M Y T H B U S T I N G

1. Apprenticeships are only for people who don't do well at school.

MYTH - This is a common misconception and apprenticeships are available for all individuals, provided that you meet the entry requirements. Apprenticeships at some point may have been regarded as the second option if University wasn't on the horizon but you can now get the same qualification as the traditional graduate route in many cases.

2. Apprenticeships are only available in manual industries

MYTH - There was a time when you associated a manual industry role with apprenticeships, but now there is a wide and diverse offering in apprenticeships. E.g Chartered Surveying degree apprenticeships at Fisher German. Apprenticeships are now available in surveying, law, fashion, banking and many more.

3. Apprenticeships don't lead to good qualifications

MYTH - Apprenticeships are offered at all different levels, and those levels will determine the qualification that you will acquire upon successful completion of the programme. E.g a level 2 apprenticeship is equivalent to GCSE standard whereas a level 6 or 7 apprenticeship is equivalent to degree level which can results in a Bachelors or Masters degree.

4. Apprentices won't earn much

MYTH - Apprentices must at the very least earn the national minimum wage, though some employers choose to pay more. In the long-term, individuals with an advanced apprenticeship earn between ￡77,000 and ￡117,000 more over their lifetime than similar individuals with Level 2 qualifications. While those completing a higher (degree level) apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated ￡150,000 over their lifetime.

5. Employers don't value apprenticeships

MYTH - Again a common misconception, but the general feeling is that some employers don't have the exposure or experience of apprenticeships as other providers such as Fisher German, so may lack the knowledge of how they positively impact the workplace. Speaking on behalf of Fisher German, we absolutely value the apprenticeships and apprentices and really are advocates of the entire process.

6. Apprenticeships aren't for everyone

FACT - Apprenticeships will not suit everybody as it offers a new way of learning and brings with it added responsibilities. A traditional graduate route will enable the student to study full time for 3-5 years before embarking on full time employment post graduation. The degree level apprenticeship route combines earning and learning so you will be expected to keep on top of your academic learning alongside delivering on your day to day responsibilities at work. The apprenticeship route enables the individual to earn a salary from day one, immerse themselves into the organisation and finish the 5 year programme with a full qualification and not have any debt as the learning will be fully funded by the employer. Both routes are perfectly suitable, but its the job of the individual to determine what suitable means specifically for them.