Apprenticeship Myths Debunked

MYTH #1: Apprenticeships are just for tradespeople

REALITY: Apprenticeships are available in a crazy range of industries and job roles.

Thousands of you have asked search engines ‘What types of apprenticeships can you do?’, thinking that you can only be a trade apprentice. 

Apprenticeships were traditionally associated with trade industries, such as plumbing and construction. But now, you can do an apprenticeship in a wide variety of sectors, from accounting and banking to consulting and engineering. You could even become a solicitor!

The range of schemes on offer has increased significantly. Now, there are programmes available in over 1,500 different job roles, across 170 sectors.

There is something for everyone.

MYTH #2: Those who go to university are always better off

REALITY: Many apprenticeships and school-leaver schemes fast-track your career.

For careers in many different industries, going to university isn’t always the fastest route.

Apprentices receive on-the-job training and earn the qualifications required for a particular profession. They are work-ready!

Many apprentices progress in their careers faster due to the on-the-job experience they gain from the start, whereas university graduates are only just beginning this climb at age 21.

Best of all, you'll be paid a salary for the duration of your scheme, and receive corporate benefits like any other employee.

MYTH #3: University degrees are needed for most jobs

REALITY: 31% of graduates are in non-graduate-level jobs

Not long ago, if you headed to university, you were considered to be at an advantage over those who hadn’t. No more. The UK now has more graduates than graduate jobs, and there is growing unemployment among this age group.

So ask yourself: do you need to go to university to pursue your dream career?

If you want to be a dentist, you will need a university degree. For many other highly-skilled professions, there are alternative pathways that avoid tuition fees - and that includes apprenticeships.

MYTH #4: University is the best route for high achievers

REALITY: More and more students with top A-Levels are choosing to do apprenticeships

Organisations that offer the most sought-after graduate schemes also offer apprenticeships.

Students who would usually go to university and then apply for a graduate scheme are starting work immediately after they leave school or college. Employers are giving high-achieving students the chance to start a career earlier than traditional graduates.

So it's a complete myth that those who choose an apprenticeship have fewer qualifications.

MYTH #5: Apprenticeship qualifications are worthless

REALITY: Qualifications are nationally recognised, and you can even get a degree!

All apprentices work towards a qualification, regardless of the type of scheme they are enrolled on.

These qualifications are recognised nationally by both employers and higher education institutions, and you can work your way up the ladder by moving on to higher-level apprenticeships as you qualify.

In some sectors, such as accountancy, you can actually qualify quicker than a graduate!

Did you also know that 19% of Level 3 apprentices progress to university over time?

Degree apprenticeships are also proving a very popular choice for both past apprentices and those with A-Levels.

MYTH #6: Apprenticeships are only for school leavers

REALITY: You can do a degree apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training with studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree - the best of both worlds!

There are four types of apprenticeship available, from GCSE level right up to degree. 

An apprenticeship is no longer just an option for 16-year-olds who want an alternative to A-Levels or BTECs. You could apply for an apprenticeship with A-Levels, T-Levels or even a degree. Some employers use apprenticeships to upskill existing employees who are in their thirties or forties.

It’s a career option for those well beyond school-leaving age.

MYTH #7: Apprenticeships are badly paid

REALITY: It can be quite the opposite!

An apprenticeship salary can be a big positive on the pro/con list for choosing an apprenticeship as your next career step.

Our recent study into the highest-paid apprenticeship salary locations across the UK revealed that apprentices in Sunderland were earning £49,758 on average.

Compared to the average graduate job salary of £32,000, this shows that apprenticeships can be higher paid than graduate jobs.

You also need to remember that if you choose a degree apprenticeship, you won't have any tuition fees or student loans either!

MYTH #8: Apprenticeships are a thing of the past

REALITY: Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular with people wanting to start earning as early as possible without compromising their learning or development

Companies and industries are quickly learning that the more entry options they can offer potential candidates, the wider scope of talent they’re going to acquire. 

More and more apprenticeships are becoming available in roles and industries that have never been seen before, showing that apprenticeships aren’t ageing but instead moving with the times.

Some of the most exciting apprenticeships available include working for companies such as the Premier League, the Ministry of Defence or even Walt Disney.

MYTH #9: Apprenticeships are boring

REALITY: Apprenticeships are not just full-time education but, instead, balance theory and practical working, where you can put what you learn into practice on the job

If you’re looking for variety in your day-to-day, then apprenticeships can offer just that. Going from real-world meetings to studying with a tutor, you get the perfect balance between on-the-job training and gaining a qualification.

Both of these typically work in sync, too, complementing each other well and adding value to both sides.

Don’t just take our word for it! See how a day in the life of an apprentice differs from industry to industry and get a snapshot into the day-to-day through our apprentice-written job reviews.

MYTH #10: An Apprenticeship is not a proper job

REALITY: Apprentices are given real responsibility

Think apprentices are lumped with tedious tasks like making tea? Think again. Firstly, apprentices have to cover a wide range of tasks in order to complete the programme.

Their employer is obliged to give them practical and relevant work that supports their professional development, ensuring they come out work-ready.

For employers, apprenticeships are also a way of bringing fresh talent into the company and training them their way. It is therefore in their interest to ensure the skills their apprentices learn are the ones they need to succeed in the industry. 

It wouldn’t make sense to give them work that had little value to the business. Instead, apprentices work alongside experienced professionals on projects that have a real impact on the world around them.

If you’re ready to start an exciting career, choose an apprenticeship. 

And if you’re asking yourself ‘what’s an apprenticeship?’ Tell me even more!’ our website has lots of resources packed with the latest facts! You can read more careers advice here.

If you’re a parent trying to help steer your child in the right direction and want to understand more about the apprenticeship opportunities available, then we have you covered. Discover more parental information about apprenticeships with Higherin today.