Apprenticeships are often talked about as an effective way to grow a business but for many small and medium-sized employers, they still feel like a step too far.
We’ve pulled together some of the most common reasons we hear from businesses who haven’t yet invested in apprenticeships. Do any of these resonate? Let’s take a closer look and separate perception from reality.
Myth 1: “It’s too complicated to set up”
What people think:
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
The reality:
You’re not alone. A recent survey by accountancy firm BDO found that a lack of clear guidance is one of the main reasons businesses don’t take on apprentices.
But the key thing to remember is you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Experienced training providers, like Realise, are there to guide you through the entire process. That includes helping you understand funding, choosing the right programme, and even supporting with recruitment and ongoing advice.
In simple terms: You don’t need to be an expert - you just need to speak to one.
Myth 2: “There are too many training providers. I don’t know who to trust”
What people think:
“Everyone seems to offer apprenticeships… how do I know who’s good?”
The reality:
This is a completely valid concern. Not all training providers are the same, and choosing the right partner makes all the difference.
Here’s how to quickly sense-check your options:
At Realise, for example, the focus is always on the right learner on the right programme.
In simple terms: Don’t just pick a provider - choose a proven partner.
Myth 3: “It’s too expensive for a small business”
What people think:
“We just can’t afford it.”
The reality:
This is one of the biggest myths as for most small businesses, the government covers up to 95–100% of the apprenticeship training costs. There are also additional incentives available, including financial support when hiring younger apprentices and savings on National Insurance contributions.
What many employers don’t realise is that a training provider can help you (for free) to understand exactly what you’re entitled to for and make sure you access all available financial support.
And crucially, apprentices don’t just cost money, they add value. Government research shows that:
In simple terms: There’s strong financial support available and you’re very likely to see a strong return on your investment.
Myth 4 : “We won’t find the right person”
What people think:
“It’ll take too long and we might not get a good fit.”
The reality:
There is strong demand for apprenticeships, but limited opportunities (often for the reasons cited here) mean not everyone who wants one is able to secure a place.
This is where working with a training provider who offers recruitment support (like Realise) can make a big difference, helping you find candidates who genuinely fit your business.
In simple terms: The talent is there - you just need help reaching it.
Myth 5: “We don’t have the time to support someone”
What people think:
“We’re already stretched so who’s going to train them?”
The reality:
Time is a very real concern, especially in smaller teams. But apprentices are there to support your business - not slow it down.
They can take on everyday tasks that often take up valuable time, freeing up experienced staff to focus on higher-value work. And as they develop, their contribution grows quickly.
Government research supports what we often hear – that many employers find apprentices become a valued part of their team sooner than expected, thereby helping improve productivity and reduce pressure.
In simple terms: Yes, there’s an initial investment of time - but you gain it back (and more).
Myth 6: “Apprentices don’t always complete”
What people think:
“What if it doesn’t work out?”
The reality:
Like any employee, success comes down to support, clarity and the right fit.
When apprentices are supported properly - both by their employer and their training provider - and can apply what they’re learning directly in their role, they’re far more likely to succeed.
And when they do, they often stay - reducing recruitment costs and building loyalty within your team.
In simple terms: When done well, apprenticeships build long-term team members-not short-term fixes.
Myth 7: “We’d rather hire someone experienced”
What people think:
“It’s easier to bring in someone who already knows the job.”
The reality:
That can work, but it often comes at a higher cost and doesn’t always solve your skills gaps.
Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to develop someone your way by building the exact skills your business needs while creating a loyal, engaged employee.
In simple terms: Instead of buying talent, you build it - your way.
Myth 8: “We already have someone doing the job- they don’t need an apprenticeship”
What people think:
“They’re already doing the job… they don’t need a qualification” Or even: “What if they upskill and leave?”
The reality:
Even if someone is already in the role, structured learning can help them work more efficiently, grow in confidence, take on more responsibility and deliver better results for your business.
We see this in practice at Realise - where learners – already in their role, have made a measurable business impact and progressed in their careers as a direct result of doing an apprenticeship.
And while there’s often a fear people might leave, the opposite is usually true as people are more likely to stay where they feel invested in.
In simple terms: Investing in your people enhances their performance and gives them a reason to stay.
Myth 9: “Our existing employees don’t have time to do an apprenticeship”
What people think:
“They’re already busy in their role so don’t have scope to take on more.”
The reality:
This is a common concern, especially in SMEs where teams are already stretched.
An apprenticeship isn’t about adding more work — it’s about helping people become even better at what they already do. By developing new knowledge and skills, employees can enhance their current role or grow into new opportunities and promotions.
The learning is built around their day-to-day role, so they’re developing skills they can use straight away. That means it doesn’t feel like “extra” - it helps them work smarter, not harder.
Over time, this often leads to:
With the right support from a provider like Realise, both the employer and the learner are guided throughout so it feels manageable, not overwhelming.
In simple terms: It’s not about finding extra time - it’s about using time more effectively.
So, what’s the real picture?
When you move past the myths, apprenticeships offer SMEs a cost-effective way to grow your team, build future talent, improve productivity, and create a more loyal, long-term workforce.
With the right partner, like Realise, it’s far more straightforward than you might think. Apprenticeships aren’t just for big organisations - they’re designed for businesses like yours.
In a world where skills and retention matter more than ever, they could be one of the smartest investments you make.
Want to explore if it could work for your business? Start the conversation with Realise today.