Apprenticeships in Business administration – Is it time we brought back apprenticeships?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 by mtt adminApprenticeships have been around since the dawn of time. Apprentices of yore were usually sons of the master who were expected to carry on the family business but as society became more mobile, more people sought apprenticeships in other fields. Being guided by a professional expert, earning a bit of pocket money and attending college a couple of days a week has been the staple educational diet for generations and generations.
About 10-15 years ago though, the government went on a huge university drive and encouraged all and sundry to go to university regardless of whether they had in interest in their selected subject. The benefits for mass university attendance are obvious; students have a huge effect on their surrounding economy, culture and environment. The only draw back is that an average degree doesn’t hold half the kudos it used to and employers are starting to seek experience alongside qualification.
Any modern jobseeker will tell you of their frustration with age old catch 22; experience. You can’t get a job without but you can’t get it without a job. Apprenticeships get past that.
The world of apprenticeships holds huge benefits; paid work on the job, periodic study and the chance to learn on the job and from a seasoned professional. British industry has suffered greatly from the lack of skilled tradesman and administrators and, I believe, the reintroduction of wholesale apprenticeships will have a huge effect on the quality of staff and expertise the country will produce.
Do you agree? Have you benefitted from university rather than working and going to college? Should university be just for scholars, doctors and professionals? Let me know your thoughts, feel free to comment on our Facebook page.
To see apprenticeships in business administration, have a look at our choices.
Heidi Says:
“EFFORT EQUALS REWARD”; I don’t think I will ever forget the individual that stated this even today he remains my inspiration! My Mr Motivator when I am down! ;0)
Whatever qualification you choose to take and do whether this be an NVQ, a professional course or a Degree they all have one thing in common they all require the EFFORT, the HARD WORK in order to achieve them.
Having undertaken NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration many moons ago, and also been involved in teaching and assessing this subject. I would have to agree with Mr Blogger, if you crave practical skills and prefer a hand on approach to learning office skills then NVQ Business Administration is the course for you.
You certainly won’t be disappointed; the practical skills one desires from learning in a real life environment can be achieved in a variety of ways from customer service, operating office equipment, arranging meetings, and using Microsoft Office to typing and information management and more ….the list is endless!
The skills, knowledge and personal qualities one achieves throughout work experience and assessment throughout the NVQ is in fact personally unique, irreplaceable and priceless.
The knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that one strengthens within themselves throughout their work experiences will assist and contribute as a major factor in completing the NVQ Business Administration qualification.
In terms of progression, there is NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, which would later on qualify with work experience entry onto a Foundation Degree (HND) in Business Administration Management at a local College or University, which involves more strategic and theoretical study.
Alternatively, employment within Business Administration offers great flexibility, and can be later transferred to administrate different environments, specialist business functions within any organisation such as finance, project management, business development or marketing.
NVQ’s like any other qualification is hard work, as one is expected to work, normally paid employment and is expected to study part time normally once a week, yet what one gains earlier becomes a head start later on in life.
Apprenticeships tend to have limited places, as the benefits one gains is huge so places do tend to go quickly… an opportunity that I would highly recommend and certainly not one to be missed.
Anything that you do, is a skill and you never know when it would come in handy and most importantly where it would lead …little did I know that from studying NVQ 2 and 3 in Business Administration, that the knowledge that I gained through this qualification would assist me to teach Business and later on to become Chartered qualified.
Having also worked as an Admissions Officer, many moons ago if anyone is considering studying for a degree and would like to gain practical experience within their chosen subject area, please do enquire about ‘sandwich degrees’ at a University or local College that franchises degrees of your choice.
These sandwich degrees are an extra year, however include a one-year normally paid placement and assist greatly with work experience and most importantly a reference for employment purposes once one completes their studies of course. Highly recommended!!!
I hope you found today’s TIPS useful ! Until next time…..
All the best ;0) Have to go ……Byeeee ;0)
Heidi Says:
As an institute, why do you think apprenticeships are important in todays climate?
It would be nice to hear from the individuals that deliver, assess and promote Business Administration to learners and to learners within organisations through WBL within your institute on why they think apprenticeships are important in todays environment?
I look forward to your responses.