Seven apprenticeship myths busted

apprenticeship work concept art

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.

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!

“Apprenticeship applications aren't about your grades or your extracurriculars. The recruiters are looking for somebody who will fit into the company culture and give it their best.

"It's all about getting the interview right, showing initiative, leadership and teamworking skills."

Mara1680

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.

“An apprenticeship has 20% off-the-job time which means you spend 20% of your time during the scheme, to focus on attending university, training or mentoring.

"I get one day a week at university which is 9:30am to 5pm and then the other four days we are working full-time.”

McrMetFizah

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

"I was 24 when I started mine. Generally, bigger companies aren't so worried about the funding, so it can be easier for more mature overqualified applicants to be successful."

Tubbz
apprentices working concept art

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.

“With a degree apprenticeship, I am able to continue my academic learning and work towards a degree, whilst spending the majority of my time learning through first-hand experience and from the people around me.

"Being able to learn through experience and applying the theory I learn in a professional environment as well as earning a degree really appealed to me.” 

nawal1540

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.

“I'd say an apprenticeship is financially more attractive than full time uni living away from home.

"You will probably be able to get by if you budget properly. And come out of it free of student debt with work experience.” 

Slowprop

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.

“You’d have the same graduate career opportunities after your apprenticeship as you would with university, but with five years of work experience and proven professional-level competence.” 

Chris2892
Your question will be posted in the Apprenticeships and alternatives to university forum
Awesome! Your question has now been posted. View your post here
  1. Please choose where you want to post your question.
    Please choose your study level.
    Please enter what your question is about.
    Please enter your question.
    Your message must have two characters or more.
Advertisement
People are talking about this article Have your say