Feeling the overwhelming urge to start over happens to a lot of people at some point in their lives; especially if you’ve been stuck in a dead-end job that you’re no longer passionate about. It’s not a midlife crisis – it’s more common than you think. This can creep up on people. You take a job that was meant to be temporary, stick it out for longer than planned, and before you know it you’re five years deep in a career you never actually chose. The job’s fine. The people are alright. But something about it feels a bit… flat. You’re not learning. You’re not growing. You’re left at the end of each day wondering: is this all there is?
But if it’s any reassurance you’re not alone. A lot of people in their 20s and 30s hit that point where they want out but don’t know where to start. Even just the thought of starting from the beginning is daunting enough, and going back to university? It’s not always realistic. The time, the cost, the logistics.
However, did you know that’s not your only option? Apprenticeships are a fantastic option, and they’re not just for 16-18 year olds. These courses give hope to older adults who want to retrain in a new industry, because changing careers doesn’t have to mean pressing pause on your life.
The Myth Of Starting Over
One of the biggest blocks to switching careers is the idea that you’ll have to start from scratch. That everything you’ve done so far has been a waste. That you’ll need to explain to family, friends (and that colleague who means well but always pries) why you’re suddenly retraining in something totally different.
But career changes don’t always look like ripping it up and starting again. They often look like rerouting. Taking the soft skills you already have (communication, organisation, adaptability) and applying them somewhere new. Somewhere that feels like it might actually go somewhere. An apprenticeship doesn’t require you to erase your history. It just gives you a framework to build something new.
What Apprenticeships Can You Actually Do?
Apprenticeships aren’t just for teenagers. Plenty of training providers support adult learners – especially in roles where maturity and a bit of life experience are actually an asset. You might be surprised at how many different directions an apprenticeship can take you. From business administration apprenticeships that can open the door in many different office jobs, to more creative courses such as content creator; where no two days are the same and you could land roles such as social media manager or creative director. Or if numbers make more sense to you than words, data technician roles might be more your speed.
Whatever you’re leaning towards, there’s plenty of opportunities, and more and more businesses are offering apprenticeships when they decide it’s time to hire. Once you’re in, there’s often room to pivot. Plenty of people start in admin and shift into project management or data roles. Or go from support into software. The key is getting your foot in the door.
How Do Apprenticeships Work When You’re Not 18?
It’s a fair question. Most people assume apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers, and yes, many are. However, apprenticeships are open to all ages, and they work in pretty much the same way as they would for someone who’s just finished school. You’ll usually spend most of the week working in a real role. One day a week is set aside for training with the apprenticeship provider. Throughout the duration you’ll be working towards your EPA (end point assessment) and by the end, you’ll be left with a qualification and valuable experience that future employers are looking for.
Earn While You Learn
Unlike the university path, you’ll get paid while you’re training. You might not earn as much as you did in your old job – at least not immediately. But you’ll be earning the apprentice wage which is better than having to take out a student loan. Being over 19 also means your wages will increase to at least minimum wage after your first year training as well. In the long run, once you’ve finished your course you won’t have to worry about paying student loan debt back which is a bonus!
It’s Not Too Late (Even If It Feels Like It)
Changing careers can feel overwhelming. But it’s also exciting. There’s a reason so many people get the urge in their late 20s and early 30s – it’s the point where experience meets clarity. You’ve seen what you don’t want. Now you get to chase what might actually fit.
One place that can help you find what you’re looking for is Avant Skills Academy, a training provider offering apprenticeships in Hull and Grimsby. Whether you’re looking at industries like digital marketing, administration or data analysis – there are courses available that can help you break into that role you’ve been dreaming of.
You’ll learn by doing, you’ll get help when you need it, and you’ll come out the other side with skills that count. Whether you’re helping manage operations at a small business or building a brand’s online presence from the ground up, you’ll be taking your first step towards a brand new career – you’ll no longer be stuck in the same place. Don’t put your future on hold any longer and take the leap today!
