As the news broke that Oasis is reuniting in 2024, fans across the globe were swept back to 1994, when Britpop ruled the airwaves, and apprenticeships in the UK looked very different from what they are today. Just like the legendary band’s journey, apprenticeships have evolved dramatically over the past 30 years. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how things have changed.
1994: The Early Days of Oasis and Apprenticeships
In 1994, Oasis burst onto the music scene with their debut album Definitely Maybe, quickly becoming one of the defining bands of the decade. Meanwhile, apprenticeships were also defining the futures of many young people in the UK, but the landscape was quite different from today. As Noels Gallagher says in one of his latest interviews ” It was difficult in the early 80s because you couldn’t get a job, so music was the only way it was gonna be”. This shown the lack of opportunities around at that time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZKmihCrp8I (1 minute 45 second)
Back then, apprenticeships were primarily focused on traditional trades like construction, engineering, and manufacturing. The pay was modest—often just a small percentage of what skilled workers earned—and apprenticeships were typically associated with blue-collar careers. The qualifications offered were more limited, with NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) being the standard fare. However, just like Oasis, apprenticeships had a lot of potential.
The 2000s: Changes on the Horizon
As Oasis released hit after hit throughout the 90s and early 2000s, the UK government began to realize the potential of apprenticeships beyond the traditional sectors. The Learning and Skills Act 2000 marked a turning point, introducing Modern Apprenticeships that expanded into areas like IT, business administration, and customer service. These new pathways started to attract a wider range of young people, and employers began to see the value in training staff through apprenticeships.
Pay was still a concern for many apprentices, as it remained relatively low, but there was a growing recognition that apprenticeships could be a viable alternative to university. By the time Oasis released their final album, Dig Out Your Soul, in 2008, apprenticeship roles were starting to shed their old image and become more mainstream.
2010s: The Apprenticeship Renaissance
While Oasis fans had to make do without the band after their 2009 breakup, the 2010s saw apprenticeships making a comeback in a big way. The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017 was a game-changer. This policy encouraged large employers to invest in Apprentices, leading to a surge in opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including finance, law, digital marketing, and healthcare.
The types of qualifications offered expanded significantly as well, with higher and degree apprenticeships allowing apprentices to gain university-level qualifications without the hefty student debt. Pay for apprentices improved too, with many earning salaries that rivalled entry-level positions in their fields.
Because of this over the years apprenticeships have became more and more popular and people felt there were more opportunity within the work field instead of thinking education was the only route, as show here. Stats from the 90s to 2015.
2024: The Year of the Reunion – For Both Oasis and Apprenticeships
Fast forward to 2024: Oasis is back together, and apprenticeships have never looked better. Today they cover nearly every industry imaginable, from creative arts to cybersecurity, and offer clear progression routes from intermediate to advanced and degree-level qualifications. The apprenticeship minimum wage has increased, making a more attractive option financially, while government initiatives continue to support employers and apprentices alike.
Moreover, apprenticeships are no longer seen as a second choice. They are celebrated as a path to success, offering hands-on experience, qualifications, and a debt-free way to build a career. With many top companies investing heavily in apprenticeship programs, young people today have more opportunities than ever to earn while they learn.
Just as Oasis has evolved while staying true to their roots, apprenticeships have transformed over the past 30 years, growing in both scope and stature. So, whether you’re a fan of Britpop legends or just looking to start your career, 2024 is shaping up to be a great year for fresh starts and new beginnings.
Don’t Look Back in Anger – Embrace the Future of Apprenticeships
As we celebrate the reunion of one of the UK’s most iconic bands, it’s also worth celebrating how far apprenticeships have come. From the narrow focus of the 90s to the diverse and dynamic opportunities available today, apprenticeships have truly come of age. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, remember that they can offer a world of possibilities—and that’s definitely maybe something to sing about.
How 360 Apprenticeships Can Help
So if you’re looking to get in to an apprenticeships within Web development/ content creation or multi channel marketing, we can help. Kickstart your career and equip yourself with the right tools with our help! Talk to our team today 0161 4644805 or visit our live job board. https://www.360apprenticeships.co.uk/apprenticeship-jobs/ Or email us at [email protected].
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