Apprenticeship Myth Busting With Multiverse

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The pressure of post-school decisions is difficult enough - but there are many myths and misconceptions that can throw you off course even more! Multiverse apprentice Chyna shares what being an apprentice in 2022 is really like and how you can take your first step into a role. Here’s what she has to say…

Coming out of sixth form, I knew university wasn’t for me. But I bought into the myth that apprenticeships are very manual based roles, so didn’t even think to look into them. I decided to step straight into work for a few years in hospitality and events but knew I wanted to gain a qualification. 

If it wasn’t for my brother completing an engineering apprenticeship, I probably would have listened to the many myths floating about. I found out about Multiverse through the government website when looking for project management apprenticeships, and was drawn in straight away. Their mission of creating an accessible alternative to university via applied learning at top companies was something I really wanted to be a part of.

Just under a year into my apprenticeship (and loving it!), I’m helping young people secure roles themselves. I’m passionate about dispelling common myths, so let’s dive in:

“Apprenticeships are for people who don’t perform well at school”

This really isn’t the case - apprenticeships are a fantastic choice for anyone!
You are applying for roles in established companies with the opportunity to learn whilst earning. What they’re looking for the most is passion and determination. 

I’ve met lots of apprentices - like Islam - who turned down unconditional offers at uni even though they performed so well at school.

“Apprenticeships are for people who want to do more ‘manual’ jobs.”

I thought this initially, before I saw the number of apprenticeships available. Multiverse in particular is innovating with industry-led programmes in Data, Project Management, People Leadership, Digital Marketing, Software Engineering and Digital Business. 

The variety of qualifications can land you in some amazing places, working at top global companies like Meta, Citi and Morgan Stanley. You can check out who’s hiring right now, here.

Apprenticeships are constantly expanding into even more exciting areas.

“There’s no progression into a full-time job”

I’m yet to meet someone who hasn’t continued working after completing their apprenticeship. It’s exactly what they are there for - progression! 
You’re learning the theoretical knowledge behind your role and applying it every day to grow your career. 

At Multiverse, 35% of apprentices receive a promotion after completing the programme, and 52% receive a pay rise. 95% of apprentices who completed their programmes landed a job in their field within 90 days.

This is the exact reason why employers invest in apprenticeships.

“Apprentices are low paid”

This is becoming less common by the day. Employers are aware of how much value apprentices bring and so the salaries are competitive. 

The average apprentice salary is £21k, with most Multiverse roles going above that, (anywhere to £40k)! On top of this, companies provide you with the same benefits as all employees, such as private healthcare and discounts.

“The application process is long and competitive”

I made my Multiverse account in May, applied to a few roles, was hired and started mid-June - so this one was a quick turnaround!

After creating my profile on the Multiverse platform and showing interest in project management roles, the team were quick to get in contact and gave me one-to-one support the whole way. 

If you’re interested in apprenticeships, reading other apprentice’s stories or picking up some application tips will help speed up the process. Apprentice Nation is a fantastic resource with loads of videos from making your digital skills stand out to owning your personal brand.
 

“20% off the job training means a day per week at college”

You can choose to complete your 20% OTJ (off the job learning) any time within working hours, you don’t have to go to college and it is made up of a variety of elements, not just study! 

Multiverse offers a range of events and programmes that go towards your OTJ. And it’s actually fun - with applicable topics ranging from dealing with imposter syndrome to understanding NFTs, all led by global leaders and experts. 

“Apprenticeships don’t offer the same social experience as university”

Social life on your apprenticeship is what you make it! The Multiverse Community Hub allows for you to connect with hundreds of other apprentices across all programmes, with lots of social events and exclusive opportunities like the Apprentice Nation Gigs  - with performers like AJ Tracey, RAYE, and Young T & Bugsey!

At the end of your apprenticeship, there is a graduation ceremony which awards you your qualification, just like at university!

@joinmultiverse 🎓#apprenticeship #apprentice #graduation #ukjobs #careers #fyp #foru ♬ High School - Nicki Minaj

“You can’t make an impact as an apprentice”

Within my first two weeks, I was given the responsibility to own processes and procedures which supported other apprentices and made an impact. As an apprentice, you are constantly growing and being challenged. 
That’s what I enjoy most about it, I am trusted to make decisions with the support of my line manager and to improve and work on new projects.
To any apprentice wanting to make an impact, my advice is to speak to as many people across the company as possible, and also get involved in initiatives! For example, Multiverse offers the ‘Elevate Programme’ where you can make an impact in other people’s lives by sharing your experiences of being an apprentice. 

Sound like a great career path for you? My top tip is to get started now. Multiverse offers one-to-one support across your application, so by signing up you can chat through the best option for you! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any apprenticeship questions.