5 Myths About Apprenticeships You Might Have Heard

Many people still have assumptions about apprenticeships.

Maybe you’ve heard that they’re only for people who don’t want to go to university. Or that apprentices spend their time making tea and doing the jobs nobody else wants to do.

But what is an apprenticeship actually like?

Let’s clear a few things up.

Myth 1. “Apprenticeships are only for people who don’t want to go to university”

An apprenticeship isn’t a backup option.

For some people, university is the right next step. For others, learning while gaining real experience in a workplace makes more sense.

There isn’t one right way to start your career.

Exterior of a university campus building featuring modern design, surrounded by green outdoor spaces and walkways, representing a higher education environment.

Myth 2. “Apprentices just make the tea”

We’ve all heard this one.

In reality, apprentices are part of the team. They get involved in real work, take on responsibilities and have the chance to contribute their own ideas.

At Coach Core, our apprentices work across sport, learning and employment, building their skills while making a difference in their communities.

Cup of tea on an office desk beside a laptop and notebook, creating a warm and professional workspace atmosphere. A myth that apprentices only make tea.

Myth 3. “You can’t build a proper career through an apprenticeship”

An apprenticeship can be the start of a career, not just a qualification.

You’re gaining experience, developing workplace skills, meeting people in your industry and learning what you enjoy along the way.

And those experiences can stay with you long after the apprenticeship ends.

Myth 4. “Apprenticeships are only for certain types of jobs”

Think apprenticeships are just for trades?

Think again.

Apprenticeships span a wide range of sectors, including sport, business, digital, healthcare, engineering, and creative roles.

You might be surprised by what’s out there.

The Street Soccer Academy – National Champions Trophy 2024 at London Stadium. The Football For Good Day event at the London Stadium represents the UK offering towards the International Football For Good Day, previously established in support of the Year of Youth 2023 and the Commonwealth. The Day event will bring together 150-200 young people from across the country, all who will have successfully completed the Street Soccer Academy personal development programme. The Academy is the Street Soccer Foundation’s national flagship course, and is run and delivered in partnership with several professional football club community organisations nationwide.

Myth 5. “An apprenticeship is just about getting a qualification”

The qualification is only one part of it.

You’re also building confidence, communication skills, relationships and experience in a real working environment.

For many young people, having the opportunity to try something new, make mistakes, ask questions and learn from the people around them can be just as valuable.

So, are apprenticeships really what you thought they were?

There’s no single route into a career. The important thing is having the opportunity to find the route that works for you.

What next?

If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship, don’t let the myths make the decision for you.

Find out what opportunities are available, speak to someone who has completed an apprenticeship and explore what could be right for you.

Coach Core Foundation Sports Day. Photo credit: Sam Mellish

Interested in starting a career through sport?

Explore Coach Core’s apprenticeship opportunities

You can also find out more about apprenticeships and the different routes available through GOV.UK’s apprenticeship guidance