Level 4 Apprenticeships (as a middle-aged person!)

[Elsbetka]

I'm starting a new job soon and they've asked if I want to do a Level 4 Appship in my role (reasonably niche administrative role that appears in many industries). I have a good few years experience but it's ad-hoc rather than formal training it it, as it were.

It'd take 20% of my time and I'd do it all in-role, so mainly self/distance learning.

I did a fairly rigorous degree at a good RG uni but it was many moons ago, and haven't done anything like this since! I don't think the level of work itself would be an issue - more the time required and whether it's worth it overall.

I can see myself staying in this time of role for the foreseeable, even if I eventually move industries/sectors. It's also a fairly "transferable skills" role, IYSWIM. Any advice appreciated!

If they are funding it then go for it! Nothing to lose and a lot to gain

Thanks, @TheHorneSection 😀 That's my thinking too really, - I don't know how much actual knowledge I'd gain, but it'd be my first formalised L&D in 20 years really, so probably good to start somewhere! I guess my slight worry is that I haven't completed any sort of assignments/essays in a very long time but I write papers and briefings apart of my role all the time - it's all the same really.

I've just completed a level 7 apprenticeship. It was intense! The learning was brilliant, the admin around it is tedious. But it was a million percent worth it. Go for it!

I'm currently doing a 2 year apprenticeship (Level 4 1st year and Level 5 2nd year) and attend Uni one day a week. I'm mid 40s, go for it!!

Do it. the admin can be a pain but the thing about apprenticeships is that it is a formalised way that makes your employer bound to provide you with time and support to do learning so that makes the admin worth it.
If you know the content already it will be easy but the rubber stamp might be worth something.
Training is precious and rare as most employers don't want to invest - apprenticeships are a mechanism which holds them to something and they are great

Do it. Why wouldn't you? I've successfully career-changed through a Level 4 apprenticeship as a middle-aged person. I loved it.

Absolutely go for it! Make sure you have your school certificates for math & eng too as that will potentially mean you won't need to do the functional skills element and be accredited for prior learning.

I used to be an apprenticeship coach and my oldest apprentice was 61 🥰

This is all really positive and helpful, thanks all!

If you've already got a degree (level 6) is there not an option to do something a bit more advanced?

I did one a few years ago. It was great and has helped me so much in my career.

I know what you mean, but this is a new job (and a new dept, team and role too) within a huge organisation, so I think maybe I don't mind committing to something potentially less stretching at the moment. And it's a long time since that degree so I'm hoping this will ease me back in a a bit!

Depends if middle aged is 41 or 59 really. Closer to 41 yeah sure, closer to 59, not so much. (I wouldn't anyway.)

I'm on a level 4 one at the moment and it's great because I'm getting a qualification for doing my job and time off normal work to do it.
Win win for me and my employer

I'm 45 and I've just applied to do one with my existing employer - I'm quite excited!

I had a team never doing L4 and it was all done in that 20% time so I’d say go for it.

I’m currently doing a L7 and it’s taking up weekends and evenings on top of my 20%… I’m enjoying it to a point and will be glad when it’s done (not until November 😭 - I started September 2022 so I’m a bit broken at this point but it’ll be worth it).

Do it ... I have a postgrad qualification but completed a level 4 qualification 2 years ago as the role required it .

I actually enjoyed it and it was such an eye opener to see how things in terms of referencing and using technology has changed .

Your workplace might factor in some time for you to complete assignments ... I also had to be in college one day a week .

I am 39 and know my employer would support me doing an apprenticeship. The problem I have is finding a subject that is relevant to my current role and interests me.

Do most people start at Level 4? I have 10 GCSEs (including English and Maths.)