Apprenticeships are a practical and valuable way to gain qualifications while working in your chosen trade. They offer hands-on experience and the chance to earn while you learn.
Gimbal specialises in recognising prior learning, helping experienced tradespeople get qualified. If you’ve been working in your trade for years but don’t have the formal certification, Gimbal can assist.
They assess your existing skills and identify any remaining requirements. By completing these units, you can achieve your qualification quickly and easily. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to take the next step in your career.
This blog will discuss the top 8 advantages of apprenticeships and how they can benefit both individuals and businesses.
What Are Apprenticeships and Why Do They Matter in the Trade Industry?
Apprenticeships are career pathways combining on-the-job training with structured education, allowing professionals in trades to learn by doing. Unlike traditional classroom-based education, apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience as you acquire skills that are instantly applicable in your daily work.
For trade professionals, apprenticeships represent much more than training—they’re a way to prove expertise, build credibility, and unlock career opportunities. Gimbal specialises in making this process more attainable, particularly for experienced individuals who already have years of practical experience under their belts.
The Value of Apprenticeships
Practical, Hands-On Experience
Learning by doing is the essence of apprenticeships. Unlike purely theoretical education, apprenticeships with companies like Gimbal involve direct immersion in real-world projects. From wiring an electrical system to building structural frameworks, apprenticeships ensure the skills are learned on-site, not just in books.
Benefits for Both Apprentices and Employers
Apprentices gain expertise while earning a wage, making this a financially feasible pathway to a qualification. Employers, on the other hand, benefit from highly-skilled, cost-effective workers who can hit the ground running. Over time, the apprentice and employer relationship strengthens, fostering loyalty and productivity.
Advantages of Gimbal’s Unique Approach
At Gimbal, the focus isn’t just on starting from scratch—it’s on building upon what you’ve already achieved. For trade professionals with extensive experience but no formal accreditation, Gimbal’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program is a game-changer.
- Tailored Guidance for Experienced Professionals
Gimbal evaluates your prior experience, determining which additional skills or units you need to complete to become fully qualified. This personalised approach avoids unnecessary repetition, saving you time and money.
Why Formal Recognition Matters
While experience is invaluable, formal qualifications are often the key to securing higher-paying roles, meeting industry standards, or managing your own projects. Qualifications solidifies your credibility in a competitive trades market, ensuring future clients and employers recognise your capabilities.
How Gimbal Compares to Traditional Education
Unlike university or other full-time education pathways, Gimbal’s process fits seamlessly into your existing work schedule. The recognition of prior learning ensures that the focus is only on what you need to learn, rather than what you already know.
Career Advancement and Opportunities
Achieving certification through apprenticeships or Gimbal’s RPL process can open significant career doors.
- Climbing the Career Ladder: Qualified professionals often qualify for advanced positions, from leading teams to starting their own trade businesses. Qualifications boost employability and demonstrate that you’re committed to industry standards of excellence.
- Versatility and Industry Readiness: No matter where your career in trades takes you—local contracting, large-scale projects, or niche specialties—certifications ensure you’re prepared for every opportunity that comes your way.
Overcoming Challenges
Common Barriers in Pursuing Formal Recognition
A lack of time, documentation, or clarity often holds tradespeople back from pursuing formal qualifications. Managing work, family, and educational commitments also makes the process daunting.
Gimbal’s Supportive Solutions
Gimbal simplifies the process, working around your schedule. Their step-by-step guidance ensures minimal disruption to your everyday work or personal obligations, while datasets like job records or project portfolios are utilised to demonstrate your expertise.
The Future of Apprenticeships
Looking forward, apprenticeships will play an even greater role in shaping the modern workforce. With many industries experiencing skill shortages, the demand for qualified tradespeople is climbing. Gimbal’s innovative approach will likely continue to pave the way for adaptive and agile apprenticeship models that cater to seasoned professionals and new entrants alike.
Additionally, as technology progresses, apprenticeships may incorporate more digital tools, offering a hybrid future of practical and online learning. This integration ensures the trade industry remains both relevant and innovative.
Unlock Your Potential with Gimbal
Apprenticeships are an invaluable tool for skill development, formal recognition, and career growth. For tradespeople with years of experience but no paperwork to show for it, Gimbal provides the perfect platform to gain the certification you deserve without starting from scratch.
There’s never been a better time to take that next career step.
