What do I do

[GAOx]

I'm just curious I'm stressing about my future and I'm getting told apprentaships are a waste of time and doesn't guarantee you a secure future , but I really could do with some money but with going college I won't have time for a job , what the best option for me ?

[RachieW]

Hi there GAOx

Ultimately the only person who can decide what's best for you is you.

From personal experience I entered an apprenticeship at 17 and stuck with it, now 12 years on I'm a department store manager. It paid poor at first and the hours were horrible but if you really want something you'll stick at it and fight for a position at the end of your course. Also once qualified you will have the experience to enable you to look for jobs. What is it your thinking of doing an apprenticeship in?

Also on the other end of scale I have young adults that work for me on Saturdays and Sundays and some do evening shifts whilst at college and university to help earn them extra money. Also a lot of my friends when at college did evening and weekend work. There are a lot of options out there don't feel so worried.

Hope this helps a little.

[GAOx in reply to RachieW]

Hi thankyou for replying , I have an interview for a dental nurse apprentice but I'm scarred if 7 months later they turn around and say to me they can't have me anymore then I can't get into college , I also have a place in college but I really don't know what to do

[RachieW in reply to GAOx]

Dental nurse.. wow! Ok so my advice is to go for the apprentice interview. Make a note of all the questions you want to ask like that one if that's what you are concerned about and they'll be able to tell you more about it. I believe if you are employed on an apprenticeship the company which you are working for is subsidised by the government but this may have changed since my time so they'll be unlikely to get rid of you. Also once you've completed the course you'll have the skills you need to take elsewhere if they don't have a position. A friend of mine did the same apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified and practicing dentist. So it can be done!

Keep the college option open if you don't get the answers you want from the apprenticeship and then try to get weekend work if you want to earn some money as well.

Like with everything there's no guarantees, I've interviewed people who've obtained degrees at university but haven't been able to get jobs in the area of their studies straight away.

Give it a try and do what's best for you.

[GAOx in reply to RachieW]

Thankyou so much helped a lot xx

[RachieW in reply to GAOx]

No worries you're very welcome and good look with the interview x

[Pudding098]

I did an apprenticeship and had the opportunity to work up through my local council, it was a great stepping stone and i actually got a head start in my career compared to friends that went to college, you might find aswell that a lot of apprenticeships are funded so the money for them is already designated, so as long as your hard working and pleasant i cant see why you might loose it after 7 months. Id say there is no such thing as a 'secure future' anyways a lot of my friends who studied further haven't even used their degrees and qualifications and on minimum wage working in a takeaway or bar. I would say that if you do get it make sure you use the opportunity to learn as much as you can... treat it like a course.. i have known employers use apprentices just as cheap labour, and just get you to tick the boxes you need to pass but make sure you let them know in the interview you are there to really learn the job in a real life environment . And best of luck, im sure which ever you decide you will be able to make it work for you.

[GAOx in reply to Pudding098]

Aw thanku for that , and my brothers graduated with a degree and still doesn't know what to do I guess life is hard 😂