Since the (only just recovering) graduate job drought, apprenticeships have become very popular. Very popular, indeed.
First there was the news last year that BT received 24,000 applications for 220 apprenticeships. More recently we heard how 8,000 people are chasing 200 Network Rail apprenticeships, then there was the news more than 1,000 hopefuls applied for 100 up for grabs in Liverpool - anyway, you get the picture.
It seems the type of candidate going for this type of on-the-job training is changing as well. Network Rail has seen a massive shift in the age profile of its apprentices - there has been a five-fold increase in those aged over 22 taking up this role since 2007.
And Gareth Griffiths, a business lecturer at Bangor University, recently told the BBC the rising costs of higher education and living are making alternatives to university look more attractive. He said: "Having on the job training while you are being paid and getting work experience reduces the level of debt and could be a more valid route for many."
It's clear apprenticeships are going to become a route more and more job seekers will follow in the future. So we thought we'd take a closer look at how they work, who they'd suit and ultimately how they'll fit into your overall career development.
And of course next week is National Apprenticeship Week (which celebrates the value of apprenticeships) so what better time to take a closer look at whether they can benefit your career? Join us on 8 February to find out more from our panel of experts - post your questions below.
Our panel:
Simon Richards is qualifications development manager at The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX).
Simon Blench is NVQ Manager at JCA, a residential activity break provider. School trip specialist JCA – part of the TUI Travel group – launched its own apprenticeship programme in March 2010, to train prospective activity leaders for the group.
Sylvia Perrins is CEO of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services. The financial education charity has been providing apprenticeships for the past two years across the financial services industry in London and across England.
Michael Minott and Stephanie Glas are resourcing officers for Network Rail. They are key contacts for Network Rail's apprenticeship scheme and are responsible for managing the application process and running assessment days.
Richard Thompson and Chris Jenkins are apprentices at media company Twofour, completing Skillset's Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.
Andrew Cooksley is the managing director of ACT, Wales' largest work-based training provider. ACT offer more than 1,000 work placements each year. Andrew began his own career as an apprentice.
Peter Hood is head of programmes (north and Midlands) at Lifetime, a provider of government-funded apprenticeships in active leisure.
Stephen Uden is head of skills & economic affairs at Microsoft. Stephen manages Microsoft's skills programmes within formal education, workforce development, IT industry and wider society. These include a network of 600 IT Academies and regional digital literacy programmes.
Professor Sa'ad Medhat is the founding chief executive of the New Engineering Foundation (NEF) , which has supported over 150 FE colleges through the UK with grants for professional development and knowledge and technology transfer activities. NEF is supporting the National Apprenticeship Service, focusing on the area of new and emerging technologies.
Zoe Levings is a marketing manager at City & Guilds, the vocational awarding organisation.
Dr Josephine Perry is the marketing and communications director for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Her role at the NAS involves marketing to businesses, highlighting the business benefits of taking on apprentices and communicating to potential apprentices, and their parents, about how apprenticeships can start their careers.
