The Top 7 Apprenticeship Myths Debunked

Apprenticeships have been a system of training as far back as the middle ages, however to this day there are still several myths surrounding the efficiency of these programmes. Below are the top 7 Apprenticeship myths debunked:

1. Apprenticeships are for people who don’t do well at school 

Wrong! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start a career no matter your grades or prior achievements. They are also a great way to re-train later in life. Apprenticeships are now 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. The quality of teaching isn’t of a good standard 

Apprentices are lucky enough to have two types of tuition, the first being work-based learning, and the second classroom-based. As a result, not only are Apprentices able to learn the practical skills needed for their industry, but they are also taught the theoretical knowledge by experienced professionals.  

 

3. You don’t get recognised qualifications by completing an Apprenticeship 

Every single Apprenticeship is now tied to a qualification ranging from NVQs to HNDs or even degree qualifications depending on the level of study. So as an Apprentice, not only will you be getting paid whilst you are learning, but you will also receive a nationally recognised qualification. 

 

4. Apprentices struggle to get 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. 

 

5. Apprentices only get given the jobs no one else wants 

It might seem like you are being given the worst jobs to do when you first start your apprenticeship, but it is important to remember that everyone starts at the bottom and works their way up the ladder. Your employer will also only get you to complete tasks that are relevant to your progression so chances are the menial task they are asking of you will be beneficial in the long run. 

 

6. Apprentices will never earn a decent wage 

Due to government legislation, Apprentices must now be paid the national minimum wage which for ages 16-18 will range from £3.90 - £4.35 per hour. 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 

When Apprenticeships first came back into the spotlight this was definitely the case, with many industries like Engineering and Manufacturing optimising on the opportunity to be able to train their new workforce in-house. Nowadays however, industries like hospitality, retail and healthcare have realised the benefits of Apprentices and now actively seek to recruit apprentices straight out of school.