Is It 4 Me?
If it’s the right choice for you, a JTL apprenticeship can set you up with skills and a career for the rest of your life. The training can be rewarding and enjoyable. But it also means a lot of hard work.
To get a place you’ll need to be dedicated and show that you’re determined, committed (it will take up to four years!), have a professional attitude and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and your employer.
You’ll be expected to keep normal working hours for your employer to earn your wages and be able to concentrate when you are given on-the-job training. You’ve got to be able to work well as part of a team and on your own using your own initiative. How do you think you’ll manage switching between working on-site for an employer one day, then studying for a qualification at college the next?
It’s not for everyone; so don’t opt for it just because you think it’s an easy option. It’s not! Successful apprentices need to be focused and know the career they want.
The right job for you depends upon:
- Your personality
- Your interests and hobbies
- Your talents and skills
The sort of personal qualities you’ll need are:
- An aptitude for maths and science
- Good with your hands
- Have normal colour vision
- Attention to detail
Don’t just look at what sort of apprenticeships are out there and pick the first one that grabs your eye. Think everything through carefully. It’s a big commitment. Talk to people you know and who know you. Speak to someone who already works in the industry as a plumber or an electrician. You should also speak your teachers, a careers advisor or try Connexions.
And don’t expect it to be easy to get onto a JTL apprenticeship. Advanced Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 255,000 young people in England training in over 150 different types of apprenticeships. There’s a high demand for many apprenticeships so be aware that there can be a lot of competition to get a place. A JTL apprenticeship is no different. JTL currently manages over 9,700 apprentices. Recently, whilst more than 30,000 young people have looked to start a JTL apprenticeship each year, only around 3,000 have been lucky enough to gain a place. Competition can be tough!
For the right person, a JTL apprenticeship can be the gateway to a fantastic career. To see if it’s the right career choice for you, try completing our quiz. Your answers will tell you if you have the right idea about the training involved and whether you are ready to apply.
