Apprenticeship mythbusters

Public awareness of apprenticeships has grown substantially in recent years.

However, there are still a lot of popular misconceptions surrounding the choice to combine earning whilst you learn, instead of other training and studying options, such as attending university. Many people in the construction industry started out as an apprentice – and lots of those are now CEOs and Managing Directors!

We are here to help bust those myths about apprenticeships!

Myth 1: You can’t get a good qualification doing an apprenticeship

BUSTED: Apprenticeships allow you to gain a nationally recognised qualification while working in a real job.

There are various levels of qualifications you can work towards during your apprenticeship, ranging from a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship to Level 4 and 5 Higher Apprenticeships. You can even work your way up to a Level 6 or 7 degree apprenticeships in some industries.

Myth 2: Apprenticeships are just for young people

BUSTED: Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 looking to improve their skills and progress their careers. They can be for both new members of the workforce and for people who have worked for a number of years, or who are moving to a different career. Indeed, many people use their apprenticeship to change careers to a job they love.

Myth 3: Apprenticeships are only entry level

BUSTED: Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) right through to Levels 6 and 7 (equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree). Some apprenticeships may also offer additional professional qualifications, such as ACCA for accountants.

Myth 4: You can’t study an apprenticeship if you have a degree

BUSTED: If you have a degree you will be still be eligible to receive funding to obtain a new apprenticeship qualification. This is as long as your new qualification is different and offers training for a different career. 

Myth 5: Apprentices will never earn very much

BUSTED: Apprentices must be paid at least the national minimum wage, although many employers do choose to pay more. 

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

Myth 6: Employers don’t value apprenticeships

BUSTED: A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research revealed that apprenticeships boost productivity to businesses by, on average, £214 per week, and 78% of employers said that productivity had improved as a result of apprenticeships.

Employers are now actively involved in how apprenticeships are designed and assessed, through trailblazer apprenticeships. Large businesses pay an apprenticeship levy towards the funding of the apprenticeship programme in England, so are stakeholders in its success.

Myth 7: An apprenticeship won’t lead to a full-time job

BUSTED: In fact, more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their programme of training ends, with 67% remaining with the same employer.

Myth 8: Apprenticeships are for people who want to do more ‘manual’ jobs

BUSTED: There are a great number of apprenticeships for construction careers that involve on site roles like plastering, bricklaying and carpentry, but there are just as many apprenticeships in roles that have a combination of office and site time, or are predominantly office-based, such as CAD technicians, architects and accountants.

Myth 9: University graduates earn more than apprentices

BUSTED: There is a common belief that a university education will enable you to earn more money than an apprenticeship.

But although apprentices start on the national minimum or living wage, by the time they qualify from their apprenticeship they have a wealth of on-the-job experience that a graduate does not have. Some graduates will go on to earn a good salary, but so do many apprentices, especially with further training and professional qualifications. Apprentices also have the benefit of not being burdened with repaying a student loan, which can be a significant financial commitment.

Myth 10: Businesses aren’t taking apprentices on

BUSTED: Like any other job, an apprenticeship may depend on factors that are out of your control. Location and transport links may affect your accessibility to opportunities, but there is no doubt that more apprenticeships are available now than ever before.

Setting the record straight

If busting those myths is not enough, here are some other reasons why you should consider an apprenticeship.

Top facts about apprenticeships

• There are approximately 25,000 apprenticeships available in England at any one time
• 82% of apprentices felt that their ability to do their job had improved
• 79% of apprentices said that their career prospects had got better
• University students get into debt; apprentices get paid a salary
• Apprenticeships are available in 170 industries

Benefits of apprenticeships

• Earning while you learn
• No upper age limit – anyone over the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship
• You don’t need lots of GCSEs to get accepted
• Many employers offer apprentices a job straight after they complete their course