Too old for CS apprenticeship?

[Wardza]

Hi Mumsnetters,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the bank holidays :)

I am a low grade civil servant and have been for almost a year now, I have good feedback from managers and I am happy where I am at the moment. Flexibility is good and work is interesting, although it could do with more "action" I have been taking extra training recently and it's all good; however it doesnt translate into more money at the end of the month.

They have just advertised some apprenticenship roles available for 2 grades above mine; I think I am able do the job but not sure I could do the study [43 perminenopause is giving me brain fog which I am fighting like there is no tomorrow and I just feel a bit over the place]

All said, I have been encouraged to apply... is 2 grades too much of a jump? Has anyone been in the same position?

My friends tell me I am my worst enemy and at the end of the day is anapprenticenship so I will have to learn on the job; if this was 5 years earlier I wouldn't have had a doubt, but to be honest I feel old and heavy (literally!)

Thank you for reading 🌹

What level is the apprenticeship? How does that compare to your existing qualifications? Does the department have an apprenticeship network you could contact to ask existing apprentices about the demands. You will get a day a week to study but you will have to work for the qualification.

Give it a go! I am doing a CS graduate scheme. I was 42 when I started and will be 45 by the end. It’s really tough but overall I’m enjoying it and as I was quite a late career changer to it, if I can get through the course it will get me to G7 far far quicker than I would have done it before, if ever with not having the years of experience. PM me if you like.

Also I was worried about being too old for it but there are a good few people in my age bracket and some older in their 50s and even early 60s, as well as some straight from uni. A real variety and the recruitment is age blind.

I’ve done a Civil Service grad scheme in my late twenties to move me from HO to G7. It worked a lot like an apprenticeship with a portfolio of work necessary but also with exams. I found it tough but manageable. It did demand a lot from me in terms of time and energy but now it’s behind me I’m glad I did it.

In my cohort there were starters aged 21-55.

If it’s TSP in HMRC there is always a good mix of ages and internal/external….

Definitely go for it. Many people jump two grades in the CS as the hardest part is getting the first job.

Apprenticeships are a great way to progress and develop your career.plus the higher the salary the better the pension you will accrue.

WRT perimenopause make sure you see your GP and research the help available.

What level is the apprenticeship? They equate roughly to:
L4 = above A level but below degree
L5 = Foundation degree
L6 = degree level
L7 = masters.
& of course the job role to go with it. Apply! You’ve got to be in it to win it so get cracking!

I did L4 and L5 as part of my existing CS role and they were both quite easy but you have to keep on top of the course work as it’s really hard if you miss a month of your evidence etc.
I just CBA at 55 to do L6 😬

I am 50 and recently finished my CS apprenticeship.
Definitely go for it.

I'm a mid-40s HEO and partway through a L4 apprenticeship. I have to say it generally feels a fair bit of a higher standard than A-levels but that will to some extent depend on the learner as well as tutor, subject and cohort.

I don't regret it but I wish I'd researched it more (course content and assessment methods) and been more realistic about the work it would entail. I also think there's a lot of variation in terms of what SCS understand about this kind of L&D so that's something to consider.

The course I'm on isn't linked to particular grade so I'm not sure about the ins and outs of promotion.

Thank you! I'm currently AO and the apprenticeship is for SEO. Qualification Wise I think I'm covered as for what I have seen it's all rather niche and on the go training so I am hoping what I need to know will be covered by the apprenticeship.
They did mention about the day study, however is that my own time or do I get a full day to study?
Not sure about other apprentices as I think it's pretty new in our department I don't think there are anymore but that's a good point, will do some digging tomorrow!!

Oh wow even in their 60s!! Thanks so much, good to see there are older folks doing these too, I just feel a bit dinosaur lately 🥲
This one is 18 months, and I'm going for SEO... All going to plan🥲

Yes saw the Gp already and offered HRT... But I can't take it unfortunately medical history.
It is a bit better than when it first started as I have been making some changes but it is crazy the way my brain has changed too, a few years ago I would have jumped no hesitation but I'm afraid I'll wobble 🥲

Do it.

I'm mid 40s and have been avoiding the apprenticeship for my role but it looks like it's about to be come compulsory now so I'll have to suck it up..

Thank you all for your views, after reading you I will give it a go definitely! Not sure why I have this idea in my head that they won't hire me if I'm not in my 20s but I guess I can apply and they can always say no themselves 🫣👀🥲

Whilst that is a jump, if you feel capable you should absolutely do it. Life changing salary difference for most people and far too many people feel stuck at lower grades when they’re absolutely capable (possibly more capable than the people already there!).

Good luck.

Do it!
I'm just coming to the end of a L4 apprenticeship and I'm 42.
Sometimes it's been an absolute slog, but over all I've enjoyed it and it's been interesting.

You should get a day a week to study, you'll need to be disciplined and not distracted by meetings.

@MittensTheKittens being disciplined and not getting distracted was by far the hardest bit for me BUT I'm currently in a team where they appreciate my flexibility in terms of working as needed on my "study day" and in return, no-one bats an eyelid of I'm also doing apprenticeship stuff on my non-study days. Being in a role and team where you're trusted to manage your time and get it all done is really helpful.

Another thing I'd say is that a lot of Depts don't really seem to have fully understood the concept of on-the-job learning from managers/peers/mentors/SCS - I've seen a lot of assumptions that essentially you'll be taught everything to indeed to know by the tutor/course, and then put it into practice in your role. That hasn't been quite the case for me and I've been grateful to have team members give up their time to basically teach me too.

I work for an Arm’s Reach Body. Our training, progression etc emulates the CS. I am currently mentoring a 59 year old apprentice, who jumped 2 grades - exactly what you’re hopping to do. Go for it. 43 is young!

This is all really inspiring! Go for it op x

I'm doing a degree apprenticeship at 48. Started in September so 8 will be 51 when I qualify. I work for the NHS and I'm loving it. Natural step up from my HCA role.

Wow that is truly inspiring thank you for sharing 💚💚💚

Never too old! In a previous life I was an assessor for CS apprentices and my oldest candidate was 61 💖

The other thing to note is that they essentially rebranded HNCs and HNDs to all fit into the apprenticeship banner to make it all fit together.

I explained to my 80yr old mother that I was doing an apprenticeship and she was confused, I then explained it was a HNC with day release to study and she was totally on board with what I was doing.

People have always had the opportunity for further professional study, it's just how it's now branded now.

Posts like this terrify me, do you really feel so incapable at just 43?! Apply!