Myth-buster #3: Average age of an Ignite apprentice revealed (it’s higher than you might assume!)
Posted on: 23rd Apr 2025
Apprenticeships 
Across the UK, there is an assumption that apprenticeships only serve a purpose to school leavers and people of a young age.
This age-old stereotype could not be further from reality, especially for vocational training today which is delivered to all sectors and people of all experiences.
A lot of people, therefore, would be surprised to learn that the average age of an apprentice studying a vocational qualification with Ignite Training is:
29!
In our third myth-busting blog, we speak to some of our senior apprentices to understand why studying an apprenticeship as experienced professionals is something they pursued.
Debunking the myth
Historically, apprenticeships provided a platform for school leavers to develop skills required for a specific role.
While this remains the case, vocational training has evolved with time and is now proactively delivered to senior members of staff to help take their personal development to the next level.
Consequently, the average age of an apprentice studying with Ignite Training right now is 29 – far higher than what the average person might assume.
Growth
Growth opportunities are not restricted to the learner, though.
Apprenticeships are proven to bring several benefits to employers too with recent Government research finding:
- 74% of employers say that apprentices improved products or service quality
- 78% say apprentices improved productivity
- 73% of employers say that staff morale is improved by having apprentices
- 69% of employers say that employing apprentices improved staff retention
What our apprentices say
Paul Virgo, Further Education Programme Lead at Birmingham City FC Community Trust, started his apprenticeship with Ignite Training aged 60.
He completed a Level 5 Teaching and Learning programme and said age should be no barrier to learning new skills.
“Even after all these years working in education, you can still add to your skillset to benefit the experiences of those you engage with,” said Paul.
“Apprenticeships are for everyone, not just school leavers. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how experienced you are in your profession – I can guarantee there is an apprenticeship out there for everyone.”
You can read Paul’s full story here.
Second careers
Many organisations use apprenticeships to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to take the ability of their existing team to the next level.
But vocational training can facilitate the next step in a person’s journey to beginning a second career.
This is particularly relevant to professional sports clubs, who have a social responsibility to deliver a smooth transition for players approaching retirement into the real world.
Bristol Bears prop Yann Thomas has more than 200 Premiership appearances to his name. But this year, he enrolled onto a Level 4 Sports Coach programme with Ignite so he’s prepared when the time comes to hang up his boots.
“Being a professional athlete is a short career,” said Yann.
“A lot of retired sportsmen and women have explained how challenging it can be to transition from the role as a professional athlete into the real world.
“Studying an apprenticeship is my way of being proactive in making that transition as smooth as possible.”
Get in touch!
If you would like to learn more about any of Ignite Training’s apprenticeship programmes, simply drop our friendly team a message today. Our standards cover leadership and management, teaching, coaching, content creation and more.
Email: hello@ignitetraininguk.com
Call: 0300 303 0890
We look forward to hearing from you!
