
Let's straighten out some apprenticeship misunderstandings
There can be plenty of confusion around apprenticeships – particularly on who they're for, what qualifications you'll get and what careers they can lead to.
To help clear things up, we'll tackle seven common misconceptions that could have wrongly put you off taking an apprenticeship.
Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for manual labour trades like building and plumbing
While there are apprenticeships in building and plumbing, but there are plenty of other options – especially for higher level and degree apprenticeships.
You'll be able to find opportunities in a variety of industries from medicine, engineering and teaching to marketing, finance and law.
Apprenticeship employer Atkins says apprenticeships are "for people who want to get stuck into a career – you will find them across an array of roles."
There's plenty of chat about specific apprenticeship vacancies on The Student Room forums. Take a look at some popular threads in the box below and you should be able to get a good grasp of some of the more popular industries.
Apprenticeship discussion on The Student Room |
Head to our apprenticeships and alternatives to university forum to find more applicant chats like these.
- Read more on The Uni Guide: think uni isn't for you? Here's how to decide
Myth 2: I need experience to get an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are more about developing skills than hiring them. As an aspiring apprentice, you should show enthusiasm for your role. Here are some things worth considering before you apply:
- Will this apprenticeship challenge you?
- Are you willing and eager to learn?
- Are you willing to listen and take instruction?
- Do you like what’s on offer enough to make sure you complete it?
Apprenticeship employers are looking for commitment over experience, so think about where you would like to be in five years time – if the apprenticeship will help you get there, then go for it!
Myth 3: Apprenticeships aren't for academic students
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with classroom learning – you'll be working towards a recognised qualification.
It doesn't matter how academic you are, apprenticeships could be good option if you've got a specific career in mind – as they can help can you get a foot in the door, and potentially put you ahead of graduates with limited work experience.
Myth 4: I’m 19 so I’m too old to start an apprenticeship
You can start an apprenticeship as long as you’re over 16 and not in full-time education.
There are four types of apprenticeship and they suit different education levels. Below you'll find the typical requirements for each one.
Type of apprenticeship | Entry requirements |
Intermediate | Over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education. |
Advanced | You'll probably need some work experience and at least three 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent – like an intermediate apprenticeship qualification. |
Higher | You'll usually need at least five 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects – or enough relevant work experience. |
Degree | You could need three A-levels in a specified grade range (or a higher apprenticeship qualification), with at least five 9-4 GCSE grades and some work experience. |
If you're 19 and you've finished your A-levels, for example, you could take a higher level or degree apprenticeship.
But this is just a guideline – it's important to check with each individual employer as their requirements might be different

Myth 5: I can’t go to uni if I do an apprenticeship
Each apprenticeship level gives you a fresh set of qualifications which have an education equivalent.
This means that you can use your apprenticeship qualification as a pathway to uni if you want to, giving you the best of both worlds.
Here are the equivalent education levels of each apprenticeship:
Apprenticeship type | Level | Equivalent education level |
Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
Advanced | 3 | A-level |
Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or Master's degree |
Alternatively, you could take a degree apprenticeship where you'll go to university debt-free at the same time as working for your employer.
- Read more on The Uni Guide: is a higher or degree apprenticeship right for you?
Myth 6: It’s impossible to live off an apprenticeship wage
The current national minimum wage for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour, but this is increasing to £6.40 on 1 April 2024 – apprentice pay rates are usually changed every year.
Once you’re at least 19 and have finished the first year of your apprenticeship, you'll get the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age. You can find out more about what you'll earn as an apprentice here on The Student Room.
But employers can pay you more than that. "The majority of our apprentices get paid significantly more than the national minimum," says BPP Apprenticeships. "Their pay increases in line with experiences and qualifications gained."
You'll be typically get paid lower to start with – as the employer is paying for your training – but the experience and progression could set you up for higher paying roles in the future.
Myth 7: I need a degree to be successful
There are lots of different routes to success. Whether you take an apprenticeship or end up going to university, everyone has a different journey with different outcomes.
The practical experience that comes with an apprenticeship could give you the edge in a competitive field down the line, but it's important to choose the path that feels right to you.
- Read more on The Uni Guide: education levels and qualifications explained