Starting an apprenticeship can seem daunting at any age, but especially if you’re a bit older than a typical apprentice. Apprenticeships have traditionally been viewed as opportunities for school leavers, with most apprentices aged 16-24. However, times are changing and more and more people are choosing apprenticeships and new careers later in life.
So is 26 too old to become an apprentice? The short answer is no – 26 is definitely not too old. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 and there is no upper age limit. With the right attitude and application, people of all ages can thrive and succeed as apprentices.
In this article we’ll look at some of the key considerations around doing an apprenticeship at 26 or above. We’ll cover the benefits, challenges, application tips, and provide examples of apprenticeships suitable for mature applicants. By the end you should have a good understanding of how to make the most of an apprenticeship opportunity even if you don’t fall into the traditional age bracket.
Benefits of Apprenticeships for Mature Learners
Doing an apprenticeship later in life comes with several advantages:
– Life experience – Having more life experience can be hugely valuable. You may have gained skills from previous jobs or study that will help you learn and contribute during the apprenticeship.
– Maturity – Older apprentices are often more focused, self-directed and better at managing their time. You may also find it easier to demonstrate the attitudes and soft skills employers want.
– Career changers – Many people start apprenticeships aged 26 or over as part of changing careers. The earn-while-you-learn model suits those unable to take time out for full-time study.
– Access to higher levels – Some advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships require you to be over 18. These lead to higher qualifications that can boost your career options.
– No age limit for funding – Funding is based on eligibility, not age. In England, apprenticeship funding is available for all ages over 16, with no upper limit.
– Wider skillset – Transferable skills from your varied life experiences can help you offer a wider skillset to employers.
– Still time for a long career – Starting an apprenticeship at 26 still leaves plenty of time to have a full, successful career in your new profession.
Potential Challenges
While being an older apprentice brings many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider:
– Leaving existing career – It takes courage to leave an established career and drop down to apprentice level. Having existing financial/family commitments can add risk.
– Lower wages – Apprentice wages are often lower, especially in the first year. This can be tough if you have existing financial responsibilities.
– Adapting to student lifestyle – For career changers used to full-time work, adapting back to ‘student mode’ and making ends meet on a lower apprentice wage takes discipline.
– Learning new technologies – Some sectors use technologies that are second nature to digital natives. Playing catch-up can be challenging.
– Younger managers – Being managed day-to-day by someone younger than you takes an open mindset. Respect goes both ways.
– Eligibility restrictions – A small number of apprenticeships do set max age limits, particularly in sectors linked to manual/physical fitness.
– Competition for roles – With more mature applicants now, competition has increased for age-neutral apprenticeships. Strong applications are key.
Application Tips
To boost your chances of landing an apprenticeship at 26 or above, make sure to:
– Choose the right sector – Seek out sectors that actively welcome mature entrants e.g. healthcare, finance, construction, digital.
– Talk up your transferable skills – Demonstrate what you can bring from previous roles and life experience.
– Show your passion – Convey a genuine passion to learn, develop and build a career in your new sector.
– Be open-minded – Show willing to work and learn alongside younger peers – employers want team players.
– Address any CV gaps – Use cover letters to briefly explain resume gaps productively, e.g. raising a family.
– Get up to speed – Show that you’ve already started picking up sector skills and knowledge.
– Speak to past mature apprentices – Many employers highlight stories of previous mature apprentices. Learn from them.
– Ask about support – Find out what mentorship/support the employer offers to help new mature entrants settle in.
– Be flexible – Look at range of entry options e.g. non-apprenticeship job roles, traineeships. Getting a foot in the door is a good start.
Apprenticeships Suited to Mature Applicants
Many apprenticeships actively welcome applicants aged 26 and above. Here are some great options to consider:
Digital & IT
– Software developer
– Cyber security technologist
– Data analyst
– Digital marketer
Construction
– Site manager
– Project manager
– Civil engineer
– Quantity surveyor
Healthcare
– Nursing associate
– Pharmacy technician
– Dental nurse
– Healthcare assistant
Financial Services
– Insurance professional
– Mortgage adviser
– Accountancy/taxation professional
– Financial adviser
Other Sectors
– Chef
– Hospitality manager
– Facilities manager
– HR professional
– Teacher
– Police officer
– Paramedic
Many of the above are also available at advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship levels for those with existing qualifications.
Real Apprentice Examples
To inspire you, here are some real stories of people who successfully started apprenticeships aged 26 or older:
Sarah – Digital Marketing Apprentice
After taking time out of the career to have kids, Sarah wanted to relaunch herself professionally. She was drawn to digital marketing as a forward-thinking, creative industry with strong prospects. Although worried about competing against school/college leavers, she secured a Level 4 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with a marketing agency aged 29. Her life experience was valued and she thrived in the role. Three years later she has completed her apprenticeship and been promoted to Digital Marketing Executive.
Lee – Accountancy Apprentice
Lee worked in retail management for over 10 years but wanted a new challenge. He felt his numerical, analytical and communication skills would suit accountancy but had no formal experience. After researching apprenticeships, he applied and at 26 was accepted onto a Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship. Now 29, Lee is a fully qualified accountant and works supporting local businesses with their finances and growth.
Ayesha – Nursing Degree Apprentice
After becoming a mum at a young age, Ayesha worked administrative healthcare roles. But she dreamt of retraining as a nurse. Despite lacking traditional qualifications, her passion shone through and she secured a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, progressing to Nursing Degree Apprenticeship. The earn-while-you-learn model meant she could train as a nurse while still providing for her family. Now a qualified Registered Nurse, Ayesha has achieved her goal, thanks to apprenticeships.
Conclusion
Overall, while being an older apprentice brings some unique challenges, with the right application it can definitely be achieved successfully.
Many employers actually value maturity and life experience in apprentices. Focusing your application on the relevant transferable skills and sector knowledge you have developed to date can help you stand out.
Applying for the right kind of apprenticeship that suits mature career changers is also important. As the above examples show, professional apprenticeships like accountancy, digital marketing and nursing are great options for older applicants.
So in summary, 26 is certainly not too old to be an apprentice. With passion and perseverance, apprenticeships provide fantastic routes to new careers for applicants of all ages.