What do you do if you can’t determine between a degree and an apprenticeship and whether an apprenticeship is worth It? Of course, both choices are viable; however, before making a big decision, inform yourself of the truth behind these six apprenticeship myths!
Choosing what to do after school or university is a huge step, so ensure you have all the necessary details. Here are five myths about apprenticeships that you might have heard, why they are FALSE, and why apprenticeships are worth it.
“Do you believe I’m too good for an apprenticeship?”
If you’ve already received good grades or are expecting good test results, you might be asking yourself the question but aren’t sure what the correct answer is. And, though you may sound guilty for challenging it, you’re doing it anyway. But, of course, it doesn’t help if your parents advise you that a degree is the best option for top students. They are correct to be concerned about the future, but since they did not have new apprenticeships in their day, they will have little proof to back up their claims.
Employers now see an apprenticeship, as a degree, as a desirable way to obtain jobs. Degrees and apprenticeships both show a desire to learn and work hard. Qualifications are the result of both outcomes.
Choosing between apprenticeships and degrees is more than just a question of academic ability. There are many ways to learn. The first is more theoretical, with book learning and a traditional classroom environment. One is more hands-on and entails practising by practice (though formal instruction is also included in an apprenticeship).
What do you want to achieve with your personal life? Which method of education is best for you? There are more critical questions to consider.
“Do apprenticeships only exist for physically ‘dirty’ work?”
So, you want to be a chimney sweep? We live in high-tech times, with over 250 different apprenticeships required for over 1,500 different job roles. On the Find an Apprenticeship website, you can search for up to 25,000 apprenticeship openings anytime.
There is an apprenticeship for you, no matter what your preferences are. Fashion, food science, emerging technologies, industry, management, you name it, and an employer will educate you while still paying you.
And though you’re not a fan of physical labour? – get over it! Construction is vital to our industry; without it, technical marvels like the Shard and Britain’s switched-on futuristic intelligent cities would not be feasible.
Some fascinating, well-paying, high-prestige occupations (such as engineering) include touching and controlling non-laptop buttons and, in reality, may involve moving outside.
“Don’t the best jobs still go to graduates?”
Wouldn’t you be interested in knowing? Top employers retain about 91 per cent of their apprentices. That means more than nine out of ten apprentices are invited to stay and progress in the company, so apprenticeships must be worth it.
An apprenticeship gives you a degree while still supplying you with unique skills that employers respect more than gold. As university graduates start searching for their first job, they might have worked in the sector for several years, in various positions and with a wide range of skills.
On the one hand, learners are more likely to be assigned to specific occupations and early career openings. For example, you cannot qualify for a graduate training scheme until you have attended university.
On the other hand, management training programmes are gradually being offered to graduates. Furthermore, some professions have traditionally been associated with a bachelor’s degree. For example, a degree (though not required) increases the chances of being hired for a legal job. A variety of law-related apprenticeships are also open. For example, regardless of whether you have A-levels or their equivalent, you will begin an apprenticeship as a solicitor.
However, let us put things in context:
Employers who value career experience will be captivated by the CV of a talented student who has broadened their skill set, skills, employment experience, and knowledge of business culture.
Apprenticeships are available at all levels, from novice to advanced. You would be paid to read and enrol in a class specifically for managerial positions if you pursue a higher degree, so apprenticeships are worth it.
“Do apprentices get less than graduates?”
Graduates, without a doubt, arrive at a higher salary.
On the other hand, apprentices begin earning a paycheck and obtaining career experience much earlier than adults, even though learners are still seated in a classroom.
You don’t have to think about student loan debt as an apprentice.
You would be both educated and professional after finishing your apprenticeship; there is no reason why you should not increase your workload and salary and aspire for progression.
“Does an apprenticeship mean that I am insufficiently qualified?”
After completing your apprenticeship, you would be able to obtain a nationally recognised, industry-standard credential. The apprenticeship you complete determines the level of qualification you get. For example, you can earn a Functional Skills degree, a technical certification such as a BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC), or a Higher National Diploma, depending on the apprenticeship scheme you want (HND).
As a rule of thumb:
- Intermediate apprenticeship qualification – equivalent to five GCSE passes (or their equivalent)
- Two A-levels are equivalent to advanced apprenticeship qualification
- A higher apprenticeship can progress to a level 4 NVQ or higher, and a foundation degree
- Earning a full honours degree (either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s) is needed for a degree apprenticeship
“Do I have to choose between getting a degree and working as an apprentice?”
No, you don’t! Who said you couldn’t do both an apprenticeship and a degree?
The government also created degree apprenticeships to help people develop their technical skills. Architecture, public relations, construction, science, and technology are only a few areas where degree apprenticeships are eligible.
How does it work? Your degree is paid for in part by the government and in part by the employer. You are not required to pay anything. There aren’t any student loans. There are no student loans. There is nothing. There is nothing. You get free training for a valid degree. Since this is an apprenticeship scheme, you would always get paid when working with your employer, the degree apprenticeship provider.
If you choose to work in science and technology, a degree apprenticeship might be your best option.
What about beginning with an apprenticeship and then working your way up to a degree?
There is nothing excluding you from pursuing a degree after completing an apprenticeship. However, degree programmes are becoming more flexible, and others now provide distance learning, enabling you to study online while employed.
The most important thing to do before choosing between an apprenticeship and a degree is to prepare yourself and thoroughly weigh your choices and ask yourself if apprenticeships are worth it to me. It’s all up to you after that!