Here at London Learning Consortium, we have a range of apprenticeships for learners to choose from. However, if you are new to apprenticeships then you might not know much about them.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a full-time job in which you spend at least one day a week learning about your chosen subject. On an Apprenticeship, you will be studying towards a qualification/ degree and working. You will be expected to balance both studies and your employment at the same time whilst getting paid for doing so.
On an apprenticeship, you are required to complete 20% off the job learning. This is time that your employer still has to pay you for and it equals roughly one 8-hour shift per week. An apprenticeship is a great idea if you want to get a qualification, but don’t want the debt that comes with it.
Now that you know what an apprenticeship is, let’s look at how they compare to the more traditional route of education, University.
Apprenticeship vs University
Apprenticeship |
University |
| Gain industry-recognised qualifications | Gain industry-recognised qualifications |
| Lasts 1-5 years | Lasts 3-4 years |
| On-the-job training | Academic study/ work placements |
| No student debt | Around £9,250 in student debt per year |
| You earn a wage | You don’t earn a wage |
| Costs for materials are covered by the employer. You get support for things like books. | You may be entitled to a maintenance loan if your household income is under a certain amount. |
| Finish your apprenticeship with experience to gain yourself a full-time job after. | Finish your degree with no experience in your chosen field of study. |
What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship or University?
Apprenticeships:
- You can earn whilst you learn.
- Gain hands-on experience.
- Get financial support for things like books and materials.
- Student Discount.
- No course debt.
- Get a taste of what work is like.
- Possibility of staying at the company after your apprenticeship.
University:
- University graduates are given the option to fast-track their careers with graduate study.
- Students network with their peers and also their industry expert lecturers.
- Gaining a high level of education and recognition of this.
- Taught by industry experts.
- Opportunity to do a placement year.
- Access to different types of societies.
So, if you are looking to give an apprenticeship a go then why not give one of our recruitment team a call, or apply for one of our apprenticeships via our website here – https://www.londonlc.org.uk/apprenticeships/all-apprenticeship-programmes/
