If you’d love a career in photography or you’re a photographer who would like to give some new talent a leg up, apprenticeships can be a brilliant pathway. Today on the blog we’re talking about why you should consider a photography apprenticeship.

Why choose a photography apprenticeship?

With an apprenticeship, one of the biggest advantages is that you get to earn, as you learn. You’re legally entitled to paid holidays, get paid for time spent training and you have the benefit of working on real projects, alongside experienced photographers and other professionals. This can be a great learning environment. You’re also likely to get access to photography equipment and editing software that you may have only ever dreamed of using. Apprenticeships will often lead to full-time employment too and as mentioned above, you could encounter some great networking opportunities along the way. All of this could help you to start establishing a long and successful photography career.

Why offer a photography apprenticeship?

There’s a certain amount of satisfaction to be derived, from helping the next generation of photography talent to realise their goals. Perhaps you benefitted from an apprenticeship or having a mentor in your youth and you would like to pass it forward? Employers who take on apprentices get support with the process, along with funding to cover the cost of training and assessment. Their companies benefit from the input of new ideas and high levels of staff retention too. In fact, 87% of companies using apprenticeships report being satisfied with how it’s worked for their business. If you’d like to explore the option of introducing an apprenticeship role in your business, you can call the National Apprenticeship Service on 0800 015 0600.

How much do photography apprentices earn?

The amount photography apprentices earn varies between jobs. Some employers may also offer perks such as lunch and travel while out on location. As a minimum, you will receive the apprentice national minimum wage of £3.50 per hour. For those aged under 19, or those who are over 19 in their first year of an apprenticeship. If you’re aged over 19 and have completed your first year, you will receive at least the national minimum wage relative to your age. Apprenticeships can last between one and five years. According to job site Adzuna, apprentice salaries across sectors average £14,759.

How to find an apprenticeship

1. Gov Apprenticeships

The Gov.UK 'find an apprenticeship' site has a list of opportunities ranging from photography in hair saloons to digital design apprenticeships, focusing on photography.

2. Local Job Sites

You may find apprenticeships advertised on local job sites or through your Jobcentre Plus. You can also search for apprenticeships online here.

3. Finding Jobs which incorporate Photography

Along with photography apprentice roles, you may also want to consider other jobs that incorporate photography. This could include marketing assistant or eCommerce or studio assistant jobs that include product photography. This way, not only will you get to do a job that involves photography, but you’re likely to open up other career possibilities in the process.

Looking to make your mark in the world of photography? You may also enjoy our post on how to get your photos published in magazines.