Apprenticeships are more advanced, more flexible and more easier accessible than many employers realise. Yet misunderstandings about how they work still hold organisations back from using them effectively.
Apprenticeships
4 min read
August 13, 2026
Apprenticeships
21 Apprenticeship Myths You Probably Still Believe
Written by
Wesley dos Santos
Digital Marketing Assistant
Categories
Key takeaways
- Apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers or entry-level roles. They're open to anyone aged 16+, run from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to Level 7 (master's equivalent), and can be used to train existing staff into new or senior positions.
- You don't need to pay the Apprenticeship Levy to use them. Smaller employers may contribute as little as 5% of training costs, and for 16–18 year olds the government often covers the full amount. Funding applies to training and assessment only — wages remain your responsibility.
- The admin sits with the training provider, not you. Recruitment, course design, delivery, assessment and compliance are all handled for you. Your role is to offer day-to-day support and real work experience.
- They flex around how your business already operates. Most learning happens on the job, the 20% off-the-job requirement is designed to fit around business needs, and apprenticeships can be completed part-time.
Apprenticeships are more advanced, more flexible and more easier accessible than many employers realise. Yet misunderstandings about how they work still hold organisations back from using them effectively.
To address this, we spoke with Adam Docherty, our Head of Apprenticeships Business Development, who has worked in the apprenticeship and education space for 10+ years. He regularly advises employers of all sizes and industries, and hears the same concerns come up time and again.
This blog tackles the 21 most common apprenticeship myths – directly informed by Adam’s conversations with employers. We’ve grouped the myths into four categories to make them easier to navigate:
General, Funding and costs, Hiring and recruitment myths, Quality and outcomes
If your organisation is unsure about apprenticeships, or you’ve dismissed them in the past – here is a good starting point.
1. Aren’t apprenticeships just for school leavers?
No. While school leavers do take apprenticeships, they are open to anyone aged 16+ including those changing careers or upskilling later in life.
2. Can existing staff really do an apprenticeship?
Yes. Many businesses use apprenticeships to train current employees, often to help them move into new roles or leadership positions.
3. Isn’t an apprenticeship only for entry-level jobs?
Not at all. Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (master’s degree equivalent). They can support junior hires and senior managers alike. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.
- Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) – equivalent to 2 A-level passes.
- Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4) – equivalent to foundation degree or higher-level qualification.
- Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 and 7) – equivalent to full bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Understanding these levels is critical for both employers and potential apprentices to determine the appropriate entry point based on existing qualifications and career aspirations.
4. Do apprenticeships only apply to trades or manual jobs?
No longer. While trades still benefit, there are now apprenticeships in IT, finance, healthcare, marketing, HR, and more.
5. Won’t training take too much time away from their main job?
Apprentices spend 20% of their time on off-the-job training. This is designed to fit around business needs and can be delivered flexibly.
6. Do I have to give the apprentice a full-time job at the end?
There is no obligation to hire the apprentice after completion, although many employers choose to because of the skills and value developed.
7. Isn’t it all classroom-based learning?
Most apprenticeship learning takes place on the job. Formal training is supported by a provider but is usually blended with day-to-day tasks.
Funding and Cost Myths
8. Aren’t apprenticeships expensive for employers?
Not necessarily. Small employers may only need to contribute 5% of the training cost. In some cases, even that can be waived.
9. If I don’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy, can I still take on an apprentice?
Yes. Levy-paying and non-levy-paying employers can both use apprenticeships, and funding support is available for all.
10. Is the 5% employer contribution mandatory for every apprenticeship?
Not always. If your apprentice is aged 16 to 18, or meets other eligibility criteria, the government may fund 100% of the training cost.
11.Does the funding cover salaries as well as training?
No. Government funding covers training and assessment only. The employer is responsible for paying the apprentice’s wages.
12. Can I transfer my levy funds to another business or partner?
Yes. Levy-paying employers can transfer up to 25% of their unused funds to another organisation, such as a supplier or partner.
Hiring and Recruitment Myths
13. Isn’t it complicated and time-consuming to hire an apprentice?
Not with the right support. Training providers help with recruitment, applications, and compliance – reducing admin for employers.
14. Do apprentices have to be full-time employees?
No. Apprenticeships can be completed part time, provided the required hours and duration are met.
15. Do I need to advertise apprenticeships differently from regular roles?
There are some additional requirements, such as listing on the Apprenticeship Service platform, but standard recruitment channels can also be used.
16. Is there a limit to how many apprentices I can take on?
There’s no formal cap. You can take on as many apprentices as your organisation can support and develop effectively.
17. Do I need to manage all the training and assessment myself?
No. Training providers handle the design, delivery, and assessment. Employers simply offer support and real-world experience.
Quality and Outcome Myths
18. Is the quality of apprenticeship training lower than traditional education?
Apprenticeship standards are developed by industry and reviewed regularly. Many are delivered by universities and top training providers.
19. Will apprenticeships really deliver long-term staff development?
Yes. Apprenticeships are a proven way to build internal talent pipelines and increase retention.
20. Are apprentices less productive or more work to manage?
Like any new employee, apprentices need support early on. But many quickly become high-value team members with business-specific skills.
21. Isn’t it better to just hire someone who already has qualifications?
Academic qualifications don’t always match real-world needs. Apprenticeships develop skills that are directly relevant to your business.
Next Steps
Explore our apprenticeship programmes to see how we can help you upskill your workforce and drive business performance.
Need guidance on funding?
Visit our funding page for a clear breakdown of how to make apprenticeships a cost-effective part of your talent strategy.
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