COULD becoming an apprentice be your calling?
It’s week two of Sunemployment’s National Apprenticeship Week coverage, where we showcase thousands of ‘earn as you learn’ opportunities with top firms around the UK.
JOHN McLELLAN
This week, BT announced it is taking on 1,600 new apprentices to join its 80,000-strong UK workforce.
The phone giant has run apprenticeships for more than 60 years.
This year, it is seeking new talent in many areas including TV production, customer service, engineering, logistics, finance and cyber-security.
More than a fifth of this year’s recruits will be based at BT’s world-renowned labs at Adastral Park, near Ipswich, with the rest in locations across the country.
Times Newspapers Ltd
Many of the new apprentices will achieve foundation and full degrees as part of their work. The qualifications are delivered in partnership with local colleges and universities.
Ann Potterton, BT head of apprenticeships, says: “At BT, our apprentices get to work in some of the fastest growing digital industries, alongside world class technology and amazing colleagues.
“They come from all walks of life and have great opportunities to progress their careers in the programme and beyond.”
Apply now at btplc.com/Careercentre/earlycareers/apprentices/
KHAN DO ATTITUDE
AFTER a serious motorbike accident forced him to quit university, Muhammad Khan decided to climb the career ladder using an apprenticeship.
Now, Muhammad from Chadwell Heath, Essex, is a customer connections SIP team leader, managing the installation equipment for small businesses and managing 14 staff.
He recently won the National Apprenticeship Service South East region Apprentice of the Year and won the National Highly Commended Apprentice of the Year award.
Muhammad is also studying for a diploma in management on the BT Future Leaders programme.
Muhammad, 25, says: “My apprenticeship has been great for me, as it has allowed me to build my profile within a company that has encouraged career growth. If you are thinking of taking an apprenticeship, don’t be shy, believe in yourself and embrace challenges that you may face as a result of change.”
- To search more than 25,000 apprenticeship opportunities in thousands of top companies nationwide, visit apprenticeships. gov.uk.
Build a future
Corbis – Getty
THE Construction Industry Training Board’s recruitment scheme is open for gold-standard training in the industry.
It offers 30 apprenticeships including plastering, scaffolding and carpentry. Qualifications go up to Level Four – on par with a foundation degree – and it is ideal for those who want to progress into management.
UNILEVER is offering 178 apprenticeships in roles such as supply chain, business and technology and engineering, with many progressing to degree-level qualifications.
Training at the consumer goods company lasts between 18 months to five years and jobs are in various locations. Apply before March 14 at unilever. co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.
Jobspot
APPLYING for an IBM apprenticeship is easy PC. The computer giant has more than 100 roles on offer at ibm.biz/schoolleaver.
ASK THE EXPERTS: BE BOLD ON ROLE CHOICE
APPRENTICESHIPS aren’t just for school leavers – you can take one at any age.
Figures show just under half of all people becoming apprentices are aged 24 and above.
One of the top employers for older apprentices is the civil service, which has 50 departmental and profession apprenticeship schemes across all government departments.
See civil-service-careers.gov. uk/ways-to-join/.
Current apprentice Suze Fricker, 32, from London, is studying a Level 4 Business Administration Qualification. She explains why older workers should consider the schemes.
❶ More and more older people are taking them, so you’ll fit right in.
❷Many older apprentices already have highly-prized workplace skills, such as problem solving and teamwork.
❸Looking for a complete career change? Apprenticeships can help you to achieve this.
❹Higher apprenticeships will help you study for degree level qualifications, so they are perfect for older workers who missed out on university when they were younger.
❺Being older you may have a clearer idea of where you want your career to go. I wanted to make a positive difference to people’s lives, which is why I chose the civil service. Think where you see yourself long-term and choose an apprenticeship to achieve your career dream.
Taste of success
HOW would you like to be the new Willy Wonka? Interested? Then sign up for the Mondelez apprenticeship.
There are 55 places up for grabs on the sought-after scheme, working on brands including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Green & Black’s and Oreo.
Roles range from scientists, to engineering and supply chain, and are based at the snack firm’s sites in Bournville, Sheffield and Reading.
A spokesman says: “There’s no limit to your potential at Mondelez International and we will support your progression at every stage.”
To apply, visit https://careers. mondelezinternational.com/early-careers/europe-apprenticeships. Applications close later this month.
Jobspot
GET your career motoring with a Halfords Autocentre Apprenticeship. There are 100 technician roles up for grabs at halfordscareers.com/apprenticeships.
