Within our #1MillintoSTEM podcast campaign we talked about starting a career in Science
through a lab scientist apprenticeship. Among all vocational pathways, there’s an incredible
uptake on STEM apprenticeships in real-world projects involving industry cutting-edge
technologies. Nowadays, apprentices form an important part of workforce planning across a
range of levels and programmes in non-traditional areas, like digital marketing and cybersecurity. You get offered paid work-based learning opportunities that will pave a future career in your chosen STEM field and beyond.
Programmes vary in length from a minimum of 12 months, include different challenges
depending on the occupation you’re training for, and don’t usually require specific qualifications
or previous experience. Official ad-hoc training is provided and college courses are included in
some programmes, so you may be able to earn credits toward a degree. As an apprentice, you
assist expert employees and develop a genuine mentor-mentee relationship; over time, you can
manage your own work with minimal supervision. Upon completion, you gain professional
accreditation to progress in your field with all the relevant knowledge.
An apprenticeship is an ideal option if you’re drawn to the hands-on aspects of STEM and want
an education beyond traditional academia, with a specific job in mind.
However, if you prefer to supplement your education with valuable experience and make
informed career decisions, an internship would be a fantastic opportunity to boost your
prospects. By placing you within a specific company, internships allow you to sharpen your skills
and unlock networking opportunities with top industry leaders. Temporary or seasonal positions
lasting between one week and 12 months give you a taste of the job without requiring a long-
term commitment.
Internships are an essential launchpad for STEM minds in a variety of fields, including software
development, web design, pharmaceuticals, whether in Biotech start-ups or established
corporations. Trainers provide interns with all the support they need to complete administrative
duties, research, and competitor analysis. Shadowing while rotating around teams provides
interns with a glimpse into the day-to-day operations across all divisions. While most internships
are paid, some cover costs expenses, or provide college credits as compensation.
This is also a great way to kick-start a STEM career as organizations sponsor prestigious
internships for students or recent college graduates and recruit directly from their interns in
response to economic needs.
Join our Stepping into Stem’s conversations on STEM career journeys and explore how to carve
your unique path with all resources open to young generation.
By Margherita Brignoli
