Written by Akaaljot Singh, Marketing Executive at the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter (February 2025)

90% of jobs are teachable. Yet some young people are overlooked because of unreasonable entry standards. But what if more employers embraced the risk of hiring new talent to the scene?

University Isn’t for Everyone

We all know that the ‘one-size fits all’ approach simply does not work. There are many people out there who don’t have the opportunity to go to university or feel like they thrive in other areas outside of school. A hands-on, practical approach is often a more appealing way to learn. Or maybe graduates want to continue learning after university but want job experience. Apprenticeships allow this to be a reality.

Leonardo da Vinci - mocked for his lack of ‘classical education’ – started as an apprentice and became a successful scientist, artist and engineer. Are your recruitment strategies excluding the next da Vinci?

Sir Ian McKellan (G.O.A.T) was also an apprentice, but I digress.

My Apprenticeship

I started as a beginner apprentice in digital marketing and now studying further in a high-level apprenticeship which is allowing me to further develop my skills and quality as a marketer. When I first started out, I hadn’t had much idea about marketing. However, being able to attend lessons whilst working excelled my progress on the job; working on the job boosted my confidence in my lessons. It was complimentary and a recipe for success.

2 years ago, my employer took a risk to hire me, but 2 years later, not only has it been impactful to the business, but it has changed my life completely.

What’s your favourite food?

Strange question for a blog about an apprentice. This was clearly written by one. I’m asking because your mind probably goes ‘hmmm I like this, but if I have to say my favourite food, then it might be this instead… or that actually’. My point is, we change our minds. We change our minds a lot. Growing up, we’re expected to know exactly what we want to do by the time we are 18. But to be honest, for a lot of us, that’s tough, and a commitment that puts some young people off university.

Solution – Apprenticeships. For me, this has provided a fun opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in an industry I have an interest in, but did not want to go to university for. I was able to get stuck in and discover things that I enjoy and dislike. Which is great as it allows me to get a taste of different areas.

Apprenticeships allow you to learn from a lot of people in the workforce and see where your interests are. The journey as an apprentice moulds you well into where you want to be, instead of trying to squeeze into a role that doesn’t fit you.

An Unexpected Journey

A physicist, a geologist, a chef, a photographer, a film Director, an artist — These were just some of the things I wanted to be when growing up, alongside some other short interests of being a fireman (obviously). During college, I was pretty set on doing Geography or Physics at University. Although, I was also studying Photography at the same time and happened to fall in love with it. My passion for art skyrocketed, and though I still enjoy physics and geography, my eyes were set on pursuing something in the creative industry.

University was always the path. Then COVID hit, and everything did a 180 (more like 540). I didn’t enjoy the rest of my time at college, and university was looking more and more unappealing for me. I wasn’t sure what the next move was. Then I started looking at what eventually would be the gold mine.

What You’re Really Here For

74% of apprentices were still employed two years after completion. That’s a pretty good retention rate if you ask me. When hiring apprentices, you’re more likely to hire based on their character and their ability to work with others which leads to a better team. Apprentices bring a fresh perspective and an eagerness to get involved with everything, as they want to absorb as much as they can. Getting stuck in allowed me to find out the things that interested me more and where I wanted to lean towards in a role.

People want to develop their skills. If they see you have an apprenticeship course, they will be knocking at your door – just treat them right.

If You Do It, Do It Right

If you’ve read this far, you’re hopefully excited about hiring an apprentice, but just make sure you pay them a fair wage! Let these young adults live their lives and come to work them full selves. At the end of the day, they are still people looking to earn a living. I am grateful to have been on a living wage throughout my apprenticeship, which has allowed me to do the things I enjoy, look after my mental and physical health and financially support my mum.

It’s all well and good to hear about my experience, but the real stories are with those who are having to work multiple jobs because their employer doesn’t look after them. Then the same employers will treat the apprentices awfully because they feel they’re not showing up with their full potential, despite them feeling drained, tired and disrespected.

Your apprentices are wanting to grow and do right by you, so do right by them.

Learn more about Apprenticeship Achievements from the Department for Education (March 2024)