Apprenticeship Myths Debunked

Apprentices don’t do well at school

Apprenticeships are an alternative path into skilled employment. They are a great way to earn while learning new skills and put you on a fast-track to a successful career.

Apprenticeships are only available in manual labour industries

This may have been true but apprenticeships are now available in over 1,500 occupations across 170 industries, ranging from law to fashion.

Apprenticeship qualifications are less valuable than degrees

Apprenticeship qualifications can actually run from level 2, which is equivalent to GCSE level, all the way up to level 7, which is the equivalent to a master’s degree. Apprenticeship degrees are given by an accredited university and are as valid as a university student’s degree.

Apprenticeships are low quality

The government launched a new Institute for Apprenticeships in April 2017 to ensure all apprenticeships deliver the same high-quality training.

Apprentices won’t earn very much

Apprentices must receive at least national apprenticeship minimum wage (currently £4.15 an hour correct May 2020) for their first year of the apprenticeship but will then go onto the national minimum wage for their age bracket.

A Great Option

In the long-term, individuals with an advanced apprenticeship can earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more over their lifetime than individuals with similar qualifications. At Empentis, we work with highly supportive employers looking for young people they can develop within their business to reach their full potential. For more information, send us a message on using the contact form.