You can now get paid to try out new ice cream flavours - among a host of apprenticeships you might not know exist. Other exciting roles include working in comms for Mickey Mouse or even training to be a nuclear submarine engineer for the Ministry of Defence
Apprenticeships may have been first introduced to the UK as far back as 1563, but there’s nothing medieval about them in 2023. They are no longer just a career pathway to become a plumber or construction worker, with opportunities available in a wide and often surprising range of industries.
Careers expert Oliver Sidwell said: "University is no longer the only route to success, apprenticeships are a great way to get the best of both worlds of on-the-job training and continuous development. Industries are adapting to this and expanding their apprenticeship offering and it’s the perfect time for young people or career-changers to really look into apprenticeship positions and make more informed decisions on their next steps."
Student jobs and apprenticeship website RateMyApprenticeship has taken a look at four of the industries you can get on the job training in:
Working for Mickey Mouse
A Walt Disney PR and Communications Apprenticeship provides the opportunity to springboard your career in comms - and could make your childhood dreams come true. The salary starts at £20,000-£21,999
Developing ice creams
This is one for the foodies. The Unilever Food Professional degree apprenticeship means you can get paid to create new ice creams, beverages and food items working with the Food Research team to develop new products - all whilst studying for a BSc in Foods Science & Technology. The salary is £16,000-£17,999
Craft the internal upholstery of luxury cars
Car lovers or fabric fanatics can now get paid to be a Sewing Machinist Apprentice for BMW Group. Be an integral part of crafting the details that make up a quality car and sets it apart from the rest.
You'll gain qualifications in leather care, machinery and more and learn transferable skills key to creating exclusive products. The apprenticeship salary is £16,000-£17,999
Train as an engineer for UK Defence
Be responsible for the design, build, support and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines with the Ministry of Defence Nuclear Engineer apprenticeship. Undertake four years of substantial training, gain defence-specific nuclear knowledge from a range of placements and implement skills within the engineer function of the MoD. The salary is £22,000 - £23,999.
