Welcome to #NAW24
What is National Apprenticeship Week?
NAW is celebrated all around the UK and is "a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy".
Throughout the week UCM will be celebrating NAW24 including an article with Gef the Mongoose (link coming soon), content on social media, a visit from supercar manufacturer McLaren (link to event coming soon) and our open morning which will have a dedicated area for apprenticeships. You can also download our poster to display in your school, workplace, community area etc.
Your questions answered
Is an apprenticeship a new thing?
Apprenticeships have been around for ages particularly for more traditional ‘trades’ but over the last 10 years more and more industries are adopting an ‘earn while you learn’ approach.
Aren’t apprenticeships only for construction and engineering?
Not anymore. Apprenticeships are available in lots of different industries. As well as construction & engineering, there’s apprenticeships in finance, banking, IT, dental nursing, barbering, hairdressing, and much more.
What are the benefits for apprentices?
Apprenticeships are a win-win; for the student you get to earn while you learn, which is a big draw for lots of apprentices. You build strong industry connections to help with your future careers, you benefit from applying the skills you learn ‘in the classroom’ in a real work setting and as well as all the technical skills you learn, you’ll be able to add a load of transferable skills to boost your career.
I’ve already done my A-levels. If I want to do an apprenticeship does that mean studying at the same level again?
Apprenticeships are offered at both Further Education and Higher Education up to level 5. Further Education is the same level as A-levels (so is ideal for people who have got GCSE level qualifications) and Higher Education is anything after that.
How do I find out more about apprenticeships.
Drop in to our open event on Saturday 10th February between 10am – 1pm at our Homefield Road Campus. DESC’s Apprenticeship team will be on hand to answer any questions you have and there’s be some business representatives as well.
Industries
Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries - below are some examples of courses we offer to apprentices or you can explore the range of courses available here.
Find out more about the HNC in Digital Technologies.
Find out more about the Dental Nursing apprenticeship.
Why choose an apprenticeship
- Earn while you learn
- You benefit from applying the skills you learn during your course in a real work setting
- You build strong industry connections which help your future careers
- As well as the technical skills, you learn key transferable skills in the workplace
- We offer quality courses
- Our lecturers have significant experience in their sectors which is a huge benefit to you
- Employers building a strong and skilled workforce
What our students say
Where can I find more information?
Interested in an apprenticeship?
- Come along to our open morning on Saturday 10th February
- Explore our courses
- Find an apprenticeship role (companies are being encouraged to list their jobs for apprentices on the Job Centre and construction companies will also list them on Construction Isle of Man)
- Visit the Isle of Man Graduate & Young Professional Fair on the 27th March at the Comis Golf Club. The event will give you the opportunity to meet the Island's leading employers, explore apprenticeship opportunities, and discover the breadth of careers and career pathways available in the Isle of Man. Helping you to take your first or next employment steps, you will have direct access to more than 60 businesses from a wide range of industry sectors, including tech, finance and professional services, manufacturing and engineering, construction, biotech, hospitality and healthcare, as well as a number of the Island’s recruitment agencies. Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isle-of-man-graduate-and-young-professional-fair-2024-tickets-72110767145