Despite increased government support and the launch of some major apprenticeship schemes, most young people still do not consider an apprenticeship as a credible alternative to going to university.
But with the bleak outlook for employment making the prospect of huge student debts even less appealing, Financial Mail’s Breaking the Mould conference decided to feature apprenticeships at the top of the agenda.
The apprenticeship panel (pictured), sponsored by British Gas and DIY retailer B&Q, looked at some of the major schemes and merits – for some – of entering the workforce and gaining qualifications ‘on the job’.
According to a recent YouGov study, more than three-quarters of 16 to 17-year-olds have never considered becoming an apprentice over going to university.
But Lauren Norris (pictured), a 19-year-old apprentice for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said that training as an apprentice had given her a ‘fantastic opportunity to work alongside master craftsmen and women.’
Lauren, from Angmering, West Sussex, started her Rolls-Royce apprenticeship at the company’s Thatcham training centre in Berkshire after leaving school.
Her first year was spent learning basic skills in the surface finish centre.
She says: ‘I have always loved cars and creative art, so paint seemed to be the closest match.’
By her second year Lauren was working towards an NVQ2 National Vocational Qualification and was learning more advanced techniques.
Lauren says: ‘The combination of practical experience and education has allowed me to enjoy my job while gaining accredited qualifications at the same time.’
Now in her third year, Lauren will be entering a specialist area in preparation for a permanent position.
Lauren appeared on a panel that also featured apprenticeship schemes run by BT, British Gas, Network Rail and B&Q.
Lauren says: ‘Gaining the skills and knowledge of creative techniques by working in different teams across Rolls-Royce has helped build my confidence and develop my career.’
Meanwhile the Rolls-Royce apprenticeship scheme has been labelled ‘outstanding’ in every area in its latest Ofsted inspection report. There are more than 650 Rolls-Royce apprenticeships doing their training at the group’s sites.
ALL Breaking the Mould pictures are being added to the FMWF Facebook group – FMWF: Women in Business (click here).
Click here for the brochure: Breaking the Mould 2010 brochure.
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