Richard Jackson’s Post

Besides a cup of coffee this morning, this post from Holly Hobbs 🤳🏽caught my eye. Apprenticeships are a viable alternative to university for parents considering what's next for their son or daughter. This post is about sharing and reaching even further across my network and others. #apprenticeships #university #alevels #results #careers #celebrity #debate #apprentice #earlycareers #earlytalent

I am constantly putting myself in places that feel uncomfortable in order to grow. And this morning that was on live TV to debate apprenticeships vs uni this results day. (and yes, I couldn’t sleep last night😂) My key messages were: 👉 You are the creator of your own destiny so university shouldn’t be the only way to ‘success’. 👉 You can still experience things i.e abroad travel & engaging with a diverse range of people through apprenticeships. 👉 Apprenticeships give you more flexibility, IMO, over university as you can move around a business to discover likes and dislikes. 👉 An apprenticeship helped me in ways university wouldn’t have - i.e I developed a network to start a business. 👉 How I think degrees should be funded in the future (through employers and the apprenticeship levy). 👉 Employers have onboarding schemes and programmes to set young people up. They’re not just thrown in the deep end - there is structure. And there was so much more I wanted to say! At the end it was revealed that 20% of viewers watching voted university was still worth it in 2024. Whilst 80% voted it’s not worth it in 2024. What do you think? 😆 What a pinch me moment!

As we approach the festive season and New Year, we both know and understand that UK businesses are not only preparing for a team break, but are also looking ahead to new opportunities in 2025. Now is the perfect time for your company to take a step back and reflect on your achievements, set ambitious goals, and to strategise for your team's future. Did you know that SMEs in the UK can ⭐️ benefit significantly ⭐️ from accessing funding for apprenticeship training through the BBC's initiative? By collaborating with our fantastic list of partners throughout England - including councils, training providers, and apprenticeship hubs - SMEs will receive financial support to train apprentices in creative, digital, and tech roles. We invite you to explore the opportunities available on our BBC Apprenticeship Partnerships website today and see how your SME can thrive and grow in the next 12 months. See our partner list here: https://lnkd.in/e-yFavhz #BBCApprenticeships #SupportingSMEs #GrowingTogether #SMEsuccess #BBCApprenticeshipPartnerships #BBCFunding

Securing an apprenticeship can be challenging, and finding the right company adds another layer of complexity, especially when you're still learning about the different opportunities out there. The application process often involves multiple stages, including various tests, before you even reach the shortlist. To set yourself up for success, I recommend attending STEM events and company-led sessions to gain a deeper understanding of what different companies offer. Additionally, practicing for tests in maths, English, and personality assessments can help you feel more prepared and confident throughout the process. #apprenticeship #application #STEM

“The acceptance rate for degree apprenticeships is just 0.7%” 😲 That’s even more competitive than Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. So, what's the point of even applying? Others likely have better grades, more work experience, and know the process inside out. And you probably don’t stand a chance… Right? WRONG ❌ If I could disappear from social media and leave you with one tip, it’s this: Apply to tons of companies 🔑 50, 60, 75 — however many you can: ⤷ But do it with precision and purpose. Precision comes from doing your research: What makes this company stand out? 🌟 Why does this industry excite you? 🤩 What’s unique about their apprenticeship scheme? 🏆 Master this approach if you want to stand out 🥇 Otherwise, enjoy spending literal days on applications: ⤷ Only to walk away with 0 degree apprenticeship offers… 🤡 👇 What do you think the biggest problem in YOUR applications are right now? 🤔 And how can you use this approach to address it?

Navigating a gap year can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t have clear guidance. After taking a year out myself post-sixth form and eventually securing a place at my dream university, I understand the challenges that can arise during this period. That’s why tomorrow, from 4pm to 6pm, I’ll be offering guidance for students who feel their A level results day didn’t go as planned. Whether you need advice on retaking exams, reapplying to universities, apprenticeships, starting new ventures or making the most of a gap year, be sure to come down. If you know anyone feeling uncertain about taking a year out, please share this with them🙏

Education in Germany? Unique. Tradition meets innovation? "Lehrjahre sind keine Herrenjahre"? Shows: We need change. The apprenticeship has shaped me. Not just facts. Also experiences. Time for rethinking. Education = an opportunity, not a duty. Respect tradition, push innovation. Balance is key. The future? Depends on it. Revaluing apprenticeships. Recognizing diversity = key to success. I think apprenticeships are great. What do you think? What do we need. For an education system that can tackle global challenges. Everyone should be able to go their own way.

👀 Common misconceptions of Modern Apprenticeships #3 👀 "We'd love to be involved, but the funding element makes it too complicated to be involved" Don't worry - we handle that all for you! Your learning provider has a contract with Skills Development Scotland which essentially contains funding spots for the programmes they are approved to deliver and the various age groupings they have access to - being 16-19, 20-24 and 25+. Essentially... we do all the hard work with the funding. You get a funded programme for your member of staff. Simple. Want to learn more about these for Digital, IT and Business Support functions? Think I know someone who can help with that... 👀

If it ain't broke, don't break it, leverage it 💪 There has been a fair amount of debate recently about whether Level 7 Apprenticeships should continue to be funded through the levy. I get the argument, when you look at the levy spend, employers aren't providing the number of entry level apprenticeships we need. However, I don't believe the answer is to stop funding those at the higher end. If we have more leaders than ever choosing lifelong learning then, with their significant reach and influence, we should leverage this to solve these challenging national issues not disengage them. Design into degree apprenticeships the requirement to identify a solution, such as the delivery of an initiative to increase the number of entry level routes into their company, and we could well come up with a quicker, more sustainable solution to this problem. Thanks to Heidi Comley for our chat today and encouraging me this idea has legs! #apprenticeships #learnbydoing #systemicthinking

What does the future hold for apprenticeships? 🤔   BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has recently embarked on an extensive piece of research, to look at digital apprenticeships as a whole and open up the discussion between individuals, employers and training providers.   We can already see the positive impact of #digitalapprenticeships, 2022/23 saw more than 22,000 digital apprentices and the sector will continue to grow as businesses adapt to the ever-evolving digital world we live in.🗺   We don’t know what todays outcome in terms of government may be however, we must be ready. We have to consider what else is needed to PROTECT, IMPROVE and DRIVE GROWTH in digital apprenticeships.   So, if the current #skillsgap we face and the future talent coming into the sector of IT and digital is important to you then please, stick the kettle on and take 10 minutes to read through the report below, it’s worth it! 🍵 Now is the time to be part of a conversation that could help change the future of apprenticeships! 💚 Please share this post to your networks so others have the opportunity get involved too!🫶🏽