Whether you’re 16 or 46, apprenticeships are a chance to gain new skills, switch career paths, or help you to upskill in your current role. Can you ever be too old for an apprenticeship?

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘apprenticeship’? Do you think of a teenager fresh out of school heading to work in a job like construction? This is an outdated and close-minded view of the wonderful value that undertaking an apprenticeship can have. In today’s evolving professional landscape, apprenticeships unlock a multitude of careers for people aged 16 and above. 

Whether you’re 16 or 46, apprenticeships are a chance to gain new skills, switch career paths, or help you to upskill in your current role. Can you ever be too old for an apprenticeship? Absolutely not!

 

The Changing Landscape of Apprenticeships

Once seen as an early career pathway for young people, apprenticeships have transformed in both their technical terms and in public image. No longer just for young people, Government statistics show that 48% of the apprentices that started in 2022/23 were aged 25 and over. The statistics for older learners are also increasing year on year. 29% were between 19 and 24, while 23% were 19 and under. Age isn’t a barrier for apprenticeships, and they promote lifelong learning without barriers.

In addition, more and more industries now offer apprenticeship opportunities. For example, the healthcare, IT, engineering and creative sectors welcome apprentices of all ages. Employers are also increasingly beginning to recognise the value of mixing younger and older apprentices together in the workplace. Each brings their own life experiences, insight and skills to the table.

 

Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn and Earn

There are countless reasons why apprenticeships can be the perfect choice for people above school age.

1.       Gain Practical, In-Demand Skills

Apprenticeships are designed to fulfil the needs of the labour market while providing hands-on learning to train or re-train students. Whether you are interested in IT, nursing, or carpentry, apprenticeships allow you to acquire skills that will be immediately applicable to your chosen field.

2.       Change Careers

If you feel like changing direction in your current career, or that some additional skills or training will help you climb the career ladder, apprenticeships offer a structured path to transition. Rather than joining a new industry right from the bottom, you can give yourself the best starting point.

3.       Earn While You Learn

Unlike traditional educational paths, apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while you are gaining your qualifications. This can make them a more financially viable option for adults who may have financial responsibilities. Furthermore, many apprenticeship programmes are government-funded, and training costs are either fully funded or covered by employers.

4.       More Flexibility

Modern apprenticeships have evolved to be more flexible in order to better reflect a modern way of life and a contemporary working environment. Flexible schedules, more support for learners and online learning all help apprentices who may need to balance work, study, and family life. This can help students to study at a pace that works for their lifestyle.

 

Older Apprentices

It’s natural to have some reservations when considering an apprenticeship later in life. However, with apprenticeships becoming increasingly inclusive, you will find your fellow apprentices span all ages. Moreover, employers value the life experience that mature students bring to the working environment. There are plenty of benefits to hiring and supporting older workers.

If you are determined and willing to learn, then an apprenticeship is the right decision for you. There is no wrong time to start and the right time to invest in yourself is now. Explore the world of apprenticeships by taking the first steps with Cornwall Opportunities.

Use our helpful online portal to unlock guidance, answer queries and start searching for your ideal apprenticeship course today. Why not start with our dedicated Apprenticeships page?