To ask for more than the graduate start salary?

[Apprenticenomore]

Do I have just graduated from my apprenticeship and I know there’s a contract being drawn up for me. The start wage for my role is 49k (I’m currently on 30k) but this is the start salary for a graduate with NO experience (straight from uni) I however have been with the company whilst doing my apprenticeship so that is 3 year’s experience (plus I have done other experience in the industry from before) how much do you think is reasonable to ask for? Aibu to ask for 45k with the aim of being happy with them meeting me at 43k?

Sorry start salary is 40k not 49k

Most companies have set pay scales for these things so you might not have much luck, but no harm in asking very politely why it’s the same for those rolling off a scheme

I did wonder why you thought asking for 4k less was negotiating!

Would you still take the contract if they don't pay more?

If you've 'graduated' from an apprenticeship, are you a graduate in the true sense i.e. do you have a degree? If not, you might find you're lucky if the experience counts and you're able to have the graduate starting salary you wouldn't otherwise qualify for.

Do they not have a set start salary for someone who has completed an apprenticeship? If they do and it’s the same as graduate start pay, I’d guess there are reasons?
As above no harm in asking politely and finding out why it’s the same and for some clarity.

Do you think you're worth it?? I.E. Do you have desirable skills and experience?

If you have really top grades then you might be in a position to ask for more. If you just have average grades then there are probably plenty of other graduates they could take on for the stated graduate salary...

You might as well ask. They can only say no.

Worth asking but expect it to be a no. I wouldn’t fight tooth and nail for it

Well..or yes. But you know its not going to do you any harm asking.

@Outsideno9 its a degree apprenticeship so yes I have the degree and also a previous degree.

@coxesorangepippin yes I do believe I have the skills, I am trained in pretty much all aspects of the job.

thank you all. I think there’s no harm in asking as you say

@RocketIceLollie i have excellent grades so hopefully this will help!

You know graduates can come from uni with experience, right?

@fancreek yes of course but usually at the age of 23 they don’t also have 3 years experience behind them also…

But they might be an older graduate, have done placement tests, have worked part time since their teens etc. there's a reason your employer has set a combined rate.

By all means ask and you may well succeed if you can play the loyalty card after the last three years.

@fancreek yes I know…I AM that older candidate. Please stop nitpicking

@fancreek I’m also only talking about experience in my industry which is not an industry a term can get weekend work in. Summer Internships yes…but only after age 18 and once in uni.

Definitely ask! I think some companies haven’t caught up with apprenticeships

My company does this. Not sure why as completed apprentices are on the same grade as a graduate, BUT
This happens automatically regardless of the role. So some apprentices are still doing 'apprentice level' work which are not commensurate with their grade.

YANBU to ask, anybody can ask for anything they want. But, if it's like my company, you are unlikely to get, as the salaries are set by a central scheme.

Usually the apprentices end up on the same anyway as they find a new role Internally or the team makes them one. But I think it's silly, centrally the same 'early careers' grades should have the same salary, or at least be very close if you argue that you've gotten a free degree out of it.

Also given that starting salary OP I strongly suspect we work for the same firm.... if you DM me the name I will reply

I wasn't nitpicking I was trying to help your argument. I helped create degree apprenticeships policy! But no worries

*Given that graduate starting salary and apprenticeship completion salary

Personally I think you’re pushing it, for your age and experience. However, if if you are worth it, then negotiate for what you are worth. No point under selling yourself.

@Apprenticenomore There’s absolutely nothing unreasonable about asking for more. I am also doing a degree apprenticeship and at the end we are on the salary of a graduate after two years of experience (after a 4 year apprenticeship). I’m not sure what your area is in and I’m sure it differs but the amount of experience you have after that length of time is completely worth the extra money and I’m sure you’ll find better offers outs there if your current company doesn’t allow it. I wish you the best of luck.

I would negotiate it higher 100%. They can only say no but if you don't ask you don't get.

Every time I've had a significant pay rise it's been down to negotiation.