This National Apprenticeship Week, March 5-9, a working mum-of-three is hoping to inspire others that an apprenticeship is for anyone.
Now in its 11th year, this national week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to encourage more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career and to business growth.
According to new government statistics people over 25 accounted for 46% of apprenticeships in 2016/17. People aged 19-24 accounted for 29% and those aged under 19 accounted for 25%. While In 2016/17, 54% of apprenticeships starts were by women and 46% by men.
After working in a hospital for many years, Lisa Higgins, 39 from Basingstoke, decided she wanted to make a career change, so she became an AWE apprentice.
Lisa, a control and instrumentation apprentice, said: “Before I joined AWE I worked at a hospital. I got to a point in my career were I couldn’t climb the ladder any higher without further training. Due to funding, all training would have to be self-funded with unpaid leave. Being a mother of three boys and having a mortgage this just wasn’t an option for me.”
“After a close family friend recommended the AWE apprenticeship scheme I decided to apply. The company had a good reputation and I knew it would give me the skills to start a whole new career. And it was great to see that they accepted mature students!”
After six months in her three year apprenticeship Lisa says she feels proud to be a good “role model” for her boys, proving that you’re never too old to make a career change.
She added: “Changing my career path was a big decision but I’m so pleased I did. It has shown my children that no matter how old you are, you can study at any age and start a whole new career. There is a misconception that apprenticeships are just for school leavers – I wish someone had told me sooner how varied the age range is!”
“A typical day for me involves working in the training academy building electronic circuits, learning how they work as well as gaining knowledge and understanding of the electrical and electronics industry. The best thing about my job is learning how things work and why. One big advantage is learning through both practical and theory work. I also have a great rapport with my colleagues and we all help each other out.”