National Apprenticeship Week 2025: Misconceptions about Apprenticeships
- GLP Training
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
At GLP Training, we often hear misconceptions about apprenticeships that can deter potential learners from exploring this rewarding career path.
Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or someone looking to up-skill, apprenticeships offer a valuable opportunity to gain real world experience while earning a salary.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, now is the perfect time to challenge outdated stereotypes and celebrate the diversity and opportunity apprenticeships can offer.
Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about apprenticeships...
Myth 1: Apprenticeships Are Only for Young People
Truth: Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages!
While apprenticeships are often associated with school leavers, many adults also use them to retrain or up-skill in their current careers. In fact, the average age of a GLP Apprentice is 35 years old, this means that whether you’re 16 or 50, an apprenticeship can be a valuable route to professional growth.
Myth 2: Apprenticeships Don’t Lead to High Paying Jobs
Truth: The skills and experience you gain through an apprenticeship significantly increase your chances of securing a high paying job.
With hands-on experience in your chosen field, apprentices are often more attractive to employers because they can apply their knowledge straight away. Many apprentices go on to secure well paid roles, and some even progress into managerial positions.
Higher and degree apprenticeships, which are equivalent to foundation, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, also provide direct pathways into high paying professions.
These programmes not only equip you with the academic qualifications you need, but also gives you the work experience that employers value, all without the burden of university tuition fees.
Myth 3: Construction Apprenticeships Are Only for Men
Truth: Construction apprenticeships are for everyone, regardless of gender.
There’s a stereotype that construction jobs are only for men, but that’s far from the truth.
Women are making their mark in construction and proving that this industry is open to all.
Whether you’re interested in engineering, project management, or other key areas, there are numerous roles where women are leading the way.
Breaking gender stereotypes, especially in fields like construction, is essential, and National Apprenticeship Week is a great time to highlight how apprenticeships continuously pave the way for a more inclusive workforce.
Myth 4: Apprenticeships Are Just for People Who Didn’t Do Well in School
Truth: Apprenticeships are a smart and forward thinking choice for anyone looking to develop valuable skills and advance their career.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for those who didn’t excel in traditional education, they’re for anyone who wants to gain hands on experience, build a professional network, and earn a qualification while working.
Many successful individuals choose apprenticeships over university because they prefer the practical approach to learning. By directly applying their skills in real world settings, apprentices are able to accelerate their career progression and gain qualifications that lead to rewarding, long term success.
Myth 5: Construction Apprenticeships Are Only for Trades
Truth: There are many career avenues and apprenticeships in construction beyond the usual trades.
It’s a common misconception that all construction apprenticeships involve working in the rough environments of building sites.
While there are many hands on roles, construction also offers a wide range of opportunities in areas like construction management, quantity surveying, and planning. In fact, many construction professionals work in offices, managing projects, overseeing budgets, and liaising with clients.
Apprenticeships in construction can allow individuals to enter a thriving sector while avoiding the physical demands of the trade.
Myth 6: Employers Don’t Take Apprenticeships Seriously
Truth: More and more employers recognise the value of apprenticeships, with many large organisations including B&Q, GXO, and PwC - offering structured apprenticeship programmes.
Apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a smart, strategic investment by employers. They appreciate the practical experience, problem solving abilities, and industry specific knowledge that apprentices bring to the workplace.
Apprentices often contribute fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic, making them invaluable to businesses. As a result, many employers actively seek out apprentices, seeing them as a crucial part of their talent pipeline and long-term workforce development.
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships are a credible, valuable, and financially rewarding alternative to traditional education routes. Whether you’re starting your career, retraining, or looking to up-skill, apprenticeships offer exciting opportunities across various industries.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the diversity of apprenticeships and challenge stereotypes. Apprenticeships continue to prove that these courses are for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, why not explore our
apprenticeship programmes today?
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Click here to find out how you can be part of the celebration:
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