Where can an apprenticeship take you?
An apprenticeship can open up a world of opportunities and allow you to add a valuable asset to your CV. If you want to get stuck into your career, receive training and earn a wage at the same time, then an apprenticeship may be the route for you. During the course of your apprenticeship, you will be completing coursework, meeting with your tutor for one-to-one visits, and undertaking assessments. Once you finish your apprenticeship and have gained your qualifications, you may wonder what happens next.
Here are some options you can take:
Progress to a higher-level apprenticeship
To further your knowledge and skills, you may wish to progress to the next level in your apprenticeship. For example, after completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, you may be interested in completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. By gaining a higher qualification, you will open up more career and progression opportunities. You may also want to progress internally inside your setting if you are interested in leadership and management roles.
Full time position at your company
The vast majority of businesses will take on their apprentices’ full time after completion of the course. By undertaking an apprenticeship, you, as well as your setting, will benefit from the skills and knowledge acquired. Furthermore, childcare apprenticeships take approximately 12-18 months which allows you to build connections with your colleagues as well as become familiar with practises in your setting.
Find a role at another company
On the other hand, you may want to use your qualification as a steppingstone to other career opportunities such as a primary school teacher, social worker or play specialist. You may decide that the role you did your apprenticeship in is not right for you but that does not mean you cannot apply what you have learnt to other roles and opportunities. Apprenticeships give you valuable experience in a working environment and you will have also developed transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving all of which will contribute to your employability.
Call us for advice
Our office is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm where we are happy to provide you with tips and advice. Alternatively, look to the Careers Advice page on our website.