26 Tips

Tip 2

Try to find out about which jobs show a growing demand.

There’s no point in going after a job in an industry, or sector, where there will be a lower need for workers because you could end up out of work in a few years. Connexions should be able to help - ask them about Labour Market Information. Or you may be able to find out from the regional development agency, such as Yorkshire Forward, or your Local Authority.

But also remember that jobs are still needed in declining industries. As an example, in the second half of the 1900s, many jobs in engineering were lost, as manufacturing companies contracted or closed, and so companies could recruit skilled workers who had been made redundant, so they did not need to recruit apprentices. But those workers are now reaching retirement age and so, recently, there has been an increasing demand for engineering apprentices.

Finding a Training Provider and Employer
When you know which Apprenticeship you want, you then need to find both a training provider and an employer. There are many different ways of finding an employer, but the most important thing is that you do it as early as possible. It is never too early to start once you begin your final year at school.