You’ve completed your GCSEs and now for some reason it seems like everyone is asking you that dreaded question: “So what are you thinking of doing in terms of a career?” (“Please leave me alone. I have no clue!” – is what most teenagers would be quietly thinking).
There’s a lot of talk surrounding apprenticeships. A quick Google search can send you down the rabbit hole, leaving you scratching your head over questions on student loans, apprenticeship levies, debt, etc.
For many, the apprenticeship route is not such an obvious choice. But for those who are motivated to get started in the job market, an apprenticeship is an excellent way of gaining real hands-on life experience.
The 14th annual National Apprenticeship Week 2021 takes place from February 8 to 14 and this year’s theme is ‘Build the Future‘.
Transport for the North recognises the importance of apprenticeships. We believe passing on skills to the next generation is vital in driving business growth. Nurturing and investing in new talent and helping them forge meaningful careers has never been more important as it is today when many industries look to recover from the impact of COVID-19.
“National Apprenticeship Week promotes high-quality apprenticeships aimed at improving the job prospects of the future workforce,” said Ged Kavanagh, Transport for the North’s Skills and Development Manager.
“Apprentices gain qualifications through hands-on training and over recent years apprenticeships have become increasingly popular, offering people an excellent career path.”
Our apprentices come with different skills to offer the organisation. With support from colleagues and the qualification providers, our apprentices get excellent opportunities to be successful in their chosen careers.
“There is nothing more important than investing in the next generation to help them succeed and rebalance the North’s economy,” added Ged.
Adam Richardson is our Procurement Apprentice Officer. He started his apprenticeship in March 2018 and is due to complete it at the end of March 2021.
“For me, my highlight is making it to this point, right here and right now given I started as Transport for the North’s apprentice receptionist and I took the leap to apply for this job,” said Adam.
“This has led me to discover my career as I can’t help but love this job as difficult and challenging it can be. I am also proud of winning a Values in Practice award in recognition of the efforts and hard work I contribute to TfN.”
Apprenticeships at Transport for the North give people fantastic experience in the working world and shows us an employer that they can ‘hit the ground running’. Hands-on training gives apprentices a real chance to put their skills into practice and helps them to gain more confidence in a working environment.
IT Apprentice Anisha Webb said: “My apprenticeship with Transport for the North has allowed me to grow as an individual – it’s given me the opportunity to take on more responsibility and to learn how to use my voice more.
“All of the staff are very encouraging. My time at TfN has been important because it’s grown my confidence and shown me what working in a healthy environment is.”
Deciding what apprenticeship to do can be a big decision as a teenager, especially if you don’t really know what you want to do for a career. But perhaps the most important thing is to choose the path that’s right for you.
Adam gives some good advice: “If you do decide to go into an apprenticeship throw yourself into the deep feet-first.
“The best way to learn is challenging yourself but, definitely take advice and don’t be afraid to stumble a few times before you get where you aim to be as the whole point is to learn the job as you go and not step into it knowing everything.”