Why Apprenticeships are the perfect pathway to your career goals
Whether you’re a young person looking at your post-GCSEs or post-A-level studies, or if you’re already in a job but looking to retrain into a new industry, apprenticeships are a great option to consider. And what better time to explore the benefits of apprenticeships than National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from the 10th to 16th February.
As well as earning while you learn, apprenticeships enable you to apply what you’re learning in the classroom in your job. By combining classroom knowledge with practical experience in the workplace, UCM apprentices develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to excel in your chosen industry.
In an apprenticeship you’ll gain hands-on experience while studying which you can use straight away in your workplace, giving you the ultimate blend of education and employment.
Traditionally, apprenticeships have been associated with industries such as construction and engineering. While they are still used as a successful model of on-the-job training in those sectors, apprenticeships are now being used widely across most, if not all, industries.
University College Isle of Man (UCM) prides itself on working closely with local industry to deliver a range of high-quality apprenticeship programs that prepare students for real-world success.
UCM Alumni, Callum Clarke who studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT, said: “Choosing an apprenticeship was the best decision I made for my career. I’m earning, gaining hands-on experience, and learning skills that I can immediately apply at work. The support from UCM has helped me to build strong foundations, and equipped me with the tools required to thrive.”
Callum Clarke
UCM’s apprenticeship offering encompasses a variety of sectors, from Business, Administration and IT, to Dental Nursing, Engineering, Hairdressing and Construction. Each programme is led by expert lecturers with significant industry experience, ensuring students receive high quality training that aligns with what employers need.
For employers, apprenticeships are a chance to build a strong, skilled workforce.
Melanie Beattie, HR Manager at Swagelok, added: “Apprenticeships are the key skills pipeline for our business. For the engineering sector it is vital we home grow this talent to bolster our sector, and teach the skills needed to enable us to continue to be grow and be successful. Having the apprenticeship pipeline allows our sector to eliminate the risks associated with relying on relocating talent. We have many success stories for the career development of our past apprentices and are very proud of their stories.”
Melanie Beattie
Beyond technical knowledge, apprenticeships foster essential transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication. These qualities not only enhance students’ skills for their current job but also make them highly adaptable in today’s dynamic job market.
To learn more about apprenticeships, visit UCM.ac.im/Apprenticeship