Five honest truths about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn, learn and achieve but sometimes their messaging, aims and requirements can get confused. This national apprenticeship week we wanted to do some myth busting surrounding apprenticeships and give you a better understanding of the what’s, the why’s and the how's of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are only for tradespeople

Whilst this might have been the case previously, apprenticeships have moved on a lot in recent years. There are now over 600 apprenticeship standards available including HR, medicine and dog grooming* – to name a few!

*The institute for apprenticeships and technical education

University degrees are needed for most jobs

In the UK today, there are now more graduates than graduate jobs available. This means that competition is at an all-time high. As an apprentice, you will secure paid employment straightaway as you will already have the skills needed to begin your career. Many apprentices go on to get pay rises, promotions and climb the career ladder faster.

Those who go to university earn more money

Most graduates accrue large amounts of debt whilst studying at university, meanwhile apprentices earn a wage straightaway. A recent study conducted by MailOnline showed that apprentices are on average £52,000 better off than their graduate peers after they have worked three years.

You must be a school leaver to do an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships aren’t just for 16-18 year olds, you can undertake them at any age or stage of your career. Many people utilise them as a tool to change industries, get professional recognition or to gain a promotion at work. In fact, under-19s accounted for only 22.2% of apprenticeship starts in 2022.

You’re doing an apprenticeship because you didn’t do well at school

Apprenticeships are simply another route into a skilled career. They are a great way to secure a wage and the experience needed to progress. We often hear from apprentices who tell us that they prefer work-based learning over sitting in a classroom as it’s more engaging. Apprenticeships can be accessed whatever grades you received at school, including if you didn’t obtain Maths and English as we can help you to gain these free of charge.

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