If you’re knee-deep in apprenticeship research, you’ll already know that no two companies are the same. The great news is that there are loads of incredible apprenticeship opportunities out there to choose from, but the wealth of options can feel a little bit overwhelming.
A reliable starting point is to decide what kind of employer you’re interested in, which often comes down to big companies versus startups. In this article, we’ll weigh up the pros and cons of each, with top tips to help you decide the best path for you.
The apprenticeship landscape: What’s the difference between big companies and startups?
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make when choosing an apprenticeship is which company to work for. On one hand, you have the big-name players: large corporations with thousands of employees and global offices. On the other hand, small and fast-growing businesses (called startups) are usually only a few years old and have a small team.
Companies don’t have to fit into one group or the other, and some might be in between. However, the cultures, day-to-day work, apprenticeship structures, and opportunities of big companies and startups couldn’t be more different, so it’s vital to understand what each has to offer.
What you’ll get with big company apprenticeships: Stability and progression
Joining an apprenticeship scheme with a big company will get you:
Pros
- Structured training: Big companies have the resources to run well-structured apprenticeship programmes, often offering the opportunity to work in different departments.
- Clear progression opportunities: They have established career paths, so you’ll know exactly what skills you need to develop to move from an apprentice role to a junior, and then onto a more senior position. You’ll probably get a dedicated training provider and a clear line manager to guide you.
- Industry-recognised names: Having a well-known brand on your CV helps impress future employers.
- Stability and security: Generally, big companies are pretty financially secure. It means you can count on a steady salary and job security, which gives you peace of mind.
Cons
- Potential for a slow pace: Big companies might have many layers of management, so getting a promotion or a new idea approved can feel like a slow process.
- Risk of feeling like a small cog: Amongst so many employees, you might feel like just another number and a smaller piece of a huge puzzle.
How startup apprenticeships compare: Impact and flexibility
Startups have just as many fantastic opportunities on offer for apprentices like yourself:
Pros
- Accelerated learning: Typically, people in small teams wear many hats. You’ll likely get involved in multiple areas of the business, giving you a broad range of skills.
- Making a direct impact: Your work is more impactful when you’re in a small team, meaning your ideas will directly influence the company’s success.
- More responsibility: Startups often have less bureaucracy (aka, organisational systems), so you might get more responsibility – awesome for building leadership skills.
- Flexible culture: Smaller, newer companies are often modern-minded. They might welcome things like a relaxed dress code and flexible working hours.
Cons
- Less security: The honest truth is that startups are riskier, and many fail due to a lack of funding. Although it might seem unlikely, this is a crucial factor to consider: Do you feel stable at X company?
- Fewer resources: Many startups have tighter budgets, which means less funds allocated for professional development courses and other company-wide benefits.
How to choose the right apprenticeship for you
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to a big company or a startup. The key is to be honest with yourself about your personality, your working style, your interests and what you want from your apprenticeship and career.
We’ve listed some questions below that you can ask yourself before making a decision. Some of these are pretty deep, covering stuff you may not have previously considered. If you’re struggling to answer them, ask your guardian or teacher if they’ll sit down with you for a thinkin’ sesh.
- What’s more important to you: stability or growth potential?
- What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
- How do you prefer to learn?
- Do you want to become a deep expert or a versatile all-rounder?
- Do I truly understand what a startup is?
- What’s the difference in salary and benefits for an apprenticeship in my industry in a big company versus a startup?
Browse apprenticeships from diverse employers
Your apprenticeship journey is what you make it. Both a big company and a startup can be the perfect place to launch a successful career, and – as usual – it’s all down to what aligns with your personality and goals.
Want to browse apprenticeships in large businesses, fast-growing small teams and everything in between? Use our handy search tool to get started.
