The Top 5 Digital & IT Apprenticeships for 2022

You heard it here first! Firebrand’s Hot 5 Digital and IT apprenticeships for 2022, are (drumroll…)

1. L3 Data Tech
2. L4 Business Analyst
3. L3 IT Solutions Tech (hardware and software)
4. L3 Digital Marketer
5. L4 Software Tester

How did we choose these courses? 

We looked at 2 points: 

1. The shortage of digital skills across the UK market that we explored in depth in our latest blog on Digital Apprenticeships for students who may not want to go through clearing, check out the stats close to the start of the blog.
2. We hear firsthand from employers that the lack of these specific digital and IT skill sets are impacting business as they operate at less than optimum levels in the workplace. They want to fix this and Firebrand is here to help by driving an upskilling within their businesses!

According to Hays UK, over 80% of jobs in the UK require digital skills regardless of industry; however, employers only managed to fill a third of their vacancies due to the lack of these skills. They also note that employers face a lack of support and new processes required within the business.

For this reason, we celebrate apprenticeships, shine a light on their awesomeness, and point you in the right direction of just how our Top 5 apprenticeships for 2022 could help.

What's an apprenticeship?

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, in the UK, an apprenticeship is on-the-job training where an employee gets paid to learn within the working environment.

At least 20% of their working hours is learning with an expert trainer such as Firebrand. Not only do our apprentices receive a nationally recognised qualification, but they also gain valuable, well-rounded experience from working closely with their employers and team.

Because they are employees, apprentices receive the same perks, including holiday pay. Now that's a bonus! 

Digital apprenticeships take anywhere between 12 and 36 months, with our average at Firebrand being between 16 and 18.

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

The admission criteria are quite flexible.

Apprentices need to be at least 16 years old, but they can be any age. Some take apprenticeships early in their careers, while others use them to upskill or reskill at their jobs. Finally, other apprentices return to work after a prolonged absence such as parental leave or military service.

How do Digital & IT apprenticeships work?

When considering apprenticeships, an employer has two options:

1. Upskill an employee who's already working within the company
2. Use apprenticeships to attract new talent: If no one in the business can be upskilled to fill a certain talent gap, employees can choose to bring in someone new. Recruiting via apprenticeships costs considerably less than recruitment. There’s a minimal cost to the employer, as all apprenticeships are heavily subsidised by the government including the end certification, providing a win/win for both parties involved.

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

For an employee, being on an apprenticeship programme can be very beneficial:

• You’ll be straight into a working environment with on-the-job experience and you’ll get paid for it! Plus you’ll receive employee benefits such as an accrued holiday.
• Industry-certified qualifications learning with a trained expert in the digital and IT field and you won’t have to pay a penny for it!
• Hands-on learning and training in a supportive work environment as opposed to a theory-based certification.
• Improved employability: A huge advantage when you have the digital skills under your belt to bridge the gap in the UK digital market in consideration for future roles and you’ll have vital work experience that many employers require (minimum 1 year).  
• Enjoy student discounts with an NUS card, including shops, restaurants, gyms, and more!

Apprenticeships vs Certifications

Firebrand is seeing a move from certifications to apprenticeships because of the vital experience gained from working in a team environment and learning on the job that doesn’t happen in a theory-based, learn-from-home certification.

Firebrand’s Digital and IT Apprenticeships focus on 3 key areas: knowledge, skills, and behaviour. Each of these need to be demonstrated confidently to ensure apprentices have achieved the curriculum framework. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic stepping stone in the early stages of a career that require digital and IT skills because of the well-rounded training and support received.

Apprentices not only gain sound knowledge in the digital and IT arena, but also learn soft skills like communication, presentations, providing and receiving feedback, and leadership skills. These skills are transferable across any industry, making any apprentice highly employable! Which is why...

Apprenticeships are invaluable for employers

When a business fulfils an apprenticeship, it’s estimated that the contribution of an apprentice is between £33,000 and £49,500 per year. This excludes the financial savings due to the fact that the vast majority of apprenticeships are Government-funded. Employers also save on the costly recruitment process of finding new talent and paying to train them in-house, adding to the workload of existing staff.

What is more, according to St Martin’s Group, on completion of an apprenticeship, 98% of SMEs and large organisations experienced benefits to their business, such as filled skills gaps, cost-effective labour resources, good value for money, and improved public perception. 

For the past twelve years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World. Firebrand Apprenticeships include certification courses from key tech companies such as Microsoft, (ISC)², and CompTIA. Upon graduation, candidates receive an apprenticeship diploma, as well as separate certifications from these important companies.

We offer Apprenticeships in Cyber Security, Data, Digital, Networking, and Software. Perhaps they could be right for your business? Get in touch today for advice.