Complement your gap year with an apprenticeship

Before heading off on your 2012 gap year, have a think about how an apprenticeship could help you boost the experience.

There are many similarities between gap years and apprenticeships – the chance to learn new skills, earn a little cash and meet some new and interesting people.

Combining both in one year is a great way to learn some practical skills, equipping you for your return to the UK and entrance to the jobs market.

Nick Linford, managing editor of FE Week, said apprenticeships are a great way to boost employment prospects.

"Apprenticeships are an excellent programme - they are a means for the young person to gain plenty of skills, while being paid a wage and actually doing a job with mentoring," he explained.

"So when they're done properly they're fantastic," he said.

Given many apprenticeships are fairly short – it would be perfectly possible to combine both an apprenticeship and a gap year.

For more information on gap year planning.