Mythbusters
YOU MUST BE AGED 16-24 TO COMPLETE AN APPRENTICESHIP
Wrong. There is no upper age limit for an apprenticeship. The oldest apprentice recorded in the UK is 67 years old!
AN APPRENTICESHIP IS NOT A ‘PROPER’ JOB
Wrong. Apprentices are treated just like any other employee with the same rights, tasks, projects, and responsibilities. The main difference between you and another colleague is that you will also be studying while you work!
APPRENTICES ARE STUCK IN THE SAME PROFESSION FOR LIFE
Wrong. One of the best things about completing an apprenticeship is the amount of transferable skills you will develop. If your apprenticeship takes you to a career that you love and enjoy, then great! If not, then take your skills and use them elsewhere. Take Ringo Starr for example – he was an apprentice machinist before becoming a member of the Beatles!
IN ORDER TO REACH MY CAREER GOALS, I MUST GO TO UNIVERSITY
Wrong. Apprenticeships can take you all the way to the top, opening up many doors for you. Did you know that 90% of apprentices secure employment or go into further training after they complete their apprenticeship? You may even have the opportunity to progress on to a higher apprenticeship, equivalent to degree level!
AN APPRENTICESHIP IS AIMED AT PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLE ACADEMICALLY
Wrong. Most apprenticeships do require GCSEs at grade 4 and above in maths & English. Those who do not have the grades, may need to start on a Traineeship in order to improve maths & English grades first.
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE BADLY PAID
Wrong. You’ll earn a minimum of £124.50 per week (minimum of 30 hours per week at £4.15 per hour) and the great thing about an apprenticeship is that you earn a wage while also gaining your qualification.
YOU CAN ONLY DO AN APPRENTICESHIP IN A TRADE
Wrong. Apprenticeships span several industries including professional positions such as digital marketing assistant, business administrator and IT technician specialist.
THE EMPLOYER WILL NOT KEEP ME IN A JOB AFTER I COMPLETE MY APPRENTICESHIP
Wrong. If you demonstrate that you are the right person for the job and do really well, then most employers will invest in your training and development to keep you in the company and to help you to progress.
I NEED LOTS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO GET AN APPRENTICESHIP
Wrong. Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for you to develop your work experience and gain skills related to the industry to help you progress. Employers recognise that applicants will not necessarily have previous work experience.