Myth Busting Apprenticeship Misconceptions

There are a lot of misconceptions about apprenticeships out there so we've decided to set the story straight!

• You can't do an apprenticeship if you don't have A-C in functional skills Maths and English

This isn't true! A level 2 apprenticeship is equivalent to GCSEs and you can do your functional skills alongside it.

• You can only do apprenticeships in traditional manual jobs

There are apprenticeships available in over 250 professions. This includes ICT, journalism, law, veterinary nursing and media, along with the traditional ones, such as construction and plumbing.
You can see a list of lots of different types of apprenticeships here.

• Apprenticeships are just for people who don't get into university or college

False. An apprenticeship is just a different pathway to university and college. Someone may choose to bypass uni and go straight into the work place via an apprenticeship as they want to kickstart their career and start earning straight away.
Some people do an apprenticeship and then head to uni after, with a better idea of what they should study to get them on the career path they want. Apprenticeships provide qualifications that are equal to college and university levels. There are even degree level apprenticeships now!

• Apprentices get terrible pay

Apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, currently at the rate of £3.30 per hour. But that is just the 'minimum' that you can be paid and many companies and organisations pay more.

You can see the average salary per year for different types of apprenticeships here.

• Apprentices are disadvantaged because they do not have a degree

No. Apprenticeships offer a wealth of different qualifications and training. Apprentices also gain lots of experience and will have many of the skills that employers will be looking for. There are now degree level apprenticeships where apprentices will split their time between university study and the workplace, gaining a full bachelor's or master's degree while earning a wage and getting experience.

• Apprenticeships are only for young people

Apprenticeships are open to anyone 16 or older. There is no upper age limit.

If you have any questions about apprenticeships, leave a comment and we will get back to you.

Apprentice Graduate - Liz Moore

Liz Moore

Apprentice ambassador, Liz Moore, has finished her apprenticeship with Brighton & Hove City Council and will be moving to a new job at the end of May.

Liz was a Revenues and Benefit apprentice in the inspectors team and helped with admin work alongside studying towards the IRRV level 3.

Her apprenticeship was taught through Escalla who would come and visit Liz every six weeks to see how she was getting on. Liz was able to complete her qualification in the office and would submit her work online.

Liz will be moving on to her new job at Lewes District Council as a caseworker. She will be dealing with people, benefits, rents and council tax.

Liz said: "I'm sad to leave Brighton & Hove City Council behind and the team I have worked with, but I am looking forward to learning some new things and hopefully remaining in contact with the team I've worked closely with."

"Thank you to everyone in BHCC that made my time here so enjoyable."

Liz is doing a charity boxing event for Cancer Research on Sunday 3 July. She will be doing three two minute rounds. 

If you would like to sponsor Liz visit her JustGiving page.