- Careers
- 15th Jan 2025
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As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child’s future. For many parents, the traditional academic route—GCSEs, A-levels, university—seems like the best path for securing a good career. However, this route isn’t for everyone.
Apprenticeships have appeared as a powerful alternative that combines practical learning with paid work experience. Yet, despite their growing popularity, many myths still surround apprenticeships, leaving parents uncertain whether this is a good choice for their child.
If you’ve ever wondered whether apprenticeships are the right choice, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we’ll bust some of the most common myths about apprenticeships and show why they can be a fantastic route to success for your child.
Myth 1: Apprenticeships Are Only for Those Who Didn’t Do Well in School
Fact: Apprenticeships are for anyone, regardless of their academic achievements.
One of the most persistent myths about apprenticeships is that they are only suited for young people who didn’t perform well academically. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Apprenticeships offer a wide range of levels, from entry-level positions up to degree apprenticeships. This means that even students with top GCSE or A-level results can benefit from an apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience and earning a qualification in their chosen field.
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of sectors, including engineering, IT, marketing, healthcare, and business administration, meaning they provide real opportunities for career growth across a broad spectrum of industries. Many of the employers who offer apprenticeships are seeking talented and motivated young people. Some apprenticeships are highly competitive and attract applicants with strong academic records. To do an apprenticeship you must meet specific criteria set out and if successful you will be required to do a skill scan before starting your apprenticeship.
Myth 2: Apprenticeships Don’t Lead to Good Career Prospects
Fact: Apprenticeships can lead to excellent career opportunities and even higher earnings in the long term.
Another common misconception is that apprenticeships don’t offer the same career prospects as a university degree. However, apprenticeships are designed to equip young people with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to succeed in their chosen careers. Many apprentices go on to secure permanent roles with the company they trained with or use their expertise to move into other high-level positions in their industry.
Apprenticeship programmes often give apprentices access to key professionals and networks within their chosen field, making it easier to progress in their careers. And since apprentices are working while learning, they often develop a professional portfolio and work experience that puts them ahead of university graduates who are just starting out in the job market.
In terms of earning potential, apprentices can also benefit in the long run. By the time their peers have finished university, many apprentices have already spent several years earning a salary and advancing in their careers. While university graduates can also go on to earn well, apprenticeships offer an immediate route into earning while learning, avoiding student debt in the process.
Myth 3: Apprenticeships Are Limited to Traditional Trades
Fact: Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, not just traditional trades.
It’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are exclusive to specific trades, however apprenticeships have evolved over the years. When people think of apprenticeships, they often picture jobs in manual trades like plumbing, construction, or electrical work. While apprenticeships in these fields are still very popular, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Today, apprenticeships are offered in nearly every industry, including tech, finance, marketing, media, law, and healthcare.
For example, at IPS International, we offer apprenticeships in areas such as engineering, automotive, social care, multi-channel marketing, data analysis, customer service, and HR support. These are all high-growth industries where skilled workers are in demand. Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to develop in these sectors without the need to go down the university route, proving that apprenticeships can be just as valuable and diverse as any academic qualification.
Myth 4: University Is Always the Better Option
Fact: Apprenticeships can offer a more practical, cost-effective route into a successful career.
While university is an excellent option for some students, it’s not the only route to success. Apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on alternative to university education, and they have a number of benefits that can make them a better fit for certain individuals.
Unlike university, where students typically pay tuition fees and accrue debt, apprenticeships allow young people to earn while they learn. They receive on-the-job training, gain relevant qualifications, and earn a salary, which helps them avoid the financial strain of student loans. Additionally, apprenticeships often provide a direct entry into industries, meaning that by the time university graduates are starting to look for jobs, apprentices may already have several years of work experience under their belts.
It’s important to understand that apprenticeships and universities offer different types of education, and the “better” option depends on the individual’s career goals, learning style, and financial situation. Apprenticeships suit those who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning, while university might be better for someone interested in pursuing an academic or research-based career. Both options have merit, but apprenticeships are certainly not an inferior alternative. When thinking about the next steps, it’s really important to think about the different elements, not just what is the best route but also what would work best for you.
For example, if someone struggles academically to sit still and learn about the theory, then an apprenticeship might be good for them. Of course, there is theory, but the apprenticeships are made up of hands-on learning and theory while a university will be theory-led with potential blocks of work experience later on.
Myth 5: Apprenticeships Are Just Low-Paying Jobs
Fact: Apprenticeships offer competitive salaries and pay increases as skills develop.
Another myth is that apprenticeships are just low-paying jobs with no real financial benefit. While it’s true that starting salaries for apprenticeships can be lower than those for some entry-level jobs, apprentices are paid for their time and work from day one. As they progress through their training and build more skills, their pay often increases. Legally, employers must pay a minimum apprenticeship wage. If you are over 19, after the first year this should increase to the national minimum wage for your apprenticeship (NMW for age after 19+ years old). Additionally, apprentices avoid accumulating student debt, which can take years for university graduates to pay off.
In many cases, apprenticeships lead to well-paying careers. Once an apprentice completes their training, they often secure full-time roles with competitive salaries. Over time, as they gain more experience and move up within their chosen industry, apprentices can earn just as much, if not more, than their university-educated counterparts.
Myth 6: Apprenticeships Are Only for Young People
Fact: Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages.
While apprenticeships are a popular choice for school leavers, they’re not just for young people. Anyone over the age of 16 can start an apprenticeship, and many employers offer apprenticeships for career changers or people looking to upskill in a new field. Whether someone is looking to change careers later in life or enhance their existing skills, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain new qualifications and experience without going back to university or taking a full-time course.
For parents, this means that apprenticeships are not a narrow option aimed solely at young people who didn’t go to university. They are a practical and highly respected route for individuals of all ages and stages of their careers.
Apprenticeships are a dynamic and valuable choice for young people, offering a blend of practical learning, paid work experience, and qualifications. They are not limited to manual trades, nor are they a second-rate alternative to university. In fact, for many, apprenticeships provide a more direct route to a successful career.
As a parent, understanding the true value of apprenticeships can help you guide your child towards the right career path. Whether they’re interested in tech, business, engineering, or healthcare, apprenticeships offer a real opportunity to learn, earn, and build a future without the pressure of student debt.
If you’re considering this choice for your child, contact IPS International for more information on the exciting opportunities apprenticeships can offer. Email us at [email protected] or Call 01634 298808.
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