I don’t really like using the term ‘no-brainer’ as you have to use your brain to decide it’s a no-brainer. There is probably some very clever academic term for this paradox.
Like most folk, lock-down restrictions have played a big part in my working life for nearly a year now. Although I was able to travel back to the UK in the Summer last year – I have been pretty much WFH since that time. I have also been seconded onto another team within Firebrand and as luck would have it, I have landed on my feet as it’s the Apprenticeship Team!
As an instructor, its true to say that the Apprenticeship Team were never too far away and I have always had a hand in supporting the work of the Learning Mentors, Subject Matter Experts and Management Leaders – so it wasn’t a completely new adventure for me. However, I had no real idea about how all the cogs fitted together.
I have been thrust into the team at a very exciting point in time and although the learning curve has been pretty steep – we are on the cusp of launching the new-look 2021 apprenticeship standards. I am responsible for the Cyber Security Technician (Level 3) and Technologists (Level 4) with something very exciting on the horizon also.
This takes me right back to days as a military trainer when I had a role in research and development of new training packages for intelligence analysts and other intelligence specialists. It was of huge importance to get it right and took all of my experience, knowledge and help from the team to do so. Fast forward to 2021 and here I am again. And the importance of getting it right is just as keen.
The focus of an apprenticeship is the apprentice. Throughout the process of designing timeframes, mapping courses to the all important (KSB’s) (Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours) and getting the standards aligned – never once has anyone I have spoken to in the team forgotten that the main focus is the apprentice. Their success and achievement is paramount and every time I have had to create a new document or spreadsheet – I have not lost that focus. (I hate spreadsheets)
Is it okay to step back and admire your handywork? Well I have learned that it is but only when the last spreadsheet and document has been submitted, checked and signed off by Kiely (the boss).
Now that point in time is getting close – I am looking at the new standards, the courses and opportunities that a Cyber Security Apprentice will have and to me – it’s a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t somebody who wants to be employed in this line of work not take the opportunity. However, here is the caveat.
It is not easy.
If you are ever told or think that apprenticeships are easy or for school drop-outs or kids not clever enough to go to University – direct them to me. Because the reality is the complete opposite.
Apprentices work hard and have made a career choice and taken a path of learning that is based on good judgement, considered advice and good grades at school. They are also doing the cleverest thing in the world by learning skills from expert mentors, trainers and subject matter experts and being paid while they do it. After all the effort they end up – not only certified and qualified but also experienced in the real world. They are also working for leading companies and organisations where there is a great chance of employment once the apprenticeship is completed.
No student loans to pay back, real-world skills and experience, leading qualifications, industry recognised credentials. No brainer.
If an apprentice wants to further their skills and credentials the next step up is to follow the integrated Apprenticeship Degree path and why not throw in a BSc alongside another 2 years of industry experience, industry recognised certifications and get paid for doing it?
If I was at the crossroads of leaving school and considering which path to take next, I would be looking at my options for further employment and education and apprenticeships would be top of the list.
It’s a tough challenge, there will be hurdles to overcome and assessments to pass but the support and commitment comes to you both at work and from your training provider. I can guarantee that Firebrand is a training provider who is committed to the success of the apprentice because every spreadsheet I have created is focused on that and Kiely sends them back to me if she isn’t convinced.
If you are a student, parent or employer find out more and broaden your horizons. The future could be brighter than you think.
