Apprenticeship Misconceptions: Jay and Jack’s Journey for National Apprenticeship Week
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a time to celebrate the incredible opportunities apprenticeships provide for professionals across various industries. Apprenticeships are an invaluable pathway into skilled careers, offering hands-on experience while working towards a recognised qualification. At Rototek, we are passionate about developing young talent, and two notable examples of this are Jay and Jack, who are currently working towards their Maintenance Operations Technical Level 3 MOA at Grantham College.
Jay and Jack play a vital role within the Newark Rototek team while gaining practical knowledge in engineering, remoulding and fabricating. Their apprenticeship is not just about learning the trade—it’s about building a solid foundation for a long-term career in engineering, while working for a leading company in the rotational moulding industry.
However, despite the growing popularity of apprenticeships, misconceptions still exist. With insights from Jay, Jack, and their manager, Ed, we attempt to challenge these misconceptions.
Myth #1: "Apprenticeships Do Not Offer Career Progression"
The Myth: Apprenticeships are often seen as a stepping stone into a temporary job rather than a pathway to a long-term career. Some believe that once an apprenticeship ends, career progression is limited.
The Reality: Apprenticeships provide structured career development with clear progression routes. Many apprentices move on to higher-level roles, further qualifications, or even leadership positions within their companies. At Rototek, we see apprentices as the future of our business, and we invest in their growth and development.
Jay & Jack’s Perspective:
Jay: “Apprenticeships certainly offer career progression. I have goals and ambitions in engineering that I am confident in achieving. After completing my apprenticeship, I hope to become a full-time member of the Rototek team. I want to continue developing my skills, particularly in MIG welding and electronics. With new technologies being introduced to the factory, I’m excited to apply my knowledge and help implement these advancements, hopefully contributing to the company’s growth and innovation”
Ed’s Managerial Insight:
“One of the great things about apprenticeships is the variety of expertise they offer through different qualification modules. We can identify each apprentice’s strengths and interests, helping them specialise in areas where they excel. This structured development is key to career progression.”
Myth #2: "Employers Don’t Value Apprenticeships as Much as Degrees"
The Myth: There’s a common belief that university graduates have an advantage over apprentices when applying for skilled jobs, and that employers prioritise degrees over hands-on experience.
The Reality: Many businesses, including Rototek, highly value apprenticeships because they produce skilled workers who have both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. Apprentices gain industry-relevant skills that make them job-ready from day one.
Jay & Jack’s Perspective:
Jay: “I’ve always had a great interest in engineering and looking into how things are made and how they work. I have been here at Rototek for 3 years already while getting my qualification. Not only have I gained skills in the industry, I have also gained a number of life skills which any employers would look for just as much as a degree.”
Jack: “Engineering has been my passion from a young age. After leaving school, I knew this was the path I wanted to take. My apprenticeship at Rototek has allowed me to gain valuable experience in the working world, while working towards my qualification. Both are important to employers in the engineering industry.”
Ed’s Managerial Insight:
“I certainly value apprenticeships as much as a degree. A good apprentice has a thirst for knowledge, a willingness to learn, and a genuine curiosity about how things work. They need to strive to improve, have a positive attitude, and put in the effort to develop their skills.
At Rototek, we believe hands-on experience is just as valuable as a degree. You can be taught a concept in a classroom but physically applying that knowledge in a real-world setting makes all the difference. Practical skills and on-the-job learning are essential in our industry.
Apprentices are the future of our business. As experienced engineers retire, we need skilled professionals to take their place. That’s why we invest time and effort into training them—not just as workers, but as well-rounded individuals who will drive the company forward.”
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Jay and Jack’s journey at Rototek highlights the real opportunities and value of apprenticeships. Whether it’s gaining practical skills, securing long-term career prospects, or being recognised as essential team members, apprenticeships offer endless possibilities.