Apprenticeship at 47

[Shwish]

Is there any point in applying?
Backstory I used to work in banking. I actually quite liked it but it was intense and the hours were mad. Then I had twins 10 years ago and they wouldn't consider reducing my hours. It absolutely wouldn't have worked with young children so I quit. When they started school (so 4 years later) I got a job in finance. I thought I'd like it because in my mind Finance / Banking were similar. But they're really not. Not at all. Banking is about making quick decisions, fast paced etc and finance is all about spreadsheets / reporting. Sort of accountancy lite I guess. It's NOT me at all. I actually hate it.
Problem is I've been doing it for 6 years now and out of banking for 10. So what do I do?
I don't have any qualifications (except for sector ones from my banking days, but they will have expired because they need to be re-registered every 3 years)
I was thinking about applying for an apprenticeship. Considering HR or estate agency - open to other ideas too. Basically I want to work somewhere fast paced and with people rather than spreadsheets. Thinking I've got another 20 years work in front of me and I need to spend those years doing something I don't hate.
But at my age is there any chance a firm would consider me for an apprenticeship role? I know technically age isn't meant to matter but realistically I'm sure it DOES.
Please help.

absolutley you can go for an apprenticeship. They are for people of any age and great for career switchers! Either HR or EA sound much more up your street.

Sorry to be Mrs Negativity here… I’m a similar age and recently applied for an apprenticeship which was very aligned to my skill set. I did the competency/personality test which highlighted my strongest areas and they are spot-on what is required in that role (being vague here). Sadly - although unsurprisingly - I got no further. I 100% believe it was my age (obvious from my previous qualifications) that led to that decision. I can see it from the company’s perspective - why train me rather than a young person when they have more longevitiy (in all respects). I do have a job I generally enjoy but it doesn’t stretch me and I feel I have so much more potential. My job is term-time only but with older children that’s wasted on me.

I would say go for it, as you have nothing to lose, but don’t place all your hopes in gaining an apprenticeship in a competitive market. My DC and several of their classmates have applied for so many but there are huge numbers of applicants. Personally, I’m going to duck out of applying again and wish my DC’s generation well. Even if you gain an apprenticeship, there is no guaranteed job at the end and the £7.55 minimum per hour is shocking!

Have you applied for entry-level roles in the areas in which you’d like to work? You have a lot of experience to give. Good luck and very best wishes.

I agree with the pp that you may be better off going for entry level roles.

We recently appointed someone a little bit older than you in the most junior role in my place of work. Normally the applicants we get are young people in their early 20s. It is a junior role but with decent progression route. This candidate was returning to work after over a decade of being a stay at home parent, no experience in our industry. So different circs to yours and not an apprenticeship but ultimately she is starting something new at a similar age to you, she had the best interview and she got the role.

Thanks for the honesty. I sort of thought that would be the cas I'd I'm honest. That really it's not worth investing in someone of my age. I guess the only thing I have going for me over a youngster is that I'm (possibly?) going to be considered less of a "flight risk"
I guess there's nothing stopping me from applying but just don't expect to get anywhere really.
I will have a look at entry level as a well because why not, but I have a feeling it might be the same sort of situation really.
Ugh I really wish I'd never taken the swerve into Finance. It's just not me at all. Id been at home with the kids for the 4 years - technically unemployed for 4 because the first year was mat leave, and I was just so desperate to get back into work that I took it when really I think I should have held out for something more me.

You have absolutely nothing to lose from applying for some- there's no doubt some employers value life experience. Go for it! If you can take the low wages at the start.

We have lots of people of all ages doing apprenticeships at work, TBH I think it's some kind of tax break for the company to train their staff. Because that's the thing, most people are already employees when they do their apprenticeship.

DS is doing an apprenticeship and one of the other apprentices is a lady in her 40's. Some places may be looking for a young person but others will appreciate your experience and work history. I would go for as many different things as you can and keep your options as open as possible.

As a hiring manager I would rather take someone in your easily explained circumstances (or a back to worker) than a young person. The young people I've hired have had a rather different work ethic than is ideal of late tbh (and no doubt people will say I'm generalising about young people but honestly the last 5 have had no idea what the basics of having a job are-and got offended by being asked to actually be on time for work in one case). You can only apply, and see. But I wouldn't see your age as a barrier-and in lots of cases I don't even see the age until the candidate is in front of me-you don't have to put it on your CV.

@Shwish the public sector definitely take apprentices of all ages. It may not be your long term aim but a way in.

I don’t recruit but I would absolutely consider someone older for an apprenticeship. The work ethic of some of the younger people I work with now is questionable.

I do think you need some sort of experience before you apply though like Saturday viewing assistant in estate agents.

What about NHS apprenticeships? The NHS is full of older very capable women so it’s a good place to be.

I think they should be left for school leavers.

Why?

My last employer took on someone external in his late 30s to do an apprenticeship. They also had loads of internal people in their 30s and 40s doing them to 'better themselves' in their current line of work. I read something a couple of weeks ago that apprenticeships may be reviewed as they aren't quite doing what was intended (i.e the people already within an organisation using them). I think as you are career changing you'd stand a chance. Go for it, you'll never know otherwise.