Apprenticeships for 25+ year olds

A question about : Apprenticeships for 25+ year olds

Hi guys,

Has anyone here completed an apprenticeship? I suppose I'm just generally looking for advice for over 25 year olds, as I know the funding is different. My partner wants to train either as a receptionist/front of house OR electrical engineer (I know they are completely different, but she has experienced both and enjoyed them and is now thinking which one to pursue), and I'm not sure whether an apprenticeship would be the best route? Regarding becoming a receptionist, I don't know if a course (which typically last 4 weeks and cost 1k) would be a better route? It seems easier to pay 1k and then apply for jobs after the course instead of being on a low wage for at least 1-2 years. However, I don't know if these courses are just a way of stealing money and if she'll still be rejected from all positions because she doesn't have experience, etc.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Best answers:

• could ask the apprenticeship team but it is usally any age but depends on quals. I was looking to do an apprenticeship but I couldn't as I already had a level 4 qualification which is gutting.
• Hi,
  You are right that the funding is different - if I remember rightly there is no funding for over 24's compared with full funding for a 17 year old.
  So for example I was looking at a provider for software engineers - it was free for a 17 year old but the provider wanted to charge Ј10K for those over 24!!!
  Right minded employers will look for the right person and not concentrate on the funding but smaller businesses will definitely look at the bottom line and it will be difficult to compete.
  On the four week course - I wouldn't take this into account when recruiting receptionists - I would be looking at their experience and if they can use a switchboard/use IT effectively - temping would be the best way to get this experience - I cover our receptions at least three times a year with temps.
• Funding streams and amounts are different for different ages and apprenticeships. For example, where I work, an 18 year old taking an intermediate apprenticeship in business would be fully funded (i.e. free delivery) For a 19 year old, it is Ј520 BUT that is paid by the employer, not the student.