5 Myths About Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships have changed

Apprenticeships have changed a lot over the years, but some old ideas about them haven't quite caught up. They're sometimes seen as an alternative for people who don't want to go to university, or as a route into a small number of traditional trades. However, the reality is much broader.

Here are five common myths about apprenticeships.

Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for school leavers

Apprenticeships are available to people at different stages of their careers.

While apprenticeships can be an excellent route for school and college leavers, they aren't exclusively for young people. There are apprenticeships at different levels and in a wide range of industries, including opportunities for people who are changing careers or developing new skills. An apprenticeship can be a way to start a career, change direction or progress in an existing one.

Myth 2: Apprenticeships are only for practical or manual jobs

Apprenticeships are available across a huge range of industries.

You might associate apprenticeships with construction, engineering or skilled trades.

But apprenticeships are also available in areas such as:

• Technology
• Finance
• Marketing
• Business
• Healthcare
• Digital
• Professional services
• Creative industries

Myth 3: Apprenticeships aren't as valuable as university

They're different routes, not a ranking system.

An apprenticeship can lead to recognised qualifications, including higher and degree-level qualifications. At the same time, you're gaining practical workplace experience and earning a salary.

University can be the right choice for some careers and some people. An apprenticeship can be the right choice for others. The question isn't which one is "better".

Myth 4: Apprenticeships are just studying while working

An apprenticeship is a real job with training built into it.

As an apprentice, you're employed by an organisation and contribute to its work. You'll also receive structured training and work towards a qualification.

The balance between work and training varies depending on the apprenticeship, but the key point is that you're combining employment, learning and development.

Myth 5: Apprenticeships are the easy option

Apprenticeships require you to work, learn and develop at the same time.

Being paid to learn doesn't mean an apprenticeship is easy. You'll have workplace responsibilities, deadlines and expectations, alongside your training and qualification. You'll need to manage your time, take feedback and keep developing your skills.

The benefit is that you're doing all of this while gaining practical experience and building towards a qualification.

Apprenticeships are worth considering

Whether you're leaving school, finishing college, graduating from university or considering a change later in your career, an apprenticeship could be worth exploring.

The important thing is to look at the actual opportunity rather than relying on what you think an apprenticeship is supposed to be.