Make UK bids to smash the five apprenticeship myths

The organisation’s engagement manager Fiona McGarry said the event on 25 January offered a chance for students to get a taste for manufacturing and engineering careers by meeting a range of top companies but also for learning about routes into careers.

“Apprenticeships are a great route for those looking for an alternative to university and prefer a different approach to learning. However, there are a number of misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships, which can often be a barrier to those considering them,” she explained.

“There are so many myths surrounding apprenticeships and fears that securing a well-regarded placement is difficult, when, in reality, the manufacturing and engineering sector is looking for bright, talented, enthusiastic people to join apprenticeship programmes right now.”

To aid them in making choices, Make UK has identified five common misconceptions about apprenticeships, said McGarry, and offered factual rebuttals.

These are:

• Apprentices don't earn much: In fact, average pay for engineering apprentices is almost double the minimum rate (Source: BEIS Apprentice Pay Survey).
• Apprenticeships might not lead to jobs: 75% of manufacturers say all that their apprentices remain afterwards (Source: Make UK).
• Apprentices only do 'donkey work': 72% of manufacturers offer apprenticeships because they want to acquire specific skills for their business. (Source: Make UK).
• Business aren't hiring apprentices: Half of manufacturers offer apprenticeships to get more young people into the industry. (Source: Make UK).
• Apprenticeships aren't valued by employers: 83% of manufacturers offer apprenticeships to make sure they have the skills they need for the future. (Source: Make UK).

Added McGarry: "We hope that our open day will help showcase alternative routes and opportunities available through apprenticeships, to kick start new opportunities for young people as they start the new year."