The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2020 was “Look Beyond” – we encouraged everyone to look beyond the outdated stereotypes surrounding apprenticeships and to celebrate the diversity of opportunity and value that they bring.
#LookBeyond the common misconceptions about apprenticeships...
‘Apprenticeships are only available for those who want to work in manual industries’
Apprenticeships are available across a variety of professions and industries! Popular apprenticeships include accounting and finance, science, digital marketing and human resources.
‘I am not experienced enough to apply for an apprenticeship’
You do not need experience to apply for an apprenticeship! Apprenticeships are designed to give you this experience through on-the-job training.
‘As an apprentice, I will not be given any real work to do’
Employers will put together a training plan to ensure you have all the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in your role, which means there will be plenty of opportunities to get stuck in to real projects and experiences.
‘Apprenticeships will not lead to a full-time job’
At the end of an apprenticeship, you will have gained your qualification and an extensive amount of experience. In most cases, employers do not want to lose that skilled and valuable resource and will offer apprentices full-time employment.
‘Apprenticeships are not as valued as other qualifications’
Apprenticeships are just as valuable and in some cases, as academic a route as A levels and vocational courses - the difference is, you enter employment whilst completing your qualification, specialising in your chosen sector. Apprenticeships even range from level 2 all the way through to degree level!
‘Apprenticeships are only for school leavers’
Any person over the age of 16 can become an apprentice. As long as you are not in full-time education and fulfil the employer’s criteria, age is not an issue!
‘Apprentices do not earn very much’
Apprenticeships will not cost you a penny and you will earn a salary while you learn on-the-job and gain your qualification. Apprentices will receive the apprenticeship National Minimum Wage in the first year of their apprenticeship (a minimum of £117 per week). This will then increase to meet the National Minimum Wage for your age group, for the remainder of the apprenticeship.
