Level 2 apprenticeships are one of the most popular apprenticeship levels in the UK. Suzanne Slater highlights how the push for employers and candidates to pursue higher-level apprenticeships can have a significant disadvantage; both for the learners who need entry-level education, and for the businesses that thrive with these workforces.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of Level 2 apprenticeships for both learners and employers that may go overlooked while campaigns push for advanced apprenticeships.
We’ll discuss how entry level training is sometimes a vital aspect of developing a skilled workforce.
Why is a level 2 apprenticeship is important for skill development
A Level 2 apprenticeship holds immense importance for skill development as it provides individuals with foundational knowledge and practical experience necessary for entry-level roles.
These apprenticeships focus on building fundamental skills essential for success in various industries, laying a strong groundwork for further career advancement.
In contrast, higher-level apprenticeships may overlook the crucial development of basic skills, incorrectly assuming that apprentices already possess them. However, neglecting these foundational skills can hinder overall competency and limit opportunities for career progression.
Benefits of Level 2 Apprenticeships for learners
Same level qualification as GCSEs
A Level 2 apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C or 9-4.
So, if you struggled to achieve these grades while completing GCSEs at school, a Level 2 apprenticeship will help you get the qualifications you need to apply to jobs or further study in the future using a more flexible and adaptable learning method to suit you.
Start a career with no previous qualifications or experience
Level 2 apprenticeships often require no formal qualifications. However, you’ll need to demonstrate to the employer that you have an interest in the industry and that you’re highly motivated to learn.
This makes Level 2 apprenticeships ideal for school leavers and adults looking to start their careers in a new career or sector.
After completing your level 2 apprenticeship, you’ll have the skills and experience needed for generalist or junior roles (e.g. assistant roles) within your industry.
Level 2 apprenticeships can also give you the knowledge and foundations needed to progress to a Level 3 or 4 apprenticeship to pursue specialist skills in your sector.
A good alternative to A-levels or university
If you’re looking for alternative qualifications to A-levels or university, either because you don’t enjoy classroom-based learning or because you didn’t achieve the necessary GCSE grades, a Level 2 apprenticeship could be perfect for you.
You can achieve a recognised qualification in a practical learning environment, get career experience, AND get paid for it!
Benefits of Level 2 Apprenticeships for employers
Give opportunities to disadvantaged backgrounds
Level 2 apprenticeships are an ideal way to provide career support to people from disadvantaged backgrounds, since they have lower entry requirements than advanced apprenticeships.
By ensuring these people can build a career and earn a living, you’ll support the overall UK economy, improve your local community, and build a positive reputation for your business.
Build your workforce
Your business needs employees with skills at every level to be truly successful. While there’s no denying that your business needs employees with advanced training in senior positions, you’ll always need staff members in junior positions to keep the wheels turning.
Barclays reports that their Level 2 apprenticeship programme produced the highest increase in net productivity.
Develop business leaders of the future
Every business leader has to start somewhere – and who better to run your business in the future than someone who knows it inside-out from working their way up from the very bottom?
Level 2 apprenticeships give employees with limited qualifications a chance to enter a business and keep progressing to senior levels, where they can use all they’ve learned to deliver success.
Get 95% - 100% of the apprenticeship funded
Many businesses may be put off lower-level apprenticeships because of the costs associated with training an employee. However, SMEs with a wage bill below £3 million are eligible for 95-100 per cent apprenticeship funding from the government, while larger businesses are automatically funded by the
Start a Level 2 apprenticeship with Total People
Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to ensure everyone in the UK has the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career. but we know it can be a confusing process.
That’s why our experienced team will take the hassle out of the process and guide you through the process from start to finish. Contact us and get involved to start reaping the benefits of a level 2 apprenticeship today!
