#AskAnApprentice – Career conversations

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we asked some of our apprentices – past and present – on the advice they would give to people considering their career options, especially if they’re perhaps considering an apprenticeship as an alternative to university. Here’s what they had to say.

Josh

Think about what career you want to have and research it… a lot! Nowadays, there are so many more opportunities to get into apprenticeships and earn while you learn, and university isn’t always the quickest or easiest route. The experience and opportunities will be different at each company, even for the same apprenticeship, so look at the company’s values and how closely they align to your own.

I think a lot of people go to university for the experience and haven’t really got much of a clue about their long term aspirations. An apprenticeship gives you qualifications and a real focus on career development.

Jack

My advice would be that there is no right or wrong option in terms of what you do next after leaving school or college. It’s all about choosing what’s best for you and not just picking something because that’s your friends are going for or because that’s what you’re ‘expected’ to do. If you think an apprenticeship is the best option for you then go for it! Similarly, if you think university is the best option for you, then choose that instead.

In addition, I strongly believe that if you’re not completely sure about going to university, you’re better off taking a step back and truly choosing what’s right for you, even if you’re not sure on what this is yet. I know plenty of people who haven’t been 100% sure and have ended up dropping out. Similarly, I know I wasn’t 100% sure and choosing another option has worked out for the best for me, despite pressure from school and my parents.

Jade

My advice would be to consider all options, including an apprenticeship! Do your research, reach out and talk to someone about their experience.

There are many different types of apprenticeships and some employers like Deloitte offer different schemes and they really are a great way to build a secure career pathway.

An apprenticeship can sometimes be a great way to get a foot in the door and trial something new and could end up being the best decision of your life – I know it was mine. I was 17 when I started Deloitte’s business administration apprenticeship in Cardiff that’s delivered in partnership with Cardiff & Vale College.

Callum

My advice would be to invest time in researching as many options as possible. There are so many different opportunities whether they’re in the form of apprenticeships, graduate programme, or full-time employment. Another form of advice would be to take the plunge! Although it may seem daunting joining a big firm, you are fully supported as soon as you join and are never thrown in the deep end!

Alex

Deloitte is a great place to start your career after A-Levels. Everyone respects each other and values everyone’s different skill-sets which is great.

Mason

My primary advice would be to just understand what would suit you the best. I haven’t looked back since starting as the BrightStart programme, but starting a professional apprenticeship at the age of 18 may not be the answer for everyone.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is “Build the Future”.

#NAW2022 #BuildTheFuture #AskAnApprentice

Deloitte is a supporter of National Apprenticeship Week. By sharing our stories, we would like to encourage other employers to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and at the same time help them build a workforce ready for the future.

You can find out more on our apprenticeship programmes on our careers pages – we offer both higher and entry level apprenticeships.

Deloitte's virtual Spring careers festival

Deloitte’s virtual Spring careers festival is underway - a programme of virtual events that potential applicants can join, as well as parents, teachers and careers advisors. It’s open to everyone and focused on helping you learn more and make career decisions. Events range from discover sessions, where people can chat online with Deloitte people about different opportunities at our firm, upskill sessions – on demand or live – to boost your strengths or find out more about our assessment process, as well as ‘Meet Deloitte’ sessions.

Find out more here.