By Danielle Le Breton, HR Director at Lanes Group
Apprenticeships have a lot of misconceptions surrounding them – and these myths may be putting off a whole generation of young people who could benefit significantly from embracing the opportunities that come with being an apprentice.
Currently, there is a lack of understanding about what apprenticeships really involve, leading to limiting assumptions about the types of careers that apprentices can achieve. In reality, however, apprenticeships are extremely valuable and useful qualifications that can lead to a rewarding learning experience, allowing you to open a lot of doors for your career – while earning a wage at the same time.
So what are the myths vs. the reality when it comes to apprenticeships?
MYTH: Apprenticeships are low-level qualifications
Apprenticeships offer a huge range of qualifications from entry level and beyond. Those levels range from getting qualifications at GCSE level (level 2) and working their way up to degree level (level 7). This means you can achieve a degree-level qualification, but with the added benefit of on-the-job training.
Here are some more details about the levels of apprenticeship.
Level 2: Intermediate apprenticeship
This type of apprenticeship is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs. Most commonly, you will not need to hold any qualifications for an apprenticeship at this level – all you have to do is show interest in the role or the industry.
Level 3: Advanced apprenticeship
An advanced level apprenticeship is the equivalent of 2 A-Levels! For this level it is likely you will need to have up to 3 GCSE’s.
Level 4 & 5: Higher apprenticeship
A higher-level apprenticeship is the equivalent to a foundation or full degree. To apply, it is usually expected you will have five GCSEs and an A-level or NVQ.
Level 6 & 7: Degree equivalent
This level is equivalent to a foundation, bachelor’s or master’s degree. For this level, you will likely need five GCSEs, A-levels, a level 3 qualification or apprenticeship, or a BTEC or NVQ, preferably in a relevant subject.
MYTH: Apprenticeships are only for young people
The prevailing view has always been that apprenticeships were a tool for young people who were not going to university to get into entry-level positions. This is certainly true for some, as apprenticeships are available to anyone over the ages of 16, so many young people will use them as a pathway into work in a subject area they are showing interest in.
However, as discussed previously, there are a huge range of different levels when it comes to apprenticeships, meaning there are beneficial options no matter what point of your career you are at. Apprenticeships allow people who are already in the workforce to add to their skill set and improve their earning potential, with the added benefit of remaining in work and earning at the same time.
MYTH: Apprentices earn less
As with most roles, salary levels for apprentices vary significantly depending on your level of experience, or the role you’ve chosen. For example, the minimum wage for apprenticeships for people who are joining a business, especially at level 2, has traditionally been lower than the minimum wage requirements for other roles. However, if you were to join at a higher level, this would be reflected in your salary.
If you join an apprenticeship whilst already employed in the business, you won’t see any changes made to your current contract; your salary will remain the same, but your earning potential will increase as you develop new skills and undertake further work-based projects.
MYTH: Apprenticeships are only for trade jobs
Apprenticeships have often been viewed through the lens of people looking for work in trade roles. While this does play a huge role in apprenticeships, in fact, apprenticeships offer a number of options from trades to office-based roles and beyond. For example, you could even do an apprenticeship to become a qualified accountant while earning and fulfilling a role within a business.
Apprenticeships are a great way for you to enter the workforce or enhance your skills while in a role. They are whatever you make of them, and give you the opportunity to improve your career whilst earning a wage – so if you’ve never considered an apprenticeship before, then now could be the time!
