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Most Brits Think They Are Too Old For An Apprenticeship

Older worker
13 September 2019
 

Two thirds of the UK workforce wrongly believe they are too old to become an apprentice and that the age barrier is between 16-24 when in fact, there is no age barrier.

(Government advice is says 'if you make a request to your employer to take on an apprenticeship as an adult is perfectly legitimate and your request should be welcomed and supported. If you're aged 24 or above, you may be eligible for adult skills funding if you undertake an advanced level apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship'.)

According to research by global online job search engine Jobrapido.com, nearly two thirds of the UK workforce (62%) have aspirations to change their career path and more than half of UK employees (52%) also admitted they would readily embark on an apprenticeship if it could support a career change or move to a different industry sector.

Yet nearly two thirds of those that wouldn’t embark on an apprenticeship believe they are too old and the age limit is between 16-24. A quarter of respondents felt that apprenticeships would be a step down given their career experience.

Jobrapido’s research was conducted amongst 1444 employees who work across different industry sectors including sales, marketing, engineering, transportation, construction and technology. The research was conducted in July 2019.

Other highlights of the research include:

  • Three in ten cite the biggest obstacle to making a change is family or financial commitments, with a further 17% stating that lack of confidence holds them back. 19% believe their lack of qualifications prohibit the change, whilst another 19% that admit they have no understanding of how to go about switching careers. Finally, 14% are put off by the thought of the time it takes to re-train.

  • When respondents were asked what could support them to make their change, more than a quarter (26%) stated the ‘belief they can do it and a change of mindset’. Nearly a fifth (17%) stated investment in training and or educational qualifications or new skills, 12% would like support in the form of outside funding or a grant, 11% believe the Government and or industry could support with further initiatives.

  • More than one in ten of these respondents (13%) wanting to make the change admitted they would like to set up their own business, with around half (49%) stating they would like to move to a different industry and organisation.

Rob Brouwer, CEO of Jobrapido said: “We live in an era where a job is no longer a job for life and in fact many could have at least two or even three different careers in their working life. It is not surprising that so many who took part in the research harbour ambitions to change their career path.

“Yet despite the majority of UK workforce open to the possibility of apprenticeship, the vast majority have already ruled this out as they believe there is an age barrier in order to access. The reality is that apprenticeships are open above the age of 16 and there is no age barrier.

“What is needed is an education drive from UK industry, the Government, educational establishments and career advisers as to how anyone over the age of 16 can access and embark on an apprenticeship.”

Picture: "We live in an era where a job is no longer a job for life and in fact many could have at least two or even three different careers in their working life."

 

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 13 September 2019

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