Apprenticeship fact checker
We hear a lot of misconceptions about apprenticeships - who can do them, what they involve and what they mean for your career. Here we bust the myths and explain the facts.
Salary
Myth: All apprenticeships are low paid
Fact: Your wage will depend on whether you are already employed when you start the apprenticeship training, or if you are recruited as a new apprentice.
If you are already employed, you'll be paid the same wage.
The wage for newly recruited apprentices is set by the employer, just like any other job. Some employers or industries will offer higher salaries. The salary will also depend on the area and level of the chosen apprenticeship.
Find out more about apprentice pay
Myth: An apprenticeship won't really affect my career or earnings
Fact: The pay will depend on the industry and type of work you're doing. However, if you have successfully completed your apprenticeship and hold higher qualifications than others in the business, your employer may recognise this with a higher salary, more responsibility or even a promotion. In 2021, apprentices said their apprenticeship had influenced either a promotion (83%) or a pay rise (72%). Source: Apprenticeships evaluation
Career progression
Myth: When joining a company as an apprentice, it is hard to progress
Fact: Quite the opposite! Some people start off doing a lower-level apprenticeship as an entry point into an industry, because once they get their foot in the door, the sky is the limit. This is why apprenticeships are a fantastic option - you get to decide where you go, because you have your professional qualifications and a wealth of work experience under your belt.
There's also the option to undertake additional apprenticeships alongside your career that will help you grow and develop as you progress.
Myth: Apprentices don't get promoted to a full-time staff member after they complete their apprenticeship
Fact: Over 90% of apprentices are offered permanent employment either during their apprenticeship or upon completion.
Those who do move on have usually secured roles where they can command bigger salaries and be given more responsibilities.
To find out more visit UCAS's page on What happens at the end of an apprenticeship?
Myth: Degree apprenticeships are not as prestigious as a university degree
Fact: You'll be working towards the same academic standards as students that aren't on an apprenticeship, plus you'll gain hands-on experience, something that regular university students don't have. Degree level apprenticeships can be offered by reputable companies, such as the NHS, the Bank of England, BT and Morgan Sindall.
You can visit our apprenticeship vacancies page for links to apprenticeship searches to see what's out there.
Search for apprenticeship vacancies
The other great benefit of a degree level apprenticeship is that you'll have no tuition fees to pay as the apprenticeship is being paid for by your employer!
Who can be an apprentice
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for people who don't do well in school or those looking for an easy option
Fact: Far from it! You'll be balancing working full-time four days a week with doing your apprenticeship work, so you'll need to work hard and be organised to meet deadlines.
Every apprenticeship will involve some theoretical and/or academic work which you will need to complete alongside your practical learning. However, you can learn on the job and spend time with more experienced colleagues within the business.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for young people
Fact: There's no upper age limit for apprentices. Apprenticeships are available to anyone aged 16 and older. The apprenticeship qualifications range from level 2 (equivalent to 5× GCSE) up to level 7 (equivalent to a Master's degree). The higher the qualification, the more experience and/or prior qualifications you will need when applying.
You can also undertake an apprenticeship as an existing member of staff looking to further increase your skills or even change careers.
What apprentices do
Myth: Apprentices aren't given important tasks to do
Fact: You will need to gain knowledge, skills and professional behaviours as part of your work duties to achieve the criteria set within the apprenticeship training. Your employer will work closely with your assessor to ensure you are learning everything you need to with your on-the-job duties and off-the-job learning. You will not just be making the tea or doing the filing.
Find out more about apprenticeship training
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for manual jobs such as hairdressing or construction
Fact: There are over 700 different apprenticeships available on 15 different routes covering areas such as business and administration, health and science, creative and design and environmental sectors.
Did you know that there are apprenticeships available for solicitors, sports coaches and sustainability practitioners?
Find out more about choosing a sector for your apprenticeship
