Most of us went to university, but how many of you actually use the education you received there in the jobs that earn us money today? I think the answer to that question is similar for most people.
And another question… How many people say, If I had my current mindset, I would have started as an apprentice? I think the answer to that question is also similar for many.
Spending at least four years in university and receiving an education seems meaningful at first glance, enjoyable, and even fun from the inside.
However, unless you have the support of a more well-off family member, surviving in the business world, which resembles a wild jungle, and rising in this fiercely competitive chaos, is no longer possible with just what you learned in university.
To compete, rise, or simply survive in the business world, it’s not enough to have just the knowledge and diplomas/certificates we possess; another important issue to consider is how we apply this knowledge and who we know.
In these times when everyone is aiming high, there are considerable vacancies in certain fields, especially those requiring physical strength.
While people are focusing on better conditions and higher goals, with everyone’s eyes on engineering, architecture, or other specialized fields, today we’re struggling to find someone even for simple repairs around the house. Those we do find are either too busy or too expensive.
At this point, apprenticeship programs, which we can also describe as modern apprenticeships, have begun to be developed in different parts of the world.
In short, these programs focus on discovering and training skilled workers while individuals are still young. So why should we plant these seeds early?
Putting theoretical knowledge into practice
Apprenticeship programs focus not only on providing participants with technical skills, but also on fostering networking and a sense of belonging, which are crucial in today’s world.
The ultimate goal isn’t just to place someone in a group and make them feel a sense of belonging; it’s also about fostering understanding and support among like-minded individuals as they work towards a common goal – building a community.
Today’s apprenticeship training is somewhat different from the past, and age is no longer a barrier or disadvantage.
Previously, each trade association had its own guild, and once a person joined, they would train under a master, gaining skills and dexterity, progressing first to journeyman and then to master. They would then take on another member of the guild, thus both keeping the profession alive and ensuring the continuation of the work.
Today, it’s possible to participate in an apprenticeship program even after the age of forty.
The emergence of modern apprenticeship development programs is primarily driven by digitalization, transforming mechanization, and the increasing adoption of automation across more and more sectors. These developments have clearly overturned traditional skill requirements, and the gap between education and the business world is now more pronounced.
The business world claims that new graduates leave university without the necessary skills, while universities argue that the business world is constantly rejecting their candidates. Therefore, cultivating the human resources needed to sustain a business from within, from within the guild system, is back in vogue.
The master-apprentice relationship, which can also be described as a form of mentorship, is a significant interaction because it provides direct experience and knowledge from real life, beyond theoretical knowledge.
Books can tell you pages and pages about how to cope with a crisis, offer theories, and list solutions, but a master can directly and quickly convey real-life experiences that are difficult to put into words, in a way that is easier for you to understand.
This knowledge has personal value and in practice, is far more meaningful than pages of writing when faced with a problem.
Learning from mistakes and drawing lessons from them is an effective way to gain experience, but learning from the mistakes of others under the guidance of a mentor saves you time and allows you to progress faster. In short, working alongside someone who is good at their job not only helps you gain knowledge but also saves time and makes your learning process more efficient.
What will you gain from participating in an apprenticeship program?
School provides a safe and comfortable environment, away from the risks of the business world. In school, failure only affects grades; at most, you might fail a class, need to retake exams, or have to repeat some courses.
Apprenticeship programs, however, place you in the real business world, where you take on real responsibilities that don’t rely on theory and rote learning.
When you participate in an apprenticeship program, you experience the real dynamism and complexity of the business world, deal with real clients, work in real teams, and operate with real budgets. You push boundaries, learn to give presentations, defend your ideas against criticism, and practically solve problems.
In short, you witness the transformation of theoretical knowledge into practice early on. It’s like jumping straight into the water to learn to swim.
No matter where in the world it is, participating in an apprenticeship program will allow you to connect with new people. Every job you work on, every project you participate in, every result you produce will form the foundation of your future self.
This isn’t just about finding a job or easily getting a promotion; it’s a journey that will transform you comprehensively from the very beginning, and you can think of it as an insurance policy for a future full of uncertainties. This is exactly what our elders meant when they said, Have a golden bracelet on your arm.
Apprenticeship programs, of which you can find many examples and forms around the world, will allow you to take your first steps in your career while also broadening your vision, giving you a mission, and making you see yourself not just as a professional, but as an important part of the community, contributing to it. It will move you away from mediocrity and give you the opportunity to become one of the best at whatever you do in the future.
If you want to take a solid step towards the future, preparing today is crucial. There’s a lot going on in the business world besides just doing business, and being good at what you do will be your most important asset, keeping you away from all the other complexities and adding value to your career.
There are many apprenticeship programs around the world; I’ve listed some of them for you.
Academic research-focused programs:
- The Rhodes Scholarship
- KPMG Apprenticeship programmes
- Chevening Scholarships
- Fulbright Student Program
- DAAD Scholarships
- Humboldt Research Fellowship
Programs related to leadership and public policy:
- Yale World Fellows Program
- Harward Kennedy School Scholarships & Fellowships
- Obama Foundation Scholars
- The Forum of Young Global Leaders
Programs related to creative industries, media, and the arts
- JSK Journalism Fellowships at Stanford
- Harward Nieman Fellowship
- TED Fellows Program
- New Museum Fellowship
Programs related to science, technology, and innovation:
Programs related to social impact and entrepreneurship:
- The Ashoka Fellowship
- Echoing Green Fellowship
- The Acumen Fellowship Program
- Apprenticeships and Dual Study Programs at Siemens
Before concluding, I would like to give my personal answers to the two questions at the beginning of this text.
No, I don’t earn money from the profession I studied at university, and I wish I had had the courage to take an apprenticeship somewhere at that stage of my life.
Many things about my life today would probably be different…
