Gozit

I've heard that in the UK some apprenticeships are more popular, and yield to better paying jobs in the end, than certain uni degrees. This is actually the first I've heard of this since the mentality here in Canada is "university or you're stuck in a low pay job". I'd be really interested in hearing more

All I really know about apprenticeships is here in Canada they only exist with professions like plumber, electrician etc. Apparently/hopefully they exist more in the UK

christmasoompa

A quick Google will give you loads of info, here's one to start you off - Types of Apprenticeships - Apprenticeships

Although tbh, I do think that a degree is a must for the majority of decent jobs these days. I'm a PA and even a job like mine probably 25% of adverts will say a degree is essential! Plus you may be better of getting a degree so that if you do move back to Canada in the future (never say never and all that), you won't be stuck in one of those low paying jobs.

But it will depend on what you want to do, obviously somebody like a plumber has no need for a degree, whereas a lot of other occupations do and you wouldn't even get past the tick box on the application without one.

Sally Redux

I'm not up-to-date with it but City and Guilds could be a starting-point.

Apprenticeships | City & Guilds

Gozit

Thanks... That link was useful.

Thanks... I'll watch the videos later they look right up my alley.

not2old

Also here
Focus on apprenticeships - Mirror Online

https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Home - Apprenticeships

Tirytory

The person we rented off initially in Canada had his own electrical business- he was required by law to have a masters. I don't think that's the case in the UK. You can do lots of different types of apprenticeships but whether they'd be dutiable for you in terms of competition from locals vs immigrant etc....I don't know. Do you have the right to work in the UK? They're often low paying too. How would you support the gap in wages?

Gozit

Personally, although I haven't asked on the matter, I don't think the immigrant/non-immigrant thing will be a problem because

a) English is my first language

and

b) I am an EU citizen - dual Canadian and Maltese passports

Yeah I looked at the wages and winced... £100 a week around... That's £4000 a year on average... Although its still more than i'd make in Malta .....

I don't really know how i'd support the gap in wages, the apprenticeships are all 40 hour work weeks. Probably a weekend job... When first starting out in UK it would be alright as i'd have no one to socialise with anyway as I have no family or friends there. But long term obviously not preferable.

Tirytory

Well often motivated young adults will have some sort of communication going with these often smaller businesses either by part time weekend work prior to leaving school/college or know someone- friend of a friend etc.... The armed forces often have very good apprentice schemes in all sorts of lines of work. I considered joining at one point.

Gozit

Yeah it'll be harder for me to find "connections" in the UK because I don't have anyone I know there... I could always email/phone call but I have a sinking feeling people won't be too interested in someone who isn't even resident in the UK yet. As for the armed forces... Probably not for me as I think there's still some sort of "war training" aspect to it, which I don't want to do... And I think you'd have to be a UK citizen to go in UK armed forces? And even if i were able, it may also cause conflicts for me because I think Maltese citizens cannot enter a foreign army, in any capacity, unless they are a citizen of that country although I could be wrong.

Tirytory

Mmmm that didn't occur to me but I suspect you're right. I know you're keen to flee Canada, but really it gives you the best place to earn the living that will allow you to escape in the end!

quiltman

Couple of points Gozit.
1. Many years ago YOU , or rather your parents, had to PAY the company for an apprenticeship. I still have my Grandfathers apprentice papers from 1906 whereby his father agreed to pay £5.00 per year for my grandfather to become an apprentice factory maintenance engineer.
2.Apprenticeships have always been poorly paid as you are learning a skill/craft and are not considered to be contributing to the company until you have passed your apprenticeship training. some companies do/did pay a little over the odds in order to ensure a future supply of skilled workers.

nowadays, apprenticeships are few and far between although the government has been pushing for companies to resurrect the old style apprenticeships and there are signs this is working. however, why should a plumbing company, for example, employ an apprentice when they can get skilled labour from say Poland without the hassle of training someone for 5 years with all the costs that involves?

Way of the world i'm afraid.
I hope it gets better as otherwise some industries will run out of skilled people in the next few years.

Gozit

You know you're right on that. It is the best place to earn the living I want and potentially be still living at home. But I am keen to go abroad. Partly because I have a (maybe irrational, maybe not) fear that if I let it slide awhile and stay and do uni/apprentice/bit of working/whatnot here i'll get into a situation where I can't leave without taking a pay cut, or my qualifications don't transfer, etc. the latter being the bigger fear.

Tirytory

Well people do get into that rut but it doesn't have to be. Choose your career wisely and it can take you anywhere.

dunroving

When the alternative is paying £9,000 per year to work as a full-time university student, it doesn't look so bad.

I think it's a fact of life these days that long-term professional success hinges for most people on investing time and money in developing skills and knowledge immediately after high school. Many undergraduate students are studying full-time and working close to full-time to pay tuition/fees as well as living expenses, and taking out loans.

dunroving

I think the latest data show that the average number of career changes during a lifetime is now three. Change is the only constant these days. I didn't start really being in a financially stable position until I was almost 40. Most of the life changes I went through in order to progress both personally and professionally cost me financially.

It's more about your mindset than your situation. Wherever you go, there you are, as the saying goes.