Philosophy Apprenticeships
What are the best apprenticeships for philosophers?
Can you see the bigger picture? Are your critical thinking skills second to none?
You might like to consider a philosophy apprenticeship.
Why Philosophy is useful for Apprenticeships
There are many jokes about studying philosophy and the lack of application in the real world. But they couldn’t be further from the truth. While ‘philosopher’ isn’t a career option open to most people, if philosophy is your favourite school subject, we have some good news. Philosophy students are officially good for business.
A 2023 article in Forbes magazine outlined why every business should have at least one philosopher in its boardroom. Citing transferable skills outlined below, the article noted that companies with a philosopher on board tend to have higher market value, profit, sales and assets.
Studying a philosophy apprenticeship could be the first step to several diverse careers. From lawyer or teacher to journalist or sales representative, the sky is the limit.
Transferable skills
The route of philosophy is deep thinking and the ability to think around a specific subject to determine a wider purpose. This is a useful skill that helps candidates adapt to changing circumstances and can be applied across many jobs. Students of philosophy are curious and observant. They think outside the box and are comfortable formulating new strategies and ideas. This fresh approach to existing problems and new challenges can be invaluable to a business.
Philosophy teaches fantastic written and verbal communication, the ability to form persuasive and constructive arguments, key skills in law, sales, and other jobs, including media and marketing. Philosophers are also problem solvers and analysts.
Intermediate roles
When you leave school, you essentially have three options:
- Go to college and then university
- Join the UK workforce in likely a poorly paid junior position
- Apply for an apprenticeship
There are pros and cons to each. Today, we are focusing on apprenticeships.
The first level of apprenticeships in the UK is a Level 2 or intermediate apprenticeship. It was designed to help young people find work and continue their studies while upskilling and diversifying the UK workforce. Such entry-level apprenticeships are also ideal for older candidates who wish to start fresh in a new career or field.
Entry Requirements
The minimum mandatory requirements for any UK apprenticeship are:
- You must be 16 or older
- You must not be in full-time education
- You must have the right to live and work in the UK
Every UK apprenticeship is the product of research and testing to ensure they equip candidates with the skills and knowledge they need to progress in their chosen field and enhance the workforce. Apprenticeships are partly funded by the UK Government. The remainder of the costs are paid for by your employer.
There are national standards that every UK apprenticeship must comply with, regardless of the provider. Other entry requirements may be decided by the apprenticeship provider.
To be eligible for an intermediate philosophy apprenticeship, you typically need strong GCSE passes in English language and philosophy.
Some apprentice providers allow desirable candidates who lack the required grades to complete the exams as part of their apprenticeship programme.
Qualifications gained
While earning a living wage as a level 2 apprentice, you will also study for a formally recognised qualification worth the same as five good GCSE passes.
Level 2 philosophy-based apprenticeships include:
- Business Improvement Techniques – Learning Curve Group
- Sales Development Representative – IBM
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Advanced/Higher/Degree targeted at A-Level
Intermediate is just the first stage of apprenticeships in the UK.
The system is structured as follows:
- Level 3 – advanced apprenticeships
- Levels 4 and 5 – higher apprenticeships
- Levels 6 and 7 – degree-level apprenticeships
At each stage, you can earn a higher level of qualification, from the equivalent of A Levels to a foundation or full degree.
Entry Requirements
To study for an advanced philosophy apprenticeship, you will likely need good GCSEs in English language and one of the following:
- Philosophy (sometimes called ‘Liberal Arts’)
- Humanities
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Psychology
Higher and degree philosophy apprenticeships will usually need A levels in English language and a specialism such as those noted above.
The best philosophy candidates are adaptable, analytical, strong problem solvers and, most importantly, can see the world as it is and how it should be. The challenge is to use this knowledge to bridge the gap.
Qualifications gained
For each level of apprenticeship, you can earn a corresponding qualification as follows:
- Advanced apprenticeship = 2 A-Level passes.
- Higher apprenticeship = a foundation degree
- Degree apprenticeship = a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your level of study.
Advanced, higher and degree philosophy apprenticeships include:
- Solicitor Apprenticeship – Bird & Bird
- Sales Executive Level 4 – various providers
Industry Focus
A philosophy apprenticeship can form the basis for numerous careers. Here are just a few main industries where philosophy apprenticeships are an asset.
Many philosophy students go on to have a career in the legal sector. The philosopher’s ability to form well-researched, structured and persuasive arguments is invaluable as a lawyer.
There are several areas of law you can specialise in, including:
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Tax Law
In each case, the ability to quickly understand your client’s motivations and those of your opponent can make you a better lawyer. You will also use your philosophy training in ethics.
To become a lawyer, you must go to law school, following a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and pass the bar. You will then have a licence to practice law and can work for an established law firm or even open your own. However, you could also become a paralegal, assisting lawyers with research for cases.
The Law Society offers lawyer and solicitor apprenticeships, while BPP offers a Paralegal Level 3 Apprenticeship, among others.
Understanding your customer’s needs, wants and motivations makes it much easier to sell to them. Once you know why someone thinks the way they do, you can create marketing campaigns that answer their questions and offer your products as a solution to their problems.
As with law, verbal and written communication are essential skills, and you must be persuasive. You will also need to analyse data and apply it to future scenarios. As with the law, ethical considerations are also part of your job.
There are several roles in sales and marketing, including:
- Market Researcher
- Sales Representative
- Marketing Manager
Your philosophy training can be an asset in any of these positions.
Companies including Rolls Royce and The Chartered Institute of Marketing provide UK ales and marketing apprenticeships.
As a business or management consultant, you would use your philosophy training to evaluate companies’ strengths and weaknesses to suggest improvements.
Philosophy students are adaptable and can learn the key aspects of a new business quickly, so they can hit the ground running on streamlining processes, troubleshooting and making general improvements.
A philosophy-based apprenticeship can help you qualify for an MBA (Master of Business Administration) to help you progress faster as a management or business consultant.
The BMW Group and Samsung are among the big names offering business and management apprenticeships in the UK.
Other Opportunities
There are many other careers with a musical lilt, including:
- Journalist
- Recruiter
- Author
- Policy Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Psychologist
- Teacher
- Motivational Speaker
- Counsellor
- Corporate Trainer
- Curator
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Analyst
- Health Care Administrator
- Human Resources Specialist
- Social Worker
- Politician
- Computer Programmer
Conclusion
We hope this short guide to philosophy apprenticeships has got you thinking.
You can find philosophy apprenticeships in your area, by using our search function and filtering by location and subject.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or just fancy a chat about all things UK apprenticeships, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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