There is definitely and also for me the low wage was off putting seeing so many offering like £3 p/h, yes you'll gain qualification and experience but I'm sure im not the only one that have been put off by this.
I've recently finished my 1st of year and uni realised an apprenticeship may have been a better option, since I want to go into a potentially IT Related field and also that being that I dont have the best grades on my CV experience from day one would be a big plus.
I guess it all depends on the individual, people definitely shouldn't turn their nose at apprenticeships.
For me people should go to college then decide and get the best grades you can, unless your absolutely certain traditional higher education isn't for you, going to college and achieving the best possible grades you can would give you the best options - Especially with the rise of Higher Apprenticeships and Sponsored degrees which require A-Levels/BTECs to jump aboard or of course Uni.
Wish I did a lot better on my A-Levels quite liked the sound of Higher Apprenticeship, I did apply for a Lloyds but I failed at the first hurdle (Online tests) though I was rushing to do it so have myself to blame.
In short dont turn your nose try to weed out the good ones that will give you the best possible start to your career.