Apprenticeship myths - debunked!

Despite the rise in popularity Apprenticeships have experienced over the last few years, there are still some misconceptions about them that simply aren’t true.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start your journey on the career ladder whilst gaining experience, being employed and getting paid in a real job.

MYTH: APPRENTICESHIPS JUST FOR PEOPLE WHO WON’T GET THE GRADES TO GO TO UNIVERSITY

This one is definitely a myth! An Apprenticeship is simply a different way of learning. A different route into employment, often for those who want to get a head-start in the job market rather than go to university, learning on the job, whilst getting paid and gaining experience!

Apprenticeships may start at a lower level than a degree but, depending on your qualifications and the entry requirements of the job, you can enter at different levels. You can also complete higher and degree level Apprenticeships as you progress which are equivalent to going to university. It’s just a different way of learning.

MYTH: APPRENTICES WILL BE AT A DISADVANTAGE WITHOUT A DEGREE

Why would they be? Apprenticeships are now offered all the way through to higher and degree level which is the exact equivalent of going to university. The main bonus is that you’ll be more work-ready as you’ve gained the experience in the workplace that employers are dying to see.

MYTH: APPRENTICESHIPS ARE JUST FOR PRACTICAL JOBS IN AREAS LIKE CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING

No chance! In fact, this is quite a dated view of Apprenticeships! Apprenticeships are now offered in over 250 professions including law, computing, journalism and accountancy. Chances are, if you can think of a job or an industry, we offer an Apprenticeship in it!

MYTH: UNIVERSITY GRADUATES HAVE BETTER CAREER PROSPECTS

Around 70% of employers retain their Apprentices when they complete their training. Why? Because they know you, they know you’re capable of doing a really good job and they have invested time in your development.

Graduates often struggle to find a job relevant to their degree straight away due to everyone finishing at the same time, plus they don’t always have the work experience employers value. Apprentices could well be in a position of management by the time their friends finish at university!

MYTH: GRADUATES EARN MORE THAN FORMER APPRENTICES

On average, individuals who have completed an Advanced Apprenticeship earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more over their lifetime than similar individuals with Level 2 qualifications.

Higher apprentices could earn £150,000 more on average over their lifetime compared to those with Level 3 vocational qualifications!

MYTH: APPRENTICESHIPS ARE ONLY FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS

Absolutely false! Apprenticeships can be completed by anyone once they have left school – there’s no upper age limit. In fact, an Apprenticeship can be a fantastic training route for people who have been in work for a while and want to continue working whilst they study for a new qualification.

So now you’re a bit clearer on what an Apprenticeship is and we’ve straightened out some of those concerns for you, take a look at our current vacancies by clicking here.