What are the career prospects for apprentices

What are the career prospects for apprentices by Tom Bunkham Looking for a job with career progression? An apprenticeship might be for you…There’s been a marked shift in opinion amongst employers in recent years in terms of the value they place on apprenticeships. In fact, apprenticeships are fast-becoming acknowledged as one of the most effective pathways to career success â€" one reason the number of schemes continues to rise.Here’s a quick guide on the overall career prospects for apprentices:Short termThe Apprentice Learner Survey found that only 4.5% of those who completed their apprenticeship scheme with a Level 4 vocational qualification in 2013 became unemployed within just six months.In fact, after finishing their scheme, as many as 85% of apprentices will stay in employment, with two-thirds (64%) remaining with the same employer.The survey, which questioned over 5,000 apprentices, also found that one in three (32%) of all former apprentices received a promotion within a year of completing their apprentice ship, whilst three-quarters (75%) stated that they were given more responsibility in their role.Long termSo in the short term, apprentices can see an immediate return on their investment. But what about their longer term career prospects?Again, the outlook is very good. A City Guilds report found that almost 20% of employers have former apprentices working in board level positions, with long term career progression not the reserve of those who have attended university.Indeed, the report stated that half (51%) of companies stated that it takes an apprentice approximately five years to reach management level. So it perhaps comes as no surprise to learn that 92% of apprentices reporting being satisfied with their apprenticeship.Of course, career prospects aside, apprenticeships have been proven to have other considerable benefits â€" namely self-confidence.According to the same report, almost 9 in 10 (87%) apprentices strongly agree that they feel more confident in their own abilities as a result of undertaking their apprenticeship 80% of whom state it provided them with the sector-relevant skills and knowledge needed to boost their career prospects both in the short and long term.Joint benefitsBut its not just the apprentices themselves who benefit from such schemes. Employers do too.According to the Government, nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice (96%) reports benefits to their business. This perhaps explains why there is such a high percentage of apprentices who get promoted and take on greater responsibility within 12 months of finishing their scheme.Furthermore, from a study of over 4,000 employers who have taken on apprentices, 88% state they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of training their apprentices had received, whilst 47% stated they had already recommended apprenticeships to other employers.Final thoughtsWhatever industry you’re looking to work in, apprenticeships offer real prospects and real opportunities.With 15 % of employers stating that apprentices are more employable than those with other qualifications, coupled with their continued commitment to promoting former apprentices to the companys highest positions, how far you want to progress your career will be up to you.You just need to work hard â€" and find the right role.Feel like an apprenticeship is the right option for you? View all available apprenticeships now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the