During a discussion panel I took part in at the Creative & Cultural Skills conference earlier this year, I (then an apprentice) was asked by skills minister Nick Boles about the perceptions of apprenticeships among my family and friends.
I laughed – where to even start? Perhaps my nan, who had a particular proviso: “But when you get a real job…” Possibly my friends, who used to question: “You’re an apprentice, why do they pay you so much?” I could have started with other sector professionals who, despite the fact we had similar jobs, would remark: “You’re an apprentice, you can’t do my job.”
Challenging apprenticeship stereotypes
During my 12 months as an apprentice at the London Transport Museum, I was on the receiving end of many stereotypes and preconceptions, but I watched these slowly start to change.
By the end I saw surprise in the faces of young people, peers and experienced professionals as I explained what I’d done as part of my apprenticeship. Values are shifting, but we still have a long journey ahead. So how do we continue to challenge perceptions and ensure that the value of apprenticeships continues to rise?
In my opinion there are two ways we, as a sector, can create the change we need:
- Keep delivering accessible, authentic, beneficial and fit-for-purpose apprenticeships.
- Keep talking about them everywhere!
What makes an authentic apprenticeship?
A good apprenticeship is about a supported exchange of ideas, learning and benefit between apprentice, other staff and museum audiences. There are a few things that are particularly important:
- Accessibility: It’s about levelling the playing field and being flexible and honest. Employers should make sure an apprentice job description is clear and that the young people get to experience what the job will really be like. We need to create opportunities for young people to talk to staff and ask questions during the recruitment process.
- A living wage: This is vital. Wide recruitment and actual entry-level positions will ensure that a diverse and large range of young people can apply.
- Clarity and transparency: This ensures that everyone understands what is expected of them and what they should expect from one another.
- Support: This takes many forms. First, apprentices must be provided with the training, skills, tools and support to fulfil their job role. Encouraging self-reflection, holding regular one-to-ones, having a mentoring or buddy scheme and ensuring staff are open to being approached if and when needed is also key.
- Responsibility: Handing this to apprentices as soon as possible gives them ownership, belonging and ensures they feel valued. Keep expectations high; with the right support, they will not disappoint.
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Networks, networks, networks: Support your apprentice to form beneficial partnerships inside and outside the company. This will help develop them into an inspiring advocate and a valuable resource, which is good for their future career and the sector.
- Recognising achievements: Communicate these to staff and the wider sector. This helps the apprentice to feel valued in their workplace, but also demonstrates the true value of apprenticeships to the organisation and sector.
Winning the Apprentice of the Year award, alongside my colleague Hannah Steele, has been the icing on the cake. This has been the most fantastic way to be recognised for the hard work we, and the London Transport Museum, have invested over the past 12 months. What a way to finish a life-changing year and what an outcome for all who played a part in such a valuable scheme.
Let’s spread the word about apprenticeships
Authentic apprenticeships are important, but we must also talk about them everywhere.
Let’s shout them from the roof tops, in the office, at meetings, in seminars, over coffee at conferences, over social media and even down the pub. The more conversation we create around apprenticeships – their value, benefits and how to embed them – the more perceptions we can change.
At the start of my journey I was faced daily by sceptical people who did not see, nor understand, the point. Now with amazing achievements and experiences behind me, I cannot and will not shut up about my apprenticeship. I now understand that I had a job from day one, but I’ve also been supported to start a career. It’s my responsibility to talk more openly, everywhere, about apprentices and I encourage you to do the same.
The only people who have the power to make this change is us, so I have a challenge for you:
- Talk to one person about apprenticeships today
- Tell them something you have learnt
- Highlight something you see as a benefit
The change starts now, but we must work together to ensure everyone understands the value of apprenticeships.
Follow Eli Bligh-Briggs on Twitter @MrEliBlue
This is an edited version of an article first published on the Creative and Cultural Skills website
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