JTL Blog


It’s never too late to start an apprenticeship


Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers and young people; there is no upper age limit and if you’re over 16, living in England and not in full-time education, then you’re eligible to become an apprentice.

Why complete an adult apprenticeship?

For many years, apprenticeships have been considered only for school leavers or young people entering the world of work, however this is simply a myth as apprenticeships are for all ages. Furthermore, since the introduction of adult apprenticeships, more and more older people are opting for this route rather than going back into full-time education.

The world has evolved and as the professional world has changed over time, new doors have opened. It has become easier to change your career later in life and learn the new skills that you need.

Doing an adult apprenticeship can open more possibilities to develop your career aspirations and allow you to grow as an individual. Whether you are considering a career move or like the opportunity of developing with your current employer, then learning new skills through the apprenticeship route is a great alternative to other further education options.

Adult apprenticeship funding

If you’re thinking of starting an adult apprenticeship and you are currently in employment and over the age of 24, then why not speak to your employer to see what options are available. Since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy, many larger employers have to pay a tax to the government to help fund apprenticeships, not just in their own organisation but for smaller SMEs. This fund is there to encourage employers to help develop both new and existing employees through the apprenticeship route.

Adult Apprenticeships may be able to offer other funding to help pay for childcare or travel which is related to your training course. Your employer should also be able to provide you with information on how to enquire for this funding through the Advanced Learner Loan scheme. However, in most instances employers may cover these extra costs, after all, your development will benefit them in the long run.

JTL has a dedicated national customer service unit with experts available to answer any queries or questions you may have. To find out more about JTL’s apprenticeship costing and funding options please contact us.

Plumbing and heating success story

After the successful completion of his apprenticeship with housebuilders, Redrow, Cardiff-based Ryan Payne was named as JTL’s Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) apprentice of the year in Wales.

Ryan was nominated for the award by his training officer for his progress both academically and practically. Following a shortlisting process, he was chosen as the regional winner and received an engraved glass trophy and £100 in prize money. As a regional award winner, and a mature apprentice winner, Ryan will go through to represent Wales against 10 other regional winners at JTL’s National Awards, which will take place later in the year.

JTL training officer, Mark Hale, said: “Ryan is a mature apprentice who risked a good paying career to follow his dream to qualify as a plumbing and heating engineer. He is a very caring individual and has helped me to support my Redrow apprentices in the workplace, which has been invaluable during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. He has been a great role model to all the new Redrow JTL apprentices, always working safely and to Industry Standards.”

Ryan, who currently holds both Level 2 and Level 3 Plumbing & Heating, said: ‘’I am delighted to be named JTL’s MES Apprentice of the Year in Wales. I’ve put my heart and soul into my apprenticeship and to have this acknowledged by JTL means the world. Looking ahead in my career, I hope to set up my own plumbing and heating business and employ JTL apprentices to give them the same opportunities that I had.”

What mature electrical apprentices have to say

Current and former JTL apprentices share their experiences of starting an electrical apprenticeship later in life here.

Interested to know what a day in the life of an electrical apprentice is like? Read what Amy gets up to a Goodridge Electrical Contractors in Worcester here.

Find out more

At JTL, we are helping thousands of people in England and Wales to launch exciting careers as electricians, plumbing & heating engineers and engineering maintenance operatives in the building services engineering sector through apprenticeship training.

To discover all things apprenticeships, from the benefits to what the courses entail, click here.

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