5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a STEM Apprenticeship

Penny, Apprentice Talent Acquisition Lead, AWE: “An apprenticeship provides the opportunity to kickstart your career, allowing you to gain industry-leading qualifications and the skills to thrive in the modern workplace.”

The growing emphasis on technology and innovation in today’s world is increasing the demand for specialised skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). However, the UK is facing a STEM skills shortage, a problem which is estimated to cost the economy £1.5bn per year. According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), there is a shortfall of over 173,000 workers in this sector, with around 10 unfilled roles per business on average and almost half of engineering businesses are struggling to find candidates with the necessary skills.

Innovations in STEM touch all aspects of everyday life, such as medical research, sustainable energy, engineering, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Over the next decade, the UK aims to prioritise technological advancements such as AI and quantum technologies outlined in the DSIT (Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology) UK Science and Technology Framework. These developments will not only make the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030 but are also key to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

A strong STEM workforce is therefore essential to remain competitive in a global market and apprenticeships play a pivotal role in making this a reality. They provide an accessible alternative to university education by catering to diverse learning styles and aligning more closely with industry needs. They also give unique opportunities to work on exciting projects across the country with established employers such as AWE Nuclear Security Technologies (which maintains the UK’s nuclear deterrent), the NHS, RSPCA, and the Royal Navy.

What is a STEM apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are typically open to anyone over the age of 16 and take between 1 and 5 years to complete. These paid positions tend to combine structured classroom learning with on-the-job training, allowing students to achieve qualifications equivalent to GCSEs, A-levels, or even a degree.

An apprenticeship in STEM fosters creativity and innovation, where students help drive the development of the latest technologies from day one. The apprentices gain valuable experiences that pave the way to a rewarding career offering an alternative to more traditional educational routes.

Here are 5 reasons key reasons to consider a STEM apprenticeship:

1. Financial Benefits

All apprenticeships are paid positions, which entitles students to at least the National Minimum Wage. This salary covers both work and training and includes paid holidays and work benefits. Depending on the amount, apprentices may still have to pay income tax and National Insurance but will have the added advantage of seeing their salary increase early on as they develop their skills and knowledge.

A significant financial advantage of apprenticeships is the lack of student debt. In 2023, the average graduate faced £44,940 in debt. Therefore, apprenticeships help young people gain financial independence and stability early on in their careers, without the burden of repaying a loan or paying for training.

2. Hands-on Experience

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience that is far more effective in navigating the working world, especially in the STEM sector where practical laboratory skills and learning how to use complex software are often part of the daily routine. For example, a lab technician apprentice can shadow a lab manager to learn how to maintain lab operations and implement best practices, which is essential to meet safety standards.

Unlike a set syllabus, each project in an apprenticeship presents new challenges and addresses real-world problems, such as clearing waste from buildings with radioactive materials and helping develop skills in data processing and documentation. Apprentices can also enjoy significant flexibility in their work style, spending their day conducting research, designing, manufacturing, testing, or documenting their own electronic systems.

3. Direct Career Progression

Apprenticeships offer a more direct path to full-time employment within a company. They are tailored to meet the specific needs of both employers and students, allowing for customised training plans that align with industry requirements and personal career goals. A high percentage of apprentices (85%) stay in employment on completion, with 64% continuing with the same employer, as they have already demonstrated their skills during the training period.

Apprenticeships also help build professional relationships and networks within the STEM industries, helping students seek out future opportunities from their connections. Unlike positions with fixed responsibilities, apprenticeships offer the flexibility to work in different areas of a business. This varied experience not only helps broaden an apprentice’s skill set, but also keeps career options open.

     4. Closer to Industry Trends

STEM apprentices can work in state-of-the-art facilities, gaining essential knowledge and skills in a sector that is constantly evolving and requires ongoing training. This exposure gives them a competitive edge in the job market.

AWE Nuclear Security Technologies is home to such facilities. The Orion laser, a powerful laser that can replicate conditions found at the centre of the Sun supports experiments in plasma physics. Meanwhile, the High-Performance Computing (HPC) facilities, featuring the advanced supercomputer, Damson, allow scientists to perform complex scientific simulations and 3D modelling. Although such facilities require specialised training and qualifications, being immersed in these environments is inspiring for students and offers a glimpse of what more they could work with.

5. Personal and Professional Growth

STEM apprenticeships equip students with both technical and soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These are essential for succeeding in any career and for their personal growth.

Apprentices learn to navigate professional environments and take on responsibilities early on such as managing projects and working in teams, all of which contribute to their development as well-rounded professionals. The responsibility and independence gained help build confidence and resilience in the working world.

 As the demand for skilled workers in STEM continues to grow, apprenticeships present a viable and appealing alternative to university. By offering financial stability and hands-on training, apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular as they teach the skills necessary for those sought out by engineering businesses and scientific research facilities. They challenge the idea that university is the only route to a career in STEM by offering a practical and more accessible alternative. The government and many companies are investing heavily in STEM apprenticeships to reduce the skills shortage that is essential for the future. This emphasis on apprenticeships not only promotes a more diverse and inclusive workforce but also ensures that talented students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute to and thrive in STEM.