Apprenticeships have 'no upper age limit'

Apprenticeships are usually associated with those starting out in their careers, but two workers have described how they have been learning new skills later in life.

Malcolm Toms began his degree apprenticeship at the headquarters of snacks company Mars in Slough at the age of 57.

He said the apprenticeship had given him a "new inspiration" for his job and said for more older people should consider it as a career route.

Youth coach Susan Hill from Oxford said her decision to complete an operations manager apprenticeship "enhanced" her skills.

Speaking during National Apprenticeship week, Mr Toms said he had always regretted never going to university.

However, an apprenticeship offer opened up at Mars Global Services where he had worked for 36 years.

"I had a discussion with a colleague and he encouraged me to apply as I had written myself off - but I applied and was surprised on how keen they were to have me.

"Age is definitely not a barrier," he said.

He is now 61 years-old and graduated from his level 6 apprenticeship with a BSc in Digital Technology Solutions.

"There's no upper age limit for apprenticeships, and they can help people gain new skills, experience and contacts - especially if you're looking to upskill in a current role, pivot career, or re-enter the workforce."

Since the completion of his apprenticeship, he said his new skills have allowed him to move to a new role in cybersecurity within the company.

"It could have been argued that I might have been coasting through retirement, although I am not that kind of person, but it has given me a new lease of my working life," he said.

Susan Hill, from Oxford, is a progression coach with Oxfordshire Youth - a charity that works with young people to develop their skills.

She started her apprenticeship at the age of 53 while in her current role, helping young people develop their full potential professionally and socially.

She said: "I always thought apprenticeships were for school leavers.

"We promote apprenticeships for [young people] to get into work and I thought 'me as an apprentice?'"

Ms Hill said she researched apprenticeships and decided to do a Level 5 Operations Manager one, which is equivalent to a foundation degree.

"The training and the learning... has really enhanced my skills."

"Anyone can do an apprenticeship wherever your career has led you - you have that opportunity to learn," she said.

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