The Armed Forces leads the way when it comes to apprenticeship admissions with 40 programs to choose from

IF you want to hear, “You're hired!”, then do an internship.

Since 2010, nearly six million people have enrolled in these earn-as-you-learn programs.

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Nine out of ten students go on to a sustainable job and the same percentage of companies believe that hiring students leads to a more motivated workforce.

With more than 690 different schemes – and almost half of all new starters aged 25 and over – there is always one that suits you.

The Army alone has 40 to choose from.

Cpl Harry Smith, from Bradford, joined at the age of 16.

He is now 24 and an apprentice electronics technician.

He said, “The military continually develops me as an individual.”

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, so Sunemployment highlights some of the best schemes in the UK and shares expert advice on how to get the most from your training and climb the career ladder.

Top sectors are registering this year

ARMY

THE military is a big supporter of apprenticeships, with 90 percent of new recruits enrolling through a program.

40 types are offered, ranging from level 2 to 6.

Colonel Craig Terblanche, who leads the internship programme, said: “It provides great opportunities to develop leadership and management skills, with clear pathways for promotion, career progression and personal development.”

Cpl Harry Smith, from Bradford, joined the army at the age of 16.

Now 24, he is an apprentice electronics technician with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

He said: “The military continually develops me as a soldier and as an individual.

“I have completed full training in electrical maintenance and installation. In the future the Army will have me take an Artificer course which will give me a university level qualification.

“My main role is to service, maintain and diagnose any errors in the equipment. This can vary from Land Rovers to tanks and missile systems.”

Apply at jobs.army.mod.uk.

TELECOM

BT is hiring 446 apprentices for roles in software engineering, data analytics and cyber security.

Visit bt.com/earlycareers.

Virgin Media O2 has 100 internship positions.

To see jobs.virginmediao2.co.uk.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

STUDY up to college level as a business advisor, accountant or tax specialist.

KPMG has 400 vacancies kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprentice.

BDO has 130 additional positions careers.bdo.co.uk.

Deloitte offers 250 places in the Bright Start program.

To see tinyurl.com/bdvne6y3.

RETAIL

SUPERDRUG and Savers need 500 new students.

Apply for a place at superdrug.jobs/learningplaces.

Aldi is also hiring 500 people in purchasing, logistics and truck driver positions.

To see aldirecruitment.co.uk/students.

THG has added 34 jobs thg.com/talent/job-search.

And the Co-Op is recruiting people jobs.coop.co.uk/early-careers.

HOSPITALITY

HOTELS and restaurants provide rapid career development for students.

Hotel chain Hilton has 100 roles.

To see tinyurl.com/y8dkncf2.

Nando's restaurant needs 300 employees.

To see nandos.careers/our-roles.

McDonald's offers internships up to university level and has 600 places this year.

You can search by people.mcdonalds.co.uk.

TRANSPORT

THE Go Ahead group needs 850 students.

Visit go-ahead.com/our-people/apprenticeships.

A flying start

A TEAM of 40 British Airways trainees flew to South Africa this week, showcasing their key role in aviation.

The interns worked at check-in, in the lounges and at the boarding gate to arrange departures from Heathrow to Cape Town.

Rachel Iley, director of BA's Global Learning Academy, said: “This flight demonstrates the integral role of learners in our workforce and the opportunities for those who join a BA programme.”

This year BA will hire 194 students (see careers.ba.com/emerging-talent).

Meanwhile, easyJet has 20 places on its technical program (see rb.gy/bk0203).

A positive mindset is key

PAUL Eagland made the transition from intern to boss of 7,500 people as Managing Partner at accounting firm BDO.

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1. Embrace learning and never stop asking questions.

Take every opportunity to build your knowledge and skills.

2. Show initiative.

Show commitment by going the extra mile where you can and always look for ways to be proactive.

3. Build a network.

It helps develop technical skills and softer interpersonal skills and improves well-being.

4. Find a mentor.

Some companies have established mentorship programs, but even if your company doesn't, I recommend finding someone who will offer you some form of mentorship.

5. Be flexible and embrace new ways of working with a positive attitude.

A path to progress

JAGUAR Land Rover has 350 vacancies, including in digital and supply chain roles.

Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, Anthony Browne, said: “The theme of this year's National Apprenticeship Week is 'Skills for Life', and this is exactly what JLR is offering its apprentices as they develop cutting-edge vehicle technology.”

To see jaguarlandrover careers.com/content/Apprentices.

LEYLAND TRUCKS has five training places for design engineers and project managers plus 28 standard roles.

Search leylandtrucksltd.co.uk/apprenticeships.

RENISHAW has places for the Manufacturing Engineer course.

You need to sign up this week, which you can do at at tinyurl.com/ 2e2ed9u2.