Myth Busting: An Apprentice’s Insight into the Modern Workforce

When I first considered an apprenticeship, I was 18 years old and completely lost, as are most 18-year-olds. I knew higher education wasn’t for me, but I had no guidance on any alternatives. Truthfully, apart from university, my school didn’t really encourage any other options.

I was left to do my own research and figure things out along the way. Since May 2015 there have been 3,157,480 apprenticeship starts. The more I researched apprenticeships, the more I couldn’t understand why kids in my school were not considering them. You get the work experience; you get to study and develop new skills PLUS you’re getting paid for it all? It felt like a win-win situation. I realised there were some common myths and misconceptions that were discouraging them.

Myth 1: Apprenticeships are less rewarding than higher education – Reality: Many apprenticeships offer pathways to higher education, including university degrees. It’s a blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. I know from speaking to my friends who have graduated from university, how difficult it is to gain practical work experience, while still being able to focus on your studies. Even after graduating, some companies expect potential employees to have some form of experience. That’s why apprenticeships are so important. From their latest 2023 application figures, UCAS highlighted that 40% of students interested in undergraduate study were also interested in apprenticeship options – that’s a 180% increase since 2021.

Some of the biggest companies in the world offer degree apprenticeships including: The big four, Amazon, Rolls Royce, BBC… to name a few! It’s possible to get a degree without any student loans or debt.  

Myth 2: Apprenticeships are easy and require minimal effort – Reality: This is far from the truth! As a current apprentice myself, I can tell you this is not the case. You’re expected and encouraged to work hard, just like any other employee. There must be a willingness to learn and stay on top of your assignments and studying, as well as your day-to-day work commitments. I have learned how to prioritise tasks and manage my time better.

Myth 3: Apprentices are only for school leavers – Reality: This is actually not the case. Although I admit, a lot of the time apprenticeships are advertised towards school leavers who are looking for their next career step, there’s usually no upper age limit. I started my apprenticeship this year, at the age of 23. When I finished my A-levels I wanted to start an apprenticeship, but at the time it didn’t work out, so I went straight into work and the couple of years after that were a blur! I was furloughed because of a certain pandemic! I then eventually started a role in marketing and social media, but realised I didn’t have the basic foundations I needed. I wanted to learn more, but still gain work experience, so an apprenticeship just seemed like the right decision. I don’t think age matters, you can always learn new skills whether you’re 17 or 65! In fact, according to the latest Gov.UK figures, 47% of the apprenticeships started in 2021/22 were by people aged 25 and over. 

Myth 4: Only large tech companies offer Apprenticeships – Reality: In July 2023, the British government announced six ways that they were looking to widen access to apprenticeships – one of which was introducing more than 670 high-quality and degree apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors including nursing, engineering, law, science, and NHS medical courses. Smaller businesses as well as the creative industries are offering apprenticeships too. I think when I first looked into apprenticeships in 2018, I agree it was more difficult to come across creative roles however, I think there has been a shift especially, post-pandemic. I have seen more opportunities in the arts, in communications and other creative industries. I, myself, am currently working in PR and comms. I think it just requires some research. If it’s not an apprenticeship you’re looking for, there are shorter term options like internships, fellowships, online courses. Even just networking online and getting in contact with different organisations can be useful. 

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, being an apprentice is great. You can still progress in your career, regardless of what your job title is. The pandemic really put things into perspective and I think more people realised it’s ok to step back and re-learn skills. Whether it’s for your current role or whether you want to take the risk and jump into something new, you won’t know unless you try.

I’ve been very lucky with my apprenticeship at 23red – I’ve learnt so much in the seven months since I’ve started. Working collaboratively with co-workers and clients, watching, and absorbing how campaigns are created from the initial brainstorming up until the launch date and having regular catch ups with my line manager and tutor to make sure I have enough support for my studying and daily work tasks.

A note to students (or parents of students): Higher education is great, but traditional ways of learning are not for everyone and… that’s ok. There are so many alternatives out there if you do your research.

A note to employers: Consider hiring apprentices! According to The Open University’s 2023 Business Barometer report, most organisations intend to use some form of training for their staff over the next twelve months, with many showing a preference for shorter courses. Overall, 44% said they intend to use short courses with certification, 41% intend to use coaching or mentoring, a smaller, but still significant proportion intend to use more structured or longer-term training courses such as apprenticeships (25%) or higher level or degree apprenticeships (9%). (But I think it’s worth exploring apprenticeships further!)

Image source: Unseen Studio via Unsplash