Want to get ahead of the pack? Here’s why a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a really smart move.
- You are effectively in part-time employment and get to ‘earn while you learn’
A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship means that for approximate 7.5 hours a week, you are employed and at work. This is usually during the week in school hours and forms part of your school curriculum, although you may also do more hours over the school holidays or on weekends if that works for you and your employer. Even better, you get paid while undertaking your apprenticeship or traineeship, just like any other employee. What could you use that money for?
- You get to trial an industry or career path
If you are considering a career path, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship allows you to experience the industry and/or role that you are interested in. This will help you make up your mind while giving you a real taste of what it is like. Say you are interested in becoming a builder, a mechanic, a chef or a hairdresser – a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship can allow you to experience the industry, get some insights from your co-workers, supervisors and other contacts, and from there you can make an informed choice.
- You get a head start into a career path
Before even leaving school, you are gaining work experience, making employer contacts, getting a reference to put on your resume (very important for future job hunting) and on your way to becoming qualified. What’s not to like? Even if you do decide to go to university or have a gap year after school, that work experience and reference will help you to gain future work to support yourself. And if you do decide to continue in your apprenticeship or traineeship after leaving school (with your current or a new employer) you are employed and earning money straight away. That’s a really smart move!
- It can open you to future career paths
With over 500 different qualifications under a traineeship or apprenticeship, there are so many opportunities and choices! For example, you could start a school-based apprenticeship as an electrician and then decide you want to become an electrical engineer. Or you start a traineeship in business administration and further down the track move your way into human resources or accounting. Your school based apprenticeship or traineeship may inspire you to go onto university or further education in that field. Many people who begin their careers through apprenticeships also become highly successful business owners, working for themselves and making some serious ‘mullah’. Dare to dream and the possibilities are endless!
If you are considering a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship your best move is to talk to your school career advisor or a teacher. You can also search through school-based opportunities on the Apprenticeship Central website or even approach employers directly to ask if they would consider employing you under a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship – they may even be eligible for government funding to help with your wages.
Whichever way you look at it, undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a smart move to make and can set you up for success – before even leaving school.
