Earning while learning

Apprenticeships can offer a gateway into a variety of careers in fields such as dentistry, food technology and environmental health. For learners looking for an alternative to the conventional educational route from age 16 onwards, they combine on-the-job training with nationally-recognised qualifications ranging from GCSE equivalents right up to degree level and beyond. But who are they right for?

The pros and cons

Apprenticeships have many benefits, says Katie Dryden-Holt, vocational skills programme manager at the RSC. ‘Earning while learning means that people who need to go to work for financial reasons can have the opportunity to enter a profession. The range of apprenticeship levels also means those who don’t want to study to degree level have an opportunity to enter a profession.’ 

‘Apprenticeships focus on hands-on experience and skills, alongside gaining knowledge through a taught programme,’ says Mike Hughes, a chemistry teaching technical specialist at The University of Manchester. ‘Learners are paid a wage while they learn and do not have to pay any tuition fees [if at university]. They often enter the workplace as a more skilled worker than other routes.’ In Katie’s experience, science companies tend to employ apprentices with the intention that they will become permanent members of staff.

Tom Taylor, head of degrees at work at Anglia Ruskin University, agrees. ‘Employers are generally very committed to their apprentices, so they provide strong support to develop an individual’s skills. As well as earning money, apprentices find themselves three to four years ahead in their careers. They get practical experience, but they have learnt about other skills too, such as teamworking, which boosts their employability.’

‘There’s an apprenticeship for everyone, from a school leaver at 16 to someone leaving college after A- or T-levels, even someone looking for a career later in life’ 

For students thinking about higher education, Tom says it’s worth remembering that degree apprenticeships are all about preparing for a job. ‘Some students will have a clear view of what they want to do and will be ready for the world of work. Other students may be interested in a subject, but unsure of what they want to do with it.’ He stresses that with degree apprenticeships, students must be prepared for commitment. ‘There is still reading, studying and assessment. On top of these, the student is working. Some 18 year-olds might not be ready for this level of commitment, or confident enough.’

Mike agrees that apprenticeships can be tough, especially those in science and engineering. But his own apprenticeship in applied chemistry was a better fit for him than a conventional degree. As someone with dyslexia, it proved an effective way to learn, as he had time to digest the theory from lectures when he was at work.

Apprenticeships are particularly suited to those who enjoy the practical side of a subject, says Mike. ‘With the wide range of levels, there’s an apprenticeship for everyone, from a school leaver at 16 to someone leaving college after A- or T-levels, even someone looking for a career later in life like I did. Teachers should also encourage students likely to leave education because they need to earn a wage to consider applying for apprenticeships.’

The statistics

With a much greater range of higher-level apprenticeships available, there has been significant growth in the number of people starting apprenticeships at levels 4/5/6+ (foundation degree and above) in the science sector, according to the latest apprenticeship survey by the Science Industry Partnership (an alliance of employers). In stark contrast, level 2 apprenticeships (GCSE equivalent) within the sector fell by 90%.

Overall, the survey found that around 2500 people started an apprenticeship within the science sector in England in 2020/21. However, this was a fall of around 50% compared to 2015/16; numbers declined across all sectors by 33% during the same period.

The survey shows a significant drop in the number of apprentices being trained at chemicals companies (-48%), downstream petroleum companies (-52%) and in the polymers industry (-70%). The decline is most pronounced among small- and medium-sized companies (down 72%). In comparison, apprenticeship use in the pharmaceuticals industry edged up (+4%) and grew well in scientific research and development (+42%).

‘It is up to those who have done an apprenticeship to speak up and encourage others to consider this rewarding route into a career’

‘I’m not sure there is one reason [for declining numbers], but some of it is down to the appalling minimum wage for apprentices,’ says Mike. He’s particularly concerned about the year-on-year decline in students from working-class backgrounds starting apprenticeships. Just 18% of all apprentices who started in 2020 come from the most deprived areas of England, according to a 2020 report by the Sutton Trust. There are challenges around the ‘brand’ of apprenticeships, adds Tom. ‘Often they don’t have the prestige of other routes, although this is beginning to change with degree apprenticeships.’

‘It is up to those who have done an apprenticeship to speak up and encourage others to consider this rewarding route into a career,’ says Mike. ‘It has completely changed my life for the better and I would recommend this route to everyone.’