Apprenticeship Myths Busted

Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to kick-start your career, gain real experience, and get qualified—all while earning a salary. Yet, too many people still believe they’re a second-choice option or only available in certain industries. In reality, you can work towards degrees, build connections, and land top jobs in fields like finance, law, business, IT, and engineering.  

In this article, we’re busting the biggest apprenticeship myths with real stories from apprentices who are proving just how life-changing these opportunities can be. 

Myth 1: Apprenticeships Are Only for People Who Can’t Get Into University  

A common misconception is that apprenticeships are only for people who struggle academically or don’t get into university. In reality, they offer a direct path to a successful career—without the burden of student debt. Many apprenticeships even lead to degree-level qualifications, just like traditional university courses. 

Take Olivia, for example. She chose an apprenticeship in law instead of going to university full-time because, like many others, she didn’t enjoy classroom-based learning. Now, she works as a Solicitor Apprentice at a leading international law firm, where she manages her own caseload and supports senior solicitors on complex legal cases. She also had the opportunity to complete a secondment at a hospital’s legal department, gaining first-hand insight into how legal teams support the NHS. 

One of her proudest achievements so far is completing a two-year Paralegal Apprenticeship, earning a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Legal Services—a key milestone on her journey to becoming a fully qualified solicitor by the end of her apprenticeship. 

Myth 2: Apprenticeships Are Only for Trade Careers 

Apprenticeships are often associated with hands-on trades like plumbing or construction, but they are just as common in sectors such as science, finance, business, IT, and, as mentioned earlier, law. 

A great example from the science sector is Oli, who secured a Laboratory Science Apprenticeship at GSK. As part of his apprenticeship he conducts lab experiments on immune cells, analyses data, and presents findings to global teams. One of his most exciting projects involved researching a medicine being used to fight severe COVID-19 infections—a real-world impact few university students experience so early in their careers. 

Apprenticeships also open doors in finance, as Hamzah discovered. Working at Costa Coffee’s Financial Control team, he helps manage accounts, analyse data, and provide insights to senior stakeholders—all while working towards a financial qualification. His experience even extends beyond numbers, as he had the chance to take part in product innovation, learning how new coffee flavours are developed. This highlights just how varied and exciting apprenticeships can be. 

As Oli puts it, "It’s possible to do roles in thousands of different disciplines, and that means there’s almost certainly one for you!" 

Myth 3: Apprenticeships Are Hard to Set Up  

Some people assume that finding and applying for an apprenticeship is complicated, but it’s actually easier than ever. GetMyFirstJob offers industry-specific vacancies, expert support, and even a network of ambassadors—so you can connect with people who have been in your exact position. 

Saskia, a Paralegal Apprentice at Capsticks Solicitors LLP, found GetMyFirstJob especially useful when looking for her apprenticeship. She loved how easy it was to search for roles and use the map feature to check office locations. " I found GetMyFirstJob very useful, ... the vacancies are categorised into various industries, making it easier to find a particular vacancy you have in mind!" she says. 

Myth 4: Apprenticeships Are Only for School Leavers 

Many people think apprenticeships are only for 16–18-year-olds fresh out of school, but that’s simply not true. Apprenticeships are a fantastic option for anyone looking to retrain, upskill, or switch careers, whether you’re just starting out or have already spent years in the workforce. 

Take Mary, for example. She chose not to go to university straight after school because it didn’t fit the lifestyle she wanted, and she wasn’t sure about taking on the financial burden of a degree. Instead, she worked for a few years before realising she wanted to gain a qualification. That’s when she found the perfect solution—a Cloud Solutions Architect Apprenticeship at Microsoft. 

“I wanted to get a degree, and saw the opportunity to do that whilst working and getting real-world experience, so it seemed like a win-win to me,” says Mary. 

Conclusion 

Apprenticeships aren’t just a second-choice option—they’re a valuable, accessible, and career-boosting alternative to traditional university routes. Whether you want to work in law, science, finance, IT, or business, apprenticeships offer hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and the chance to earn while you learn. 

Real apprentices are proving that these opportunities can lead to exciting and successful careers. Plus, with GetMyFirstJob, finding an apprenticeship has never been easier. What are you waiting for? Explore your options today!