National Apprenticeship Week: debunking 10 common myths about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships play a vital role in supporting people to build skills, careers and confidence, while helping employers and communities grow. Each February, National Apprenticeship Week offers a chance to reflect on that impact and challenge some of the misconceptions that still surround them.

In honour of the UK-wide celebration that shines a light on the value that apprenticeship programmes bring to individuals, businesses and communities, we’ve put some common apprenticeship myths to the fact-check test. Think you know apprenticeships? Think again…

 Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for people who aren’t academic

Apprenticeships exist at every level of education, including degree and master’s level (Levels 6–7). Many require strong GCSEs, A levels, or equivalent and involve rigorous study alongside work; they’re an alternative way of learning to university, not a second-best one.

Did you know? Degree apprenticeships (equivalent to bachelor’s and master’s degrees) now represent around 17 % of all new apprenticeships.

Myth 2: Apprenticeships are just for vocational careers

While traditional trade apprenticeships still exist, apprenticeships now cover digital and tech (including software, cyber and data), business, marketing, PR, HR, finance and accountancy, health, education, as well as creative industries, leadership and management.

Fun fact: Around 50% of apprenticeships are now in non-technical fields including business, marketing and finance.

Myth 3: You don’t need to be employed to do an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have an employment contract and a salary, and apprentices split their time between working for their employer and completing structured training, so apprentices earn while they learn from day one while gaining hands-on experience. Click here to find out more about studying an apprenticeship course while employed.

Did you know? Apprentices typically spend 80% of their time working for their employer and the remaining 20% on training or study.

Myth 4: Apprentices don’t earn much

There is a minimum apprentice wage, but many employers pay well above it, especially for higher and degree apprenticeships. Degree apprentices earn a salary, have their tuition paid for, and graduate debt-free.

Read about Brianna, a former pro roller-skater who turned down a prestigious offer from a Russell Group university to do a highly-paid degree apprenticeship.

Did you know? Apprentices are also entitled to the same employment rights as regular employees, including holiday pay, sick leave, and job security.

Myth 5: You won’t get a ‘real’ or recognised qualification

Apprenticeships include nationally recognised qualifications, such as NVQs, diplomas, professional certifications and Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees (for higher and degree apprenticeships). Employers value apprenticeships because they combine a qualification with real experience.

Fun fact: A 2020 survey by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills found that over 80% of employers felt that apprenticeships helped create a workforce with higher skill levels.

Myth 6: You’ll be stuck doing admin or boring tasks

Modern apprenticeship standards are designed around real occupational competence. Apprentices must demonstrate technical skills, professional behaviours and independent responsibility.

Did you know? Employers must offer apprentices meaningful work to meet the apprenticeship standard.

Myth 7: Apprenticeships limit your career progression

The opposite is true, and apprenticeships can massively accelerate career progression. Many apprentices progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, move into management or specialist roles and out-earn graduates within a few years due to experience.

Did you know? Employers often retain and promote apprentices because they already understand the organisation compared to new hires.

Myth 8: Apprentices don’t get a proper learning experience

Apprentices receive structured learning and development, including structured off-the-job training (at least 20%), mentoring and assessments, and study time built into their job.

Did you know? Apprentices have a different experience to university students, but it is often more supported and practical.

Myth 9: They’re only for school leavers

Apprenticeships are open to all ages (16+), including people looking to change career, people returning to work (for example after childcare or travelling) and current employees keep to upskill.

Fun fact: A large proportion of apprentices in England are over 25.

Myth 10: Employers don’t take apprentices seriously

Because employers invest time and money into apprenticeships, they take apprenticeships very seriously, especially higher and degree apprenticeships.

Did you know? In some sectors, apprenticeship routes are now preferred over graduate schemes.

Now that we’ve busted some of the myths surrounding apprenticeships, and showed how they can help you succeed in the workplace, why not take a look at the apprenticeship programmes we offer at Capital City College?

Whether you’re leaving school, looking to upskill, or planning your next career move, there’s never been a better time to explore than during National Apprenticeship Week 2026.

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