships give employers the
opportunity to produce and retain quality
employees, who will not only have the
necessary qualifications and theoretical
knowledge, but will also have essential
work skills that can only be obtained
through experience.
Georgie, Nant: Nant has had many
apprentices join and progress into
different roles. The company sees the
value of apprenticeships, and it’s
rewarding to watch that person grow and
develop. The company is looking to take
on an additional three apprentices over
the next few months. We have a great
relationship with our apprenticeship
provider, In-Comm Training.
Joseph, Thomas Dudley:
Apprenticeships are the starting point for
passing on knowledge and experience,
and create the future force that will one
day be managers and
directors. Without
apprentices,
generations of
knowledge will be
lost through ageing
workforces and a
lack of
progression
planning.
“Apprenticeships are the starting
point for passing on knowledge and
experience... without apprentices,
generations of knowledge will be lost”
Joseph Moseley
Do you have any advice for individuals
considering following your route into
work?
Abbie, Talbots Law: You may think that
you are missing opportunities and
experiences by deciding not to go to
university full time but you are presented
with even more opportunities and
experiences. Plus, there is the obvious
bonus that apprenticeships come with no
student debt, and you are earning a
salary!
Joseph, Thomas Dudley:
Communication is key. Reach out to
companies and start seeking relevant
experience in the industry in which you
see yourself wanting a career. Setting
yourself apart from the crowd can be
especially challenging, particularly at a
young age, but is a necessity when
hunting for a good apprenticeship with
reputable businesses.
Matt, JJX Logistics: The sooner you
start the better. It gives you chance to get
an understanding of a lot of things and
slowly gain confidence both personally
and professionally instead of being
thrown in at the deep end.
Georgie, Nant: Bite the bullet and go
for it. If you are passionate about
embarking on a rewarding career path, it
is the best route.
28 PROSPER SPRING 2024