In the last few years, there has been a real focus on apprenticeships in the UK. Since 2013, it has been compulsory for young people to be in education or training until the age of 18. This can mean staying at school full-time to do A-Levels or equivalent, taking a part-time job and studying part-time, or to enrol in an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship.

In the 2021/22 academic year, there were 740,400 people participating in an apprenticeship in England, with 349,200 apprenticeship starts and 137,200 apprenticeship achievements. The number of starts increased in 2021/22 by 27,800, or 9%, from the number of starts in the previous academic year, after a fall in numbers due to the coronovirus pandemic. There are more statistics for apprenticeships in England at the House of Commons Library 

Anyone can do an apprenticeship at any age. Around half of all new apprentices are aged 25 and under, with the other half being over 25; apprenticeships are not just for young people and school leavers. There are apprenticeships available in a wide range of industries including engineering, trades, hairdressing, business and administration, marketing and accounting. 

Apprenticeships can be intermediate, advanced or higher level with a suitable level being available for whatever academic qualifications have been achieved. There are also degree apprenticeships available where the apprentice can study for a degree alongside working, taking three to six years to complete.  

For businesses, the benefits of providing apprenticeships are many, including being able to equip young people with the exact skills that the business needs right now and for the future, playing an active part in shaping their own workforce. There are also financial incentives such as paying a wage which is lower than a qualified employee as well as some additional funding from the government through the apprenticeship levy.  

For the apprentice, the benefits are that they get to earn while they learn while not accruing any student debt, as well as learning skills which are in demand. Many apprentices will go on to earn more than those that have been to university. For individuals, an apprenticeship can prove to be a smart choice.  

Here, we are talking to the two apprentices at C4DI in Hull to find out more about their apprenticeship journey. Meet Ellie Parsons and Kirsty Musgrave. 

Tell us more about C4DI and what you do 

Kirsty: C4DI helps tech companies grow and traditional businesses innovate. I work as an apprentice on our reception desk.  I am studying for my Level 2 in Customer Service.  Some of my day-to-day tasks include replying to emails where people are requiring meeting rooms, want more information on events, and offering support to our Community Engagement Manager, Tina. 

Ellie: I work as a Level 3 Business Apprentice as well as work on projects for C4DI  

How did you come to be at C4DI? 

Kirsty: I went down the Apprenticeship route, I was really interested in working in a business that helps people.  

Ellie:  I followed an apprenticeship route with Hull Business Training Centre who found the role for me and took my details for C4DI. Currently HBTC are helping me by teaching me Level 3 Business Admin and parts of project management.  

What’s your favourite part of your job? 

Kirsty: I love meeting new people, designing social media graphics and posters on Canva, and helping people to book meeting rooms  

Ellie: My favourite part of my job is meeting the corporate clients and building connections with them  

My career journey at C4DI has been great so far. I have enjoyed talking to the people that are in the offices and people in coworking about their companies and how far they have come! I have enjoyed developing new skills that I can take with me later in life and I am extremely lucky to be working with people who are willing to help wherever they can either with my HBTC work or anything I help on throughout the working day anyone is willing to give you a hand 

What advice would you give to other people looking to follow a career in your industry? 

Kirsty: Firstly, my advice is always ask for help even if you think it’s a silly question. You're there to work together. Also, you need to put all your effort in to achieving goals; hard work always goes a long way. 

Ellie: Always be at hand when someone needs you and be ready for any challenge that comes your way! Communicate with everyone and be respectful and polite. 

Thank you to Ellie and Kirsty for telling us more about their apprenticeship experience so far. We wish them both well for their future careers.  

Back to News