It’s a difficult decision: both options have their benefits and drawbacks. The degree apprenticeship has been designed to give students the best of both worlds. Employers partner up with a university, and the apprentice will split their time between working for them, and studying for a degree at the partner university.

What is the period of training for trade apprentices (8th, 10th, 12th and ITI pass-outs) in designated trade? Period of apprenticeship training varies according to designated trade. It is 6 month to 3 years. It could last up to 4 years in few trades.

12 months

“Apprenticeships seem like a great way to go, but for me personally it was very hard and very stressful. I found it depressing at some stages and they don’t guarantee a job at the end. I wasn’t paid very much but my passion for hair kept me through it.

Employers these days see an apprenticeship as a valuable way into a job, just like a degree. Both apprenticeships and degrees show you’re willing to learn and work hard. Both result in qualifications. One is more hands-on, and learning through doing (though you’ll still get structured training in an apprenticeship).

Apprenticeships aren’t the ‘easy’ option. Holding down a full-time job and studying takes commitment and hard work, and it won’t be right for everyone. You’ll need to prove yourself in the workplace, while getting to grips with studying for a higher level qualification.

The Cons

• You Won’t Get Access to Certain Careers. It can be extremely challenging if you attain an apprenticeship and later on in life decide that you want to change career paths.
• You Won’t Experience University Life.
• You’ll Have Greater Responsibilities.
• Holidays Are Short.
• The Competition Is Tough.
• The Salary Is Lower.

A university education allows you to target a broader range of careers than you can through an apprenticeship, but both will stand you in good stead when it comes getting a job. Apprenticeships are restrictive in the sense that the training and skills that you gain are specific to a particular industry or role.

Essentially, an apprenticeship is college combined with work experience and a wage. If you feel ready for the world of work and keen to build on your experience, an apprenticeship is ideal. If you’re not keen on office life just yet, then college may be the better option for you.

So, are apprenticeships as full time education? In short, yes. If you do an apprenticeship, you aren’t breaking the law. However, don’t confuse full time education with full time classroom learning – with an apprenticeship you will gain the benefits of both classroom learning, and also practical learning.

The average weekly wage for an apprentice is actually around £200, dependant on the sector, region and apprenticeship level. For example, some higher apprenticeships can pay as much as £300-£500 per week.