Hey future apprentices, this week’s email contains:

• Important news from the previous week (Talk about this in your interviews!)

• Weekly advice from our apprentice network.

• New apprenticeship news and vacancies.

• Financial Cycles

This Week's Top Apprenticeships Are Now Featured at the End of the Newsletter

Didn’t catch Friday’s newsletter? You’ve got the weekend—perfect time to apply for apprenticeships. Don’t waste it!

Real world Application News

(Talk about these in your interviews)

Finance

Global Shockwaves: What Trump’s Tariffs Mean for You

President Trump has defended new tariffs on imports, saying tough action is needed to fix long-term problems in the U.S. economy. While he claims this will bring back jobs and make the U.S. wealthier, global markets reacted badly—major stock indexes in Asia and the U.S. dropped sharply, and fears of a global recession are rising.

Key U.S. officials insist there’s no need to panic, calling it part of an "adjustment process." New tariffs are already in place, with more hitting countries like China and Vietnam soon. Even small trade loopholes—like goods routed through remote islands—are being closed.

Some world leaders are asking for delays or deals, while protests in the U.S. show many Americans are worried about the economic fallout.

Why this matters to apprentices:
Big global changes like these can impact job markets, prices, and the cost of living—even here at home. Understanding these shifts helps you stay informed and financially prepared.

THE BIG LIE

Trump will be responsible for the upcoming recession:

The S&P 500 (SPX) has dropped 17% from its highs and Bitcoin is down 31%. But here’s the kicker:

In Week 10 of ApprentaTips, we flagged a Dow Theory bear signal — a classic warning sign that markets were about to slide. If you paid attention then, you could’ve avoided a 10% drop in the SPX alone.

We still don’t know how deep this decline will go. But what’s clear is this:
The warning signs came before the tariffs.

This isn’t just market talk — this is real-world stuff that affects your money, your future, and your peace of mind. Don’t blindly follow the crowd.

Conventional wisdom will be the death of you

There have also been multiple indicators pointing toward a potential recession—from inverted yield curves to rising unemployment and the natural timing of market cycles.
If you’d like us to break these down further in future newsletters, let us know.

Tech

Social Media Is Changing Fast – Here's What You Need to Know

A wave of new social platforms is challenging the old giants like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), as user trust and engagement drop. Newcomers like Bluesky, Butterflies AI, and Mozi are shaking things up with fresh approaches.

🔹 Butterflies AI lets you interact with AI-generated personas that develop over time—some users say it feels like watching a live simulation or soap opera.
🔹 Bluesky is gaining ground fast with a customizable feed system and decentralized design, offering an alternative to algorithm-heavy platforms.
🔹 Mozi flips social media on its head—it helps you connect with friends in real life by telling you when you're in the same city.

📉 Meanwhile, old platforms are losing steam:

• X has seen a 25% drop in daily UK users since Jan 2024

• Facebook usage continues to decline, especially among teens

🔧 Behind the scenes, groups like Free Our Feeds and the Social Web Foundation are working to build a more open and interconnected future where content can flow between platforms (like Threads and Mastodon), rather than being locked into one app.

Why this matters for you:
Just like markets, social media is shifting. Understanding where things are headed gives you an edge—both socially and professionally. Whether you're networking, building a personal brand, or just staying connected, the tools are changing.

Property

The UK's housing market is experiencing a period of adjustment following the expiration of several tax relief measures aimed at home buyers. Notably, the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief, which had temporarily increased the zero-tax threshold from £125,000 to £250,000, concluded on March 31, 2025.

Additionally, changes to the non-domiciled tax status have led to an exodus of wealthy individuals from the UK. The abolition of this status means that non-domiciled residents are now taxed on their global earnings and subject to inheritance tax on foreign assets, prompting concerns about potential economic impacts

AGAIN - DON’T LET CONVENTIONAL WISDOM TRICK YOU.

UK property has been showing weakness since August 2022.

Managing Money as a First-Year Apprentice – Finding the Right Balance 💰

Why Money Matters:

Starting an apprenticeship often means managing a real paycheck for the first time—exciting, but also challenging.

Many first-year apprentices struggle with finding the right balance between saving, spending, and enjoying life.

This post highlights the importance of avoiding extremes like money guilt or obsessive saving, and instead encourages building healthy financial habits.

It's about creating a balanced mindset: being smart with money while still enjoying your hard-earned income.

That’s why we’ll be sharing weekly tips tailored specifically for apprentices—covering everything from simple investing strategies to practical money habits—to help you build confidence and take control of your finances.

Insights From An Apprentice