Earn and learn

Twelve petrified young people in smart, dark suits walk into the boardroom. They line up before a wizened old man who points a sharp finger at them. "You're fired!" The words come out like a gunshot, and one of the twelve contestants limps away.

To many watching at home, this scene from British reality series The Apprentice may be the first introduction to the concept of an apprenticeship. But experts say it is far from the reality of a modern day training programme.

Apprenticeships have a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, when young men would learn a trade or craft from experienced professionals in order to become skilled workers themselves. The apprentice would learn a trade and in return, the master would provide food, lodging and a small wage.

This system was widespread in medieval Europe and was used to train individuals in trades such as blacksmithing, stonemasonry, and carpentry. It evolved over time, and by the 19th Century, apprenticeships were formalised, with apprentices signing contracts that specified the length of their training, their duties, and the skills they would learn.

In the 20th Century apprenticeships reached a peak. By the 1960s, a third of all teenage boys in Britain were leaving school to become apprentices.

But with the rise of mass higher education and the growing demand for white collarRelating to work done in an office or another professional space. jobs, apprenticeships declined in popularity. Indeed, fewer than one in 20 teenagers now take the apprentice route.

Some think this is about to change. After years of decline, apprenticeships are in resurgence. It is, at least in part, a response to the changing job market and the need for highly skilled workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.

Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. They involve working alongside seasoned professionals, learning the trade and gaining real-world experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom. The real selling point for many is that they may be seen as more affordable than degrees - no student loans or tuition fees are required.

But others say degrees offer a more comprehensive education that covers a wider range of topics and disciplines. A degree allows you to delve deeper into theories and information, sharpening your critical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way.

Some think these views have led to a stigmaA mark of shame or disgrace that sets a person apart from others. In the 16th Century, it referred to a literal mark branded into the skin. surrounding apprenticeships. Some employers still prefer candidates with degrees, seeing them as well-rounded and knowledgeable. But this view is slowly changing. One survey shows that 59% of Britons believe that there is no longer stigma associated with being an apprentice.¹

Today, most agree that both apprenticeships and degrees can be incredibly valuable in their own ways - and that it comes down to the individual. Take successful entrepreneurs like Richard BransonHis businesses have included Virgin Records, Virgin Trains and the space-tourism company Virgin Galactic. or world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, for example. Both started as apprentices, honing their skills and gaining experience before soaring to the top of their respective fields.

Yes: An apprenticeship offers hands-on experience and industry connections. It is also a way to learn away from the classroom and be paid at the same time.

No: Some employers prefer or require a formal degree. A degree allows a deeper, more theoretical understanding of a subject that opens more doors.

Or... It depends on the individual's career goals and learning style. Both offer their own advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day it is a personal choice that should be well researched before making a decision.