Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular among school leavers and career changers. And why not? No student debt, earning a salary while you learn, and the potential for permanent employment are just some of the many perks that apprenticeships bring to the table. What’s more, you can even complete a remote apprenticeship that will provide you with the same experience, on-the-job training and qualifications as an in-person one.
In this guide, we’re looking at the recent upsurge of remote apprenticeships, the advantages they offer, and the types of remote apprenticeships you can find. We’ll even share some top tips on how you can thrive in your remote apprenticeship to give you a better chance of landing a permanent position.
Let’s dive right in.
The Rise Of Remote Apprenticeships
Traditionally, apprenticeships were always thought of as construction or manual labour-based jobs in areas like plumbing, carpentry or bricklaying. Of course, apprenticeships do still exist in these sectors and remain an extremely effective way of honing your craft. However, apprenticeships have also evolved and expanded into every industry and sector imaginable, from fashion to sports coaching to apprenticeships in the police.
Furthermore, the recent shift to remote working has spurred the rise of remote apprenticeships. And it makes sense, if you can find fully remote jobs, then why not offer fully remote apprenticeships? This brand-new approach gives the apprentice the chance to gain valuable work experience and industry knowledge from the comfort of their own home.
Advantages of Remote Apprenticeships
As remote work technologies have become more advanced over recent years, it’s paved the way for the revolution of apprenticeships. This, coupled with a drastic need for skilled workers, means there’s never been a better time to consider a remote apprenticeship.
Just like working from home, remote apprenticeships also come with a variety of benefits.
Accessibility and diversity
Remote apprenticeships remove the geographical barriers that have, until now, prevented people from applying for jobs in other cities, countries, and in certain sectors. Now, instead of having to relocate, you can apply for a remote apprenticeship anywhere in the world. As a result, workplace diversity and inclusivity are on the rise.
Develop digital skills
The very basis of a remote apprenticeship requires computer literacy, digital skills and a tech-savvy mindset. But don’t let that deter you. During your remote apprenticeship, you’ll become proficient in a wide range of online tools which are key in today’s labour market. You’ll also develop strong communication and collaboration skills through working with people from around the globe.
Flexibility
A remote apprenticeship gives you greater flexibility in your day-to-day life, helping you to strike a healthier work/life balance. You’ll be able to manage your time more effectively and balance your apprenticeship with other responsibilities like childcare, education or even a part-time job.
Financial benefits
Both apprentices and employers can see cost savings from remote apprenticeships. You’ll save money on commuting, possibly needing to relocate, and other costs involved with working away from home. Employers save on overheads associated with an office, like energy costs and office supplies.
Remote Apprenticeship Opportunities
So, what types of remote apprenticeships are there? To give you a better idea of the types of remote apprenticeship opportunities that exist, we’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the most common ones.
Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity sector suffers from a massive skills shortage in the UK with 37% of vacancies reported as “hard to fill”. All the while, there was an increase of 30% in cybersecurity job postings in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, remote apprenticeships in cybersecurity are on the rise. You’ll become proficient in a variety of areas, such as network security, threat detection, and incident response. You’ll also learn about the various tools and technologies used in the cyber security field, including firewalls, and antivirus software, among others.
Learn more about cybersecurity apprenticeships →
Web Development
If there’s one job that can be done 100% online, it’s web development. And remote web development apprenticeships are the perfect route to get into this in-demand and well-paid field.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects alongside experienced web developers. Part of any apprenticeship is off-the-job training where you’ll learn specific programming languages (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and framework-specific knowledge (e.g., React, Angular).
Check out software engineer apprenticeships →
Graphic Design
Are you more of a creative mind? Well, perhaps a remote apprenticeship in graphic design would be a better fit.
Take advantage of the plethora of online graphic design tools and platforms to perfect your craft during your remote apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of design, including colour theory, typography, and layout design. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite.
Find out more about graphic design apprenticeships →
Data Analysis
Kickstart your career as a data analyst with a remote apprenticeship. This in-demand sector offers remote apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of sectors, including finance, media and even the Ministry of Defense.
Your remote data analyst apprenticeships will give you practical experience in data cleaning and preparation, as well as analysis and interpretation. You’ll learn to use tools like SQL, Python, and data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to uncover patterns and insights.
Get more information on data analyst apprenticeships →
Digital Marketing
One of the most popular remote apprenticeships today is in digital marketing. The sector is expected to grow by 4.6% in 2024, with the UK only second to Japan in terms of spending on ads.
This is great news for budding apprentices who want to get their foot in the door at digital marketing agencies across the globe. You’ll gain experience in common digital marketing disciplines including search engine optimisation (SEO), paid search/PPC, social media marketing, email marketing, web analytics, and more.
Learn more about digital marketing apprenticeships →
Tips for Success
And finally, we’d like to give you some top tips for success ahead of your remote apprenticeship.
Follow these tips if you want to thrive in your new remote environment.
- Create a designated workspace: set up a specific area in your home that’s free from distractions and allows you to focus completely during your remote apprenticeship. It should be well-lit, quiet, and equipped with all the tools you’ll need.
- Manage your time: establish a daily schedule that includes working hours, lunchtime, and breaks. Try to mimic a normal work day as much as possible; an apprenticeship is a real, paid job after all. Employ tools like calendars, to-do lists and project management software to stay on top of your workload.
- Communication: one of the most important elements of working remotely is maintaining good communication with your colleagues. Regular communication through email, instant messaging, video calls, etc., will keep you in the loop and able to ask for assistance at all times.
- Build strong relationships: one of the downsides to remote apprenticeships is the lack of in-person contact. Combat this by scheduling regular check-ins with your mentor and teammates. Also, set aside time to connect informally with your colleagues, just for a cup of coffee or to network.
Read our dedicated blog on How to make the most of your apprenticeship experience →
Find a Remote Apprenticeship
If you’re looking for a remote apprenticeship, you can make the most of our dedicated remote apprenticeship jobs board here at Employing an Apprentice.
Check out our Apprentice Support Hub for a wealth of useful tips and resources for budding apprentices, including apprenticeship standards, how to apply for apprenticeships and information on the different types of apprenticeships.
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter using the form below for all the latest from Employing an Apprentice.
