Caroline Noblet, partner and International Head of Employment at Hammonds LLP, replies:
As you say, this is a TV show and not the everyday experience of apprenticeship.
However, when I meet apprentices I sometimes sense that the programme has given their self-confidence a bit of a boost. More of them believe that if they do well they will end up running the company, which must generally be a good thing, as long as it’s not in week one.
Thankfully, apprentices are not usually competing for just one job and tend to form teams more easily and support one another. They quickly form partnerships because they are on similar journeys and this builds their confidence to contribute from the beginning.
The employer normally provides an experienced project leader so learning and development can be properly led and channelled. We have found that having a trusted mentor makes a huge difference to their success. Imagine having Nick, Margaret or Karren on your side, supporting you, instead of just observing.
Apprenticeships are normally a bridge from school or college to a successful working career, so most of those who apply are less experienced than in the show – and the average starting salary is a lot less than £100,000.
Apprentices earn about £200 a week on average, but receive learning that is worth more to them than an employer can possibly imagine at that stage of their careers.
The assessment process to ensure an apprentice has mastered the skills they need to be effective is rigorous. More than 70 per cent of apprentices are successful. So there is a lot more hiring and much less firing than in the show.
Tags: apprenticeships, Job clinic, The Apprentice
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