If you're looking to start an apprenticeship, or have a child or family friend who's just finished school and is still unsure on their next steps... have a read of our Education & Skills team's 'Apprenticeship Myth-Busting Guide' – which helps to separate the fact from fiction around apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are only for people who didn’t do well in school.
Fact:
Apprenticeships are designed for individuals of all academic levels, from school leavers to university graduates to those in professional roles. They provide hands-on experience and advanced training in a specific field, often leading to qualifications equivalent to an A-level or degree.
Apprenticeships are only for traditional trades like plumbing and construction.
Fact:
While apprenticeships are common in trades, they are available in a wide range of industries, including IT, healthcare, finance, engineering, digital marketing, and even law. The diversity of available apprenticeships means there’s likely something for everyone.
Apprenticeships don’t lead to well-paying jobs.
Fact:
Apprenticeships can lead to highly rewarding careers, both in terms of job satisfaction and salary. Many apprentices start earning money from day one, and some apprenticeship graduates go on to earn more than their peers with traditional academic qualifications.
Apprenticeships are just cheap labour.
Fact:
Apprenticeships are structured training programmes designed to benefit the apprentice, not just the employer. They combine work-based learning with study, and apprentices are paid for their work. The primary goal is to equip the apprentice with skills and qualifications, while providing fresh perspectives and ideas for the business, not to provide cheap labour.
You don’t get a recognised qualification from an apprenticeship.
Fact:
Apprenticeships often lead to nationally recognised qualifications, ranging from certificates and diplomas to degrees. Many apprenticeships also include industry-recognised certifications that are highly valued by employers. But most of you will gain experience – something that can’t be defined by a piece of paper.
Apprenticeships are only for young people.
Fact:
Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages. Many programmes are designed to help adults retrain or upskill in a new field. In fact, there are apprenticeships tailored specifically for those who are changing careers or looking to advance in their current profession. As of recent data, approximately 47% of apprentices in the UK are aged 25 and over.
Apprenticeships don’t offer career progression.
Fact:
Apprenticeships often lead to significant career progression. Many apprentices go on to secure full-time employment with their apprenticeship employer, and some even move into management roles. Check out a GC apprenticeship story here and here! The skills and qualifications gained during an apprenticeship can open doors to advanced career opportunities.
University is a better option than an apprenticeship.
Fact:
University and apprenticeships are both valid paths to a successful career, depending on the individual's learning style and career goals. Apprenticeships offer the unique advantage of gaining practical experience while earning a wage and avoiding student debt. Many employers value the hands-on experience gained through apprenticeships as much as, if not more than, a university degree.
Apprenticeships are only for manual or technical jobs.
Fact:
Apprenticeships span a wide variety of roles, including those in creative industries, business, and finance. For example, there are apprenticeships available in fields like graphic design, journalism, human resources, project management and even to become a butler.
Employers don’t take apprenticeships seriously.
Fact:
Many employers value apprenticeships highly, viewing them as a way to develop skilled workers who are trained to meet the specific needs of their business. In fact, some companies prefer hiring apprentices because they can train them from the ground up.
For more information about apprenticeships at GC, visit our Education & Skills website.