UCM: National Apprenticeship Week

Feeling in a bit of a rut? Not sure what to do with your life? Like to try something new but don’t know where to start? Well, you, my friend, are in luck. UCM has something that could help. National Apprenticeship Week  is coming up in February. (5-11 to be precise) But, to whet your appetite, UCM has loads on offer to those of you hoping to do an apprenticeship or even just toying with the idea.

Firstly, if you’re not quite familiar with the term apprenticeship, allow me to elaborate. It’s an opportunity to get trained in something while also getting paid experience during that training.

After you’ve finished your compulsory education (up to GCSE level) there’s loads of options for you to choose from. You can stay on at school for sixth form, choose UCM for your sixth form studies (find out more here), study a vocational Further Education course at UCM, get a job, or combine the best of both worlds and ‘earn while you learn’ by choosing an apprenticeship.

If you thought apprenticeships were just for ‘the trades’ (Eg. brickwork and plumbing) then stop. Right. There. Pal. FAR FROM IT. You can choose an apprenticeship in loads of different subjects including things like dental nursing, hairdressing and IT. A full list of courses can be found on the UCM website.

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship? I hear you ask. Well, there’s loads.

• You’re earning while you learn – kerching!
• The apprenticeships provide connections into the industry you’re training in, which helps with future career progression.
• UCM actively uses ‘Real Working Environments’ so you’ll get the skills you need for your job
• UCM lecturers have worked in the industries they’re teaching so have proper experience, knowledge, and a few cheeky anecdotes to pass onto you.
• There’s funding options available

If you’re still on the fence – put up by a former construction apprenticeship student – then UCM is always keen for a chat to help guide you in a direction that’s right for you.

In fact, here are some testimonials from students and previous students:

“I feel like the HNC has been very beneficial for strengthening a range of different topics within IT. It has given me confidence to transfer my knowledge to my working practice alongside gaining a very worthwhile qualification.” 

“It’s been a valuable and enriching experience and I would highly recommend taking on this course if your career path is in IT.”

“I would recommend this course … you’re earning money, getting industry experience and furthering your education all at the same time.”

If you’re keen, why not drop by UCM’s Open event on Saturday (10 Feb). It’s taking place at their Homefield Road Campus between 10am – 1pm.