The Ultimate Guide to Adult Apprenticeships

Feeling stuck in a career that no longer satisfies you, or your progression has stalled? Perhaps you’ve considered a change, but the idea of returning to learning feels impossible and unappealing. Apprenticeships provide an ideal solution for adults seeking new qualifications without taking on student debt and going back to books full-time. 

For too long, apprenticeships have been seen as a route exclusively for school leavers, but this incorrect notion is holding thousands of adults back from pursuing their dream careers. Let’s review the common misconceptions about adult apprenticeships, where to find them and how to secure one. 

Busting the myths: Adult apprenticeships vs traditional apprenticeships

Common misconceptions about adult apprenticeships prevent many learners from taking these opportunities seriously, so here are some myths versus reality for your peace of mind.

Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for school leavers

Reality: Apprenticeships are for people of all ages, and there is no upper age limit. Many employers actively seek adult apprentices because they bring valuable life experience and work ethic to the role. It’s common to see apprentices in the UK over the age of 25. 

Myth 2: You’ll be paid like a teenager

Reality: While there is a national minimum wage for apprentices, many employers pay more, especially for apprentices working on a higher-level qualification (e.g., degree apprenticeships). You are not just a student; you are an employee, and your salary will often be based on your new role and the industry average. Many apprenticeships are viable financial options. 

Myth 3: It’s a step backwards in my career

Reality: An adult apprenticeship is actually a strategic step forward. You are investing in yourself and acquiring a new, in-demand skill set. Instead of starting from scratch, you’re leveraging your existing experience to gain a qualification that will lead to a new and rewarding career path – or accelerate progression. 

Why an adult apprenticeship could be your next best move

An adult apprenticeship addresses the biggest barriers to career change in many ways. Here’s how.

• Earn while you learn: You’ll be paid a salary for the duration of your apprenticeship, which means you can pay your bills and maintain financial stability while you train. Your employer also covers the full cost of your training and education. 
• Real-world experience: You won’t just be in a classroom; you’ll be on the job, applying your new knowledge and skills from day one. As an adult, you can immediately leverage your existing transferable skills to excel in a new role. 
• A debt-free qualification: Adult apprenticeships are available at various levels, including Level 6 (Degree Apprenticeships) and even Level 7 (Master’s Degree Apprenticeships). Ultimately, you can graduate with a full university degree and zero student loan debt.
• Direct path to a new career: You’ll build an immediate professional network within your new field, gain a deep understanding of the industry’s culture, and have a high chance of being offered a permanent, full-time role with your employer upon completion.

Challenges and considerations for adult apprenticeships

Reinventing or accelerating your career is an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. Juggling a full-time job, dedicated study time and your personal life can be tough, particularly if you have a family at home. Keep in mind that most employers accommodate study commitments, so apprenticeships can still be flexible. 

It’s common to feel like a beginner again when you start a new role, but this sentiment shouldn’t get you down. Adult learners bring life experience and existing professional skills that are a huge advantage to employers. After all, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re building on the solid foundation you already have.

5 strategies for finding the right adult apprenticeship

Searching for an apprenticeship as an adult requires a slightly different approach than when you’re a school leaver. Your life experience is your biggest asset, so it’s all about using the right strategies to find an opportunity that matches your skills and career goals.

Communicate your career change 

When you apply for roles, be ready to explain why you’re making the change. Consider how to frame your decision as a positive, strategic move, and highlight how your previous experience makes you a unique and valuable candidate for the new role. 

Identify your transferable skills

Before applying to an apprenticeship, reflect on your skills and abilities – particularly if this is an exercise you haven’t done in a while. You can break this down into:

• Technical/hard skills: Skills that are quantifiable and measurable. Consider what skills you have gained and how you applied these to your role. 
• Soft skills: These refer to personal attributes. As an adult learner, you likely already have a strong foundation in these skills, like leadership and communication.

Explore in-demand sectors

Focus your search on industries that have a strong track record of offering apprenticeships and are currently looking for skilled talent. Sectors like technology, engineering, healthcare and professional services are often hiring apprentices, and these fields offer strong long-term career prospects. 

Use the right search tools 

Choosing the right search tool is crucial for navigating the apprenticeship landscape. Best Apprenticeships’ advanced search enables you to filter apprenticeships by location, level, category and keywords, so you can find adult apprenticeship opportunities that are suitable for you.  

Network and make connections

You shouldn’t underestimate the power of your existing network. It’s doesn’t harm to let people in your professional and personal life know that you’re looking to change careers. Also, industry events and LinkedIn groups are good places to find valuable connections and open apprenticeships. 

Find the best adult apprenticeships across the UK

An adult apprenticeship is a strategic and rewarding path that offers a new start without the burden of student debt. Once you’ve moved past the common myths and misconceptions, you’re ready to successfully reinvent yourself or accelerate your existing skillset. 

Apprenticeships for all ages are in high demand, so act fast if you’re serious. Browse the best apprenticeships in the UK to find everything from entry-level positions in a new field to fully paid degree apprenticeships to kickstart the next chapter of your career.