Top 7 Apprenticeship Myths Debunked  

1. Apprenticeships are for the Less Academic 

Wrong! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start a career no matter your grades or prior achievements. They are a great way to earn while you learn, gain vital work experience and set yourself on a fast-track to a successful career. 

Apprenticeships are also a great way to re-train later in life and are available across a variety of levels ranging from access programmes through to higher level and degree Apprenticeships, as a result there is a starting point for everyone. 

2. You Don't get Recognised Qualifications by Completing an Apprenticeship 

All Apprentices will finish their Apprenticeship with an industry-recognised qualification that they can carry with them for the rest of their career. Every single Apprenticeship is now tied to a qualification ranging from NVQs to HNDs or even degree qualifications depending on the level of study. 

3. Apprenticeships Don't Lead to Full-time Jobs 

As your employer is funding your training and paying you a wage for the duration of your training it is uncommon for a full-time position to not be offered to a hardworking and dedicated apprentice at the end of their programme. In fact, in previous years more than 90% of Apprentices have stayed in employment after their course ends, with 67% remaining with the same employer.  

4. Apprentices Don't do 'Real' Jobs 

As an apprentice, you hit the ground running from day one, working on real projects. Remember, as an apprentice you’re an employee. You might be treating patients on a nursing ward, to creating incredible dishes as part of a dining service or helping to build high-quality code, to name a few examples. 

You’ll get support from your employer and will have a mentor to guide you, so don’t worry, you won’t be expected to know everything from day one! 

5. Apprenticeships are Only for School Leavers 

Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages making them a great option for anyone looking to change career, improve their skills in order to secure a new role or re-enter the market after having taken time out. Anyone aged 16 and over can enrol onto an Apprenticeship. 

6. Apprentices Will Never Earn a Decent Wage 

The minimum hourly wage for Apprentices aged 16-18 is currently £6.40 (this is also the case if you’re 19+ but in the first year of your Apprenticeship). 

Everyone else is paid the appropriate minimum wage for their age – click here to find out more. 

To find more detailed salary information, have a look at some specific vacancies to see what you can expect. 

In the long-term, individuals with an advanced apprenticeship earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more over their lifetime than similar individuals with Level 2 qualifications. While those completing a higher (degree level) apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.  

7. Apprenticeships are Only Available in Manual Industries 

There is a wide breadth of Apprenticeship training available across a variety of professions and industries, from hospitality and healthcare all the way through to business and marketing. 

Find out what Apprenticeship vacancies are available here. 

If you have any further questions about studying an Apprenticeship, please get in touch with our Apprenticeships+ team at: apprenticeshipsandtraining@sheffcol.ac.uk or 0114 260 2600.